Cover-ups and reworks

A cover-up has to be larger than the old tattoo, darker than it, and designed around its shape. That rules some ideas out, and the consultation is where we say which. What we will not do is take your money for a cover-up that will show through in a year.

Bring the old tattoo in, not a photo. The artist looks at how dark it is, how blown-out the lines are and where it sits, and designs something that uses its shape: a dark panther over a tribal band, a solid rose over a name, a geometric blast-over of a whole forearm. Some old tattoos need two or three sessions of laser lightening first; we work with a clinic on City Road and will say if yours is one.

Reworks are gentler: tightening lines on a tattoo that was done thin, re-packing colour that healed patchy, or adding to a piece so it reads as one design. If the original is sound we would rather rework it than cover it, because the result is smaller and lighter.

Before and after

What is included

• In-person consultation with the old tattoo
• Honest about what can be covered
• Designed to the old tattoo's shape
• Laser referral where it is needed first
• Reworks and additions where the original is sound
• Free touch-up within three months

What it costs

Cover-ups are quoted after a consultation, usually from £250 for a palm-sized piece. Large cover-ups go on the day rate, £650. A cover-up is bigger and darker than the tattoo it covers; there is no way round that. Prices include VAT. Flash prices are on the flash wall; every tattoo leaves with the aftercare sheet.