Cover-Up Tattoo Specialists NRW

Cover-up: old becomes new.

A tattoo that bothers you becomes one you want to show. Our Artists cover, integrate or transform, depending on what your old tattoo allows. In the free consultation you get an honest assessment before anything is tattooed.

Free consultationYour Artist sets the priceAt the Atelier or by video call
Cover Up: Phoenix, after
Cover Up: Phoenix, before
Consultation

Free consultation
Every project starts with a personal conversation, free of charge and without obligation. We take time for your idea and advise on placement, size and style.

Artists

Specialised Artists
Independent Artists work in the Ateliers, each with their own style and specialism. In the consultation we suggest Artists who suit your design.

Hygiene

Strict hygiene
Single-use materials, sterile work surfaces, certified processes.

Materials

High-quality materials
The Artists work with high-quality inks and needles.

Techniques

What makes a good cover-up

Four ways to turn an old tattoo into something new.

Cover Up: Dog Portrait, after
Cover Up: Dog Portrait, before

Classic cover-up

Old becomes new.

A classic cover-up places a new design over the old tattoo. For this to work, it is usually larger than the old one and darker in the right places.

  • The old tattoo has a say. Size, colour and age decide which designs are possible.
  • Plan bigger. How much bigger depends on the old tattoo. Your Artist will tell you after looking at your placement.
  • Stay open on the design. Not every design you want covers well. Often an idea that fits better comes up in the consultation.
Book your consultation
Cover Up: Moth, after
Cover Up: Moth, before

Integrative cover-up

Your tattoo becomes part of something bigger.

The old tattoo remains fully or partly recognisable and becomes part of a larger composition.

  • You still like part of it. The old design may stay, it should just look different.
  • The lines are usable. Clear shapes are usually easier to integrate.
  • It can grow. An extension needs space around the old tattoo.
Book your consultation
Cover Up: Mandala, after
Cover Up: Mandala, before

Blastover

The new takes over, the old may stay.

A bold new design sits over the old tattoo. The old one partly shows through, but the eye follows the new one.

  • You do not need to hide anything. You are fine with the old one still being visible.
  • The new design can be strong. Bold lines and clear areas take the lead.
  • The size is more flexible. Because nothing has to disappear completely, the new design does not have to be much larger. Your Artist will tell you what makes sense for you.
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Cover Up: Scar Mandala, after
Cover Up: Scar Mandala, before

Tattoo over a scar

Take the time to clarify what is possible.

Many people would like to stop seeing a scar the way they see it today. A design can cover it or draw the eye away from it. Whether and when a scar can be tattooed is something to clarify with a doctor. Your Artist assesses the design in the consultation.

  • Every scar is different. Position, size and surface help decide which designs are possible.
  • The design works with it. Patterns, lines and shading can make an uneven area look different from a smooth surface.
  • You tell us what you would like. You do not have to say where the scar comes from.
Book your consultation
Transformations

Discover the cover-ups

Move the slider to see the full before and after.

Cover Up: Anime Piccolo, after
Cover Up: Anime Piccolo, before
Dragonball Cover-upClassic cover-up in colour and Anime style
Cover Up: Cat, after
Cover Up: Cat, before
Cat cover-upRealistic cover-up by Alex
Cover Up: Eagle, after
Cover Up: Eagle, before
Eagle cover-upClassic cover-up in Realistic style
Cover Up: Lion, after
Cover Up: Lion, before
Lion cover-upClassic cover-up in Realistic style
Cover Up: Batman, after
Cover Up: Batman, before
Batman Cover-upClassic cover-up in Sketch style
Cover Up: Jesus, after
Cover Up: Jesus, before
Jesus Cover-upClassic cover-up in Realistic style
Cover Up: Realistic Wolf, after
Cover Up: Realistic Wolf, before
Wolf Cover-upClassic cover-up in Realistic style
Cover Up: Realistic Rose, after
Cover Up: Realistic Rose, before
Rose cover-upClassic cover-up in Realistic style
Cover Up: Wild Boar CoverUp
Cover Up: Wild Boar CoverUpCover-up by Mario
Cover Up: Brushstroke · Trash Polka
Cover Up: Brushstroke · Trash PolkaCover-up by Teo
Cover Up: Eye and Rose, after
Cover Up: Eye and Rose, before
Cover Up: Eye and RoseCover-up by Feder
Cover Up: Fineline Rose, after
Cover Up: Fineline Rose, before
Cover Up: Fineline Rose
View all cover-ups

What stays is on the skin.

Phoenix cover-up on the thigh
★★★★★
“Many other tattoo studios turned down my wish for a cover-up with ‘That's not possible.’ […] Asaf created the cover-up over a longer process, took a lot of time for my wishes and comments and kept adjusting the sketch until I was happy. (Translated from German)”
Michèle B.May 2026Hürthtattooed by Asaf
Google review · photo shared with permission
How it works

Your path to a cover-up

  1. 1Today

    Consultation appointment

    Arrange a free consultation, in person or by video call.

  2. 2Design

    Design and planning

    Together with your Artist, your design is created according to your wishes.

  3. 3Appointment

    Tattoo session

    Relaxed and professional, your Artist tattoos your cover-up at the Atelier.

Book your consultation The consultation is free of charge.

What to send us

A sharp photo of the area in daylight, plus a measurement. Tell us what may stay and what bothers you.

Your path to a cover-up

You get in touch, we advise you and suggest Artists. You choose, and your Artist sets the design, appointments and price.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Cover-Up tattoos

Can any tattoo be covered?

Not all equally well. Very dark or large tattoos are more demanding. Your Artist will tell you what is possible for you.

Will the old tattoo become completely invisible?

That is the goal with a classic cover-up, but we do not make a promise. With a blastover it stays partly visible, with an integrative cover-up it becomes part of the new design.

Does the cover-up have to be larger?

With a classic cover-up, usually yes. How much depends on the old tattoo.

Can any scar be tattooed?

Depending on size and depth, scars can usually be covered after three to five years. Have this checked by a doctor beforehand and discuss it with your Artist in the free consultation.

What does a cover-up cost?

That depends on size, complexity and technique. Your Artist sets the price.

Free consultation

Send us a photo of your old tattoo and tell us what bothers you about it.

Phone

+49 178 960 36 71

Email

info@atelierhannibal.de

Free consultation for your cover-up