Not every tattoo can be fully hidden with one small design, but most can be improved a lot. Dark, bold old tattoos need bigger, darker new designs. Light or faded tattoos are often easier. We are honest at your consultation. If a cover-up will not look good, we may suggest laser fading first or a redesign that works with what you have. We want you to leave happy, not stuck with another tattoo you dislike.
Cover-up pricing depends on size, color, and how dark your old tattoo is. Most cover-ups start around $150 to $200 for small pieces and go up from there. Larger cover-ups that need more sessions can cost $500, $800, or more. Your artist gives you a clear quote at your free consultation. No surprise fees. You know the price before we start. For ballpark ranges before you visit, use our tattoo pricing tool, then confirm at your consult.
A small cover-up might take one session of one to two hours. Bigger or very dark old tattoos often need two or more sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Healing time between sessions matters. We build a timeline at your free consult so you know what to expect. Rushing a cover-up usually leads to a muddy look. We take the time your skin and design need.
Laser removal is not required for every cover-up, but it helps when old ink is very dark or covers a large area. Fading an old tattoo with laser sessions gives your artist more freedom with lighter colors and smaller designs. We do not do laser removal in-house, but we can point you toward trusted options in Hays County. Many clients skip laser and still get strong results with the right cover-up plan.
All five artists take cover-up projects. Daniel Whalen and Betty Rose are especially strong with black and grey realism and bold designs that hide heavy old ink. Shannon Moxie handles color and neo-traditional cover-ups with saturated fills. Amanda Boyd and Jordan Joyes take custom cover-up concepts with illustrative and floral approaches. The right match depends on your old tattoo and your new idea. Your free consultation is where we make that call together.
Walk-ins are welcome, but cover-up tattoos almost always need a consultation first. Old ink has to be assessed before we can tattoo. You can walk in to ask questions, meet the team, or book a consult on the spot if an artist is free. For the actual cover-up session, appointments are preferred so we have enough time blocked. Call 737-222-5355 to save your spot.
Free touch-ups within six months on shop work if something needs adjustment after healing. Cover-ups can look different while healing, so wait until your skin is fully settled before judging the result. If lines soften or spots need fill, book a touch-up visit. For bigger concerns, talk to your artist honestly. We will find a fair path forward.
Call 737-222-5355, use our contact page, or walk in during shop hours. We are open Tuesday 10am to 4pm and Wednesday through Saturday, 11am to 7pm. Bring photos of your current tattoo and ideas you like, even rough phone pictures. Wear clothes that let us see the tattoo clearly. If you are outside the area or would prefer a video consultation, let us know. Consultations are free with no pressure to book the same day. After you approve the design and quote, we schedule your session.
Designs with solid color, bold lines, and enough size to hide old ink work best. Flowers, animals, mandalas, and dark backgrounds are popular choices. Fine detail alone rarely covers a heavy black tribal or name tattoo. Our artists use darker shades, strategic placement, and creative elements like feathers or smoke to blend old lines away. Bring reference images to your consult. We tell you what will actually work on your skin.
Cover-ups can feel a bit more intense because the artist often goes over the same area more than once to pack in color and depth. Scar tissue from an old tattoo can also feel different. Most clients say it is manageable and worth it. We keep you comfortable, take breaks when you need them, and work at your pace.
Wait until your previous tattoo is fully healed. Usually four to six weeks minimum, sometimes longer if the skin was stressed or scabbed heavily. Tattooing over unhealed skin risks infection and poor ink retention. If your old tattoo is years old, you can usually book a cover-up consult right away. We check your skin at the consult and will not start until you are ready.
Your artist sends you home with our Extended Wear aftercare sheet. Keep the film on for three to five days unless your artist says otherwise. Remove it gently under running water and fragrance-free liquid soap. Wash with your hands, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer. Your tattoo should not look wet. Wash daily for the next two to three weeks, and again if it gets dirty. Moisturize daily during that same window, but do not overuse lotion. Avoid swimming, direct sun, and soaking until healed. Do not pick scabs. Cover-ups with heavy color packing need the same careful healing as any bold tattoo. Free touch-ups within six months on shop work. Full steps live on our tattoo aftercare page.