Services
Tattoo cover-ups in Barcelona
A tattoo that no longer represents you does not have to stay that way. We design a new piece built to cover it and, if needed, it is lightened with laser first.
How it works
- 01
Assessment
Send us a well-lit photo of the tattoo and tell us what you would like. We will tell you whether it can be covered directly or should be lightened first.
- 02
Lightening, if needed
Laser sessions at Bye Bye Tattoo Removal until the old ink leaves room for the new design.
- 03
New tattoo
We design the piece over your current tattoo and tattoo it once your skin is ready.
A good cover-up is not about putting a drawing on top and hoping nobody notices. You have to study the old tattoo: where the darkest areas are, what shapes it has, and how to use its composition so the new piece absorbs it instead of fighting it.
That is why the new design is usually somewhat bigger, with darker or more textured areas than the original. Styles with solid areas and shading, such as Japanese or illustrative, work very well; fine line, on the other hand, rarely covers anything on its own.
When the tattoo is very dark, or the design you want is delicate, it is best to lighten it with laser first. It does not need to be removed completely, just enough to give the new piece room. That lightening is done at Bye Bye Tattoo Removal, our specialist laser removal centre, and you work on the cover-up design with our artists.
Styles that cover well
Want it gone completely?
If you want the tattoo removed entirely, with nothing tattooed over it, Bye Bye Tattoo Removal, our specialist laser removal centre, will give you a personalised assessment.
FAQ
Can any tattoo be covered?
Almost any, but not in any way. It depends on the size, how dark it is and the placement. Very dense or very black tattoos usually need laser lightening first so the new design has room to work. Send us a photo and we will tell you what your options are.
Does the cover-up have to be bigger than the original tattoo?
Usually yes: somewhat bigger, with darker or more textured areas, so the old design is absorbed and does not show through. How much bigger depends on each case, and we work it out in the assessment.
Do I need to lighten the tattoo with laser first?
Not always. If the tattoo is small or not very saturated, or if the new design is dark, it can be covered directly. If you want something delicate or in light colours over a dark tattoo, it is better to lighten it first. That lightening is done at Bye Bye Tattoo Removal, our specialist laser removal centre.
How long should I wait after laser before the cover-up?
Until your skin has fully recovered from the last laser session, usually around 6–8 weeks. Tattooing earlier over skin that is still regenerating gives worse results.
Which styles work best for a cover-up?
The ones with solid areas, shading and texture: Japanese and illustrative work especially well. Fine line rarely covers anything on its own, although it can work over a well-lightened tattoo.
Sagrada Familia · Barcelona
Got a tattoo you want to cover?
Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will tell you what can be done.