Free AI tattoo generator.Try it
Cover-up

Cover-Up Tattoo Ideas — Try On & Print a Stencil

A cover-up hides an old tattoo under a new design. What works depends on the old ink: darker, bolder and larger designs cover more. Florals, animals with dense texture, mandalas and blackwork are common choices. Bring a photo of the old tattoo to your artist — they decide what can be covered.

Generate designsMake a stencil
Cover-Up tattoo on skin (AI-generated preview)Cover-Up tattoo designCover-Up tattoo stencil at real size

Start from an idea

dense peony flower cluster with dark leaves, cover-up designGenerate designs →black panther head with heavy shading, cover-up designGenerate designs →mandala with solid black centerGenerate designs →koi fish with dark water swirlsGenerate designs →

Designs are generated as original references for your artist.

Placement & size

PlacementTypical width
Forearm1.5–2× the old tattoo
Upper arm12–20 cm
Shoulder blade15–25 cm

Stencil tip: Try the new design over a photo of the old tattoo at real size. Areas of solid black or dense shading are where old lines usually disappear.

Try a cover-up design on me

FAQ

How much bigger does a cover-up need to be?+

Often noticeably larger than the old tattoo, but only your artist can judge it from the old ink.

Can light colors cover dark ink?+

Rarely. Cover-ups usually rely on darker or denser areas placed over the old lines.

Related ideas

Cover-Up NameCover-Up ButterflySmall Wrist Cover-UpMemento MoriOuroborosTattoo stencil makerSize & placement guide

Reference designs only. A licensed tattoo artist must review, adapt and apply. We block celebrity likenesses and copyrighted characters.