The arm is one of the most tattooed and most visible parts of the body. From small pieces on the forearm to full sleeves, tattoos here have become a calling card.
They do not always age well, though, or keep the meaning they once had. When that happens, and removing it is not an option, the best alternative is a cover up on the arm: a technique that gives your skin a new lease of life and turns what was once a “mistake” or an outdated design into something with renewed presence.
A cover up means covering an existing tattoo with a new one, using the old ink as a base for a bigger, more worked, better-looking design. Unlike laser removal, the old tattoo is not erased here: it becomes part of the new design.
The most common reasons for going for a cover up on the arm are:
It all starts with a conversation between the artist and the person who wants the cover up. At this point we look at the existing tattoo, assessing size, colours, ink density and the condition of the skin. It is also the moment to hear your ideas: what style you prefer, what you want it to say, or whether you have a specific reference. This first assessment is the most important, as it defines what is realistic and what limitations we have to consider before going any further.
Based on what was agreed in the first session, the artist creates a bespoke sketch. The aim is not just to cover the old tattoo, but to fold it into a new design that is coherent and appealing in its own right. The artist may suggest adding shading, backgrounds or detail that help disguise what was already there, always keeping your preferred style as the reference. This step usually takes several adjustments until we land on a design that works both artistically and technically.
Once the design is approved, it is time to bring it to life on the skin. Cover up sessions tend to be longer than a tattoo done from scratch, as they take precision to cover old lines and pigment. Depending on the size and complexity of the case, the work may need splitting across several sessions. During the process the artist has to apply the ink with greater density and contrast in certain areas, making sure the old design is completely hidden and the final result is clean.
Aftercare is as important as the tattoo itself. On the arm, an area that moves constantly and is exposed to the sun and rubbing from clothing, healing needs particular attention. It is essential to keep the skin clean, apply the recommended cream and avoid getting the area too wet or scratching it while it heals. We also advise wearing loose clothing so the skin does not get irritated and, above all, keeping the tattoo out of the sun until it has healed completely. With good healing, the colours stay vivid and the lines sharp for longer.
Complete transformation
A cover up lets you completely turn around a tattoo you no longer identify with. It is not just about hiding what was there, but about redesigning that part of the arm with more elaborate work, better artistic quality and renewed meaning. The tattoo stops being a mistake or an awkward memory and becomes a piece that really represents you, one you are happy to see every day.
Renewed visibility
The arm is one of the most visible parts of the body: you show it in summer, in a T-shirt, even day to day at work. Having a tattoo in poor condition there can be uncomfortable, while a good cover up improves how you see yourself. Every time you show your arm, instead of feeling self-conscious, you can show a design you are proud of, projecting confidence and authenticity.
Making the most of the space
The arm is an ideal canvas for large, detailed designs. A cover up here does not just hide what was there, it opens the door to evolving into bigger pieces, like half sleeves or full sleeves. What starts as a correction becomes a far more ambitious artistic project.
Faster than laser
Laser removal can be an option, but it takes multiple sessions, it is expensive and the result does not always leave the skin perfect for tattooing over. With a cover up on the arm, on the other hand, you can have a completely new design in one or several tattoo sessions, without waiting months between treatments. It is a more immediate solution that also uses the existing ink as part of the new design.
Realism: portraits, animals or elements with heavy shading to cover what was there.
Black & Grey: greyscale with high contrast that disguises the old lines.
Japanese: dragons, waves, flowers and dense backgrounds that blend in easily.
Geometric/Mandalas: repeating patterns that camouflage the previous shapes.
Neotraditional: bright colours and bold strokes that help cover old pigment.
Visit our cover section and look at all our work to decide on your perfect design
Can any arm tattoo be covered?
Almost every tattoo can be covered, though very dark or large ones may need a laser session first to lighten them and make the artist's job easier.
Will the old tattoo still show afterwards?
The aim is for it to be unrecognisable. With a good design and the right technique the old tattoo goes unnoticed, though in some cases a very subtle shadow can remain.
How much does a cover up cost?
This is a tattoo that takes more planning and detail; in general the price depends on the size of the original tattoo, the design chosen and the number of sessions needed.
Can I choose any style?
Ideally you adapt to the styles that cover best, such as realism, Japanese or black & grey. Minimalist or very fine designs do not usually work well for covering old ink.
Does it hurt more than a normal tattoo?
The sensation is similar, though already-tattooed areas can be a little more sensitive. The pain is not greater, but the session can be more demanding.
How many sessions are needed?
Some cover ups are finished in a single session, while others need several, depending on the complexity of the design and the state of the original tattoo.
We are professionals who do tattooing and piercing in our studio in Valencia. This is a space where art meets comfort and luxury. We are in the strictest compliance with all the rules and health regulations.
Styles
