Tattoo Cover-Up Size Multiplier Calculator
Calculate cover-up tattoo size by original tattoo dimensions.
Get realistic size multiplier and design complexity needed to fully hide an existing tattoo.
Tattoo Cover-Up Size Multiplier
Covering an existing tattoo requires a larger, darker, more complex design to hide the underlying ink. Industry rules of thumb:
Standard cover-up size multipliers:
| Original Tattoo Condition | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Light, faded, small (10+ years old) | 1.3-1.8× area |
| Medium age, partially faded (5-10 years) | 1.5-2.5× area |
| Dark, recent, solid (under 5 years) | 2.0-3.0× area |
| Tribal / heavy black ink | 2.5-4.0× area |
| Already a cover-up (failed) | 3.0-5.0× area |
Why bigger?
- Cover the entire original — even visible edges
- Negative space rule — incorporate the original into a larger design
- Color depth — original ink shows through unless new ink is darker
- Camouflage — lines and shading distract from any bleed-through
Color limitations:
| Original Color | Best Cover Colors |
|---|---|
| Black solid | Dark colors only — black, dark green, deep red, navy |
| Red / pink | Black, deep purple, brown, dark blue |
| Blue / green | Black, deep red, dark brown |
| Yellow / orange | Most colors work — yellow is least dominant |
| Multi-color | Black is the safe answer |
Cover-up complexity rules:
- More detail and shading is needed to distract the eye
- Bold linework with dense fill works better than fine work
- Realism is generally not advisable — too easy to see through
- Floral, animal, or abstract designs hide well
- Chinese / Japanese script characters rarely work as cover-ups
Pre-cover-up options to consider FIRST:
- Laser fading (3-6 sessions, $100-300 each) — reduces ink density 50-80%
- Saline / glycolic acid removal — risky, scarring potential
- Salabrasion — old method, scarring almost certain
- Surgical excision — for small tattoos, leaves a scar
A faded original cuts your cover-up size requirement IN HALF. Many top cover-up artists require 4-6 laser sessions before they’ll attempt a cover-up.
Cost considerations:
- Cover-up tattoo: 2-3× the price of an original tattoo at the same size
- More sessions needed (often 3-5 vs 1-2)
- Pre-laser sessions: $100-300 × 4-6 sessions = $400-1,800 added
- Some artists charge a “cover-up consultation” fee ($50-150)
Realistic timeline:
- Pre-laser fading: 4-12 months (sessions 6-8 weeks apart)
- Healing between sessions: 4-6 weeks
- Cover-up tattoo work: 2-5 sessions over 3-6 months
- Total cover-up project: 8-18 months
When NOT to cover up:
- Original is very dark and very fresh (under 1 year) — wait for fade
- Original involves names you might want to remove cleanly (laser instead)
- Skin in problematic location (face, neck visible) — small visible bleed-through is permanent
Pro tip — bring 3 design ideas: A skilled cover-up artist will pick the design that best hides YOUR original. Don’t be married to a single design — flexibility wins better cover-ups.