Cover-Ups
Turn old ink into fresh art. Our artists specialize in transforming unwanted tattoos into pieces you'll be proud to show off.
Not every tattoo ages well. Names change. Styles evolve. What felt right at eighteen might not fit at thirty. A cover-up gives you a second chance without the cost and pain of removal. Our artists at 713 Tattoo Parlour have spent over two decades mastering the technical challenge of working over existing ink.
Cover-ups require more skill than fresh tattoos. The artist works with what's already there, using darker tones and strategic placement to hide the old piece completely. Black and grey work excels at this. Bold traditional designs with heavy saturation also cover effectively. The process starts with a consultation where we assess the existing tattoo and discuss your vision for the new piece.
Size matters in cover-ups. The new design typically needs to be larger than the original to fully conceal it. Think thirty to fifty percent bigger in most cases. This gives the artist room to work around the old lines and ensure nothing shows through. Some pieces need a light touch-up session after healing to perfect the coverage.
Bring reference images to your consultation. Show us what you want to cover and what style appeals to you. Our artists will sketch options that work with your skin and the existing ink. We've covered everything from small script to full sleeves. The 1669 reviews on our Google profile include plenty of clients who came in nervous about their old ink and left with something they love.
Book a consultation at our Westheimer Road location. Walk-ins welcome, but appointments guarantee your spot. Call (713) 533-1239 or use our online booking. Most cover-ups take multiple sessions depending on size and complexity. We'll map out the timeline during your first visit.
The Process
- 01
CONSULT
We talk through what you want, set expectations on price and timing, and confirm a plan you can live with.
- 02
PREP
Workstation set up clean. Tools laid out. References pulled. Nothing starts until prep is right.
- 03
EXECUTE
The actual work — focused, unhurried, done to 713 Tattoo Parlour standard.
- 04
FINISH
Aftercare instructions in plain English, a touch-up window if you need one, and a clean exit.
Reach out for a quote.
Cover-Ups — FAQ
How much bigger does a cover-up need to be?
Plan for the new design to be 30-50% larger than the original tattoo. This gives the artist enough space to fully hide the old ink and create clean lines. Smaller increases might work for very light or faded tattoos.
Can any tattoo be covered?
Most tattoos can be covered with the right design and placement. Very dark or heavily saturated pieces may need laser lightening first. Bring photos to your consultation and we'll tell you what's possible.
Do I need to wait for my old tattoo to fade?
Not usually. Fresh cover-up techniques work on tattoos of any age. Older, more faded ink is easier to cover, but our artists handle new mistakes too. If laser removal would help, we'll recommend it during consultation.
How long does a cover-up take?
It depends on the size and complexity. Small pieces might finish in one session. Larger cover-ups often need two to four sessions spaced weeks apart. Your artist will give you a timeline estimate after seeing the existing tattoo.