Tattoo Cover‑Up Specialist in London  London Blue Lady Tattoo

  We specialise in difficult tattoo cover‑ups. A successful cover‑up isn’t about making the tattoo darker — it’s about choosing a design that hides the old lines and shapes using design and shading chosen specifically for cover‑ups. Some colours simply won’t cover old ink, so every cover‑up must be planned individually to make sure the result looks clean and natural.

Our studio has over 20 years of experience working with tattoo designs, and our two resident artists have more than 40 years of combined tattooing experience. If you’re regretting an old tattoo or want to transform it into something new, you’re in the right place.

We don't believe in the word "impossible". If you've been told your tattoo can't be covered, let us prove them wrong. Our team can help you achieve the look you want, no matter how challenging the task may seem.

To get started, we'll need a clear photo of your existing tattoo. We require at least two shots: one close-up of the tattoo and another from a distance that shows the position of the ink on your body. 

We'll also need some inspiration from you! Tell us your ideas and preferences. Do you prefer a black and grey or a colour tattoo? We'll take all of your input into account when designing your tattoo cover-up. Once we have all the necessary information, we'll create the design using Photoshop, so you can see the tattoo image mock-up on your body before getting inked. 

Once we agree on the design, one of our talented artists will turn it into a beautiful tattoo. Check out some of our many custom cover-up designs below. Let us help you transform your old tattoo into a work of art!

If you want advice on covering an old tattoo, send us a clear photo and we’ll tell you what’s possible.

We specialise in difficult, dark and old tattoos, so we can tell you honestly what will work and what won’t.

            Please note that we require a deposit to begin customizing a design.

• Can any tattoo be covered?

Most tattoos can be covered, but only with the right design. A cover‑up must disguise the old shapes, not sit on top of them. Some tattoos need a bigger design to hide the old lines properly.

• Do cover‑ups need to be bigger?

Usually yes. To hide the old tattoo properly, the new design often needs to be 2–3 times bigger. Small cover‑ups are only possible when the old tattoo is small and light.

• Can you cover black ink?

Yes — but it requires the right design and shading. Black ink can’t be lightened, so we use texture, depth and new shapes to break it up and hide it inside the new tattoo.

• Can you cover a tattoo with skin‑colour ink?

No. Skin‑tone ink does not hide tattoos. It heals as a strange patch and the old tattoo still shows through. Skin has natural variation that ink cannot copy, so “skin‑colour cover‑ups” always fail.

• Can you cover one name with another name?

No. Lettering cannot hide lettering. The old name will still show through. A proper cover‑up needs shading, texture and new shapes to break up the old lines.

• Does skin colour affect how well a cover‑up works?

Yes. Different skin tones heal colours differently, and some colours simply won’t hide old ink on certain skin tones. This is why every cover‑up must be planned individually.

• How many sessions do I need?

It depends on the size and darkness of the old tattoo.

Small tattoos can usually be covered in one session. 

Bigger or darker tattoos often need multiple sessions, especially if we need to break up old lines before adding the final shading.

• Do cover‑ups need retouching?

Often yes. Cover‑ups heal differently from tattoos on clear skin. Retouches for cover‑ups are not free, because the old ink affects the healing.

• Can you do fine‑line cover‑ups?

No. Fine‑line tattoos do not hide old ink. A cover‑up needs shading, texture and structure to disguise the old shapes.

• Can I choose any design for my cover‑up?

You can send ideas, but not every design will work. We choose the option that hides your old tattoo best — not every style can cover every shape.

• What photos do you need to give me a price?

We need:

• a few close‑ups
• a few photos from a distance
• photos taken straight on, not at an angle
• the tattoo’s position on your body
• your ideas for the new design

Without this, we can’t estimate anything.

• How much will my cover‑up cost?

The price depends on:

• size
• complexity
• colour vs black & grey
• placement
• how difficult the old tattoo is

We can only give a rough estimate before the design is ready.

• What is your hourly rate?

We charge £110 per hour or £700 for a full‑day session (discounted).

• Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes. To start the design or book an appointment, we require a £50–£55 deposit (depending on payment method). The deposit goes toward the final price.

• How does the design process work?

We create a custom design based on your photos and ideas.

We send you the mock‑up for review, and we make all possible changes.

Some artists prepare the design on the same day before the tattoo session.

• Do you offer consultations?

Yes — free consultation in person or online.

If you live far away, online is fine.

• Can I get a geometric design as a cover‑up?

Usually no. Geometric designs do not hide old tattoos — the old shapes show through.

• Do you offer instalments?

Yes — you can pay in advance in instalments.

Card payments have a small surcharge.