Tattoo Cover-Ups & Reworks in London

A tattoo you no longer love doesn’t always need to be removed. With the right design, an old, faded or unwanted tattoo can sometimes be transformed into something you’re excited to wear again.

Explore tattoo cover-ups and reworks created at Tiger & Rose Tattoo in North London. Our artists can assess your existing tattoo and discuss what is realistically possible, including whether reworking, covering or partially fading the tattoo with laser would give you the best result.

Tattoo Cover- ups and Re-works Gallery

Tattoo cover up done by Peter at Tiger and Rose Tattoo, London, N15

Name cover up tattoo done by Anna at Tiger and Rose Tattoo, London

Before and after old jester tattoo is re-worked

Tattoo cover up of grim reaper by Peter at Tiger and Rose Tattoo, Tottenham, London

Explore Our Expert Cover-Ups & Reworks

Tattoo cover-ups and re-works are all about transformation. Whether your tattoo has faded, no longer reflects your style, or simply needs refining, a skilled cover-up or re-work can give it a new life. Using thoughtful design, strategic placement, and expert use of colour, shading, and line work, we create tattoos that work with what’s already there, creating a new tattoo that you’ll love. From subtle enhancements to complete redesigns, cover-ups and re-works are ideal for anyone ready to move on from an old tattoo and replace it with something you’ll love for years to come.

cover ups & re-works Faqs

Can any tattoo be covered up?

Many tattoos can be covered, but not every tattoo can be completely hidden without some preparation. The size, darkness, colour, placement and amount of existing ink all affect what is possible. We recommend having the tattoo assessed before deciding on a new design.

Does a cover-up tattoo have to be bigger than the original?

Usually, yes. Having additional space around the existing tattoo gives the artist more freedom to redirect the eye and incorporate the old tattoo into the new design. Exactly how much larger it needs to be will depend on the original tattoo.

Does a cover-up tattoo have to be darker?

Not necessarily everywhere, but in many of cases it does. The new design needs enough contrast and saturation to disguise the existing ink. Your artist can use composition, shading, colour and strategically placed darker areas rather than simply making the entire tattoo very dark.

What’s the difference between a tattoo cover-up and a rework?

A cover-up is designed to disguise an existing tattoo beneath a new design. A rework keeps some or all of the original tattoo but improves or transforms it through new linework, shading, colour or additional elements.

Do I need laser removal before a tattoo cover-up?

Not always. Many tattoos can be covered without laser treatment. However, if the existing tattoo is particularly dark, heavily saturated or limits the design you want, fading it with a few laser sessions can create significantly more options. Complete removal usually isn’t necessary when the intention is to cover the tattoo.

If you book a cover- up with us, we offer discounted rates for tattoo removal.

Why are tattoo cover ups more expensive than a new tattoo?

Cover ups are normally more challenging to do and can take more time to achieve the desired result. Not anyone can do a cover up.

Ready to Love Your Tattoo Again?

That old tattoo doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Whether it needs reworking, completely covering or a little laser fading first, we’ll help you find the best way forward.

Show us what you’re working with and let’s create something you’ll be excited to wear.

Discuss My Tattoo