20 Cover-Up Tattoos That Made Magic Happen From Painful Mistakes

ByJayme Kennedy

Listen, it happens. You made a hasty decision in your younger years, or went to a less-than-reputable shop, and ended up with a misshapen Tweety Bird tattoo on your arm. There’s something to be said for learning from your mistakes. But no one has to live with them permanently etched on their body. Cover-up tattoos, when done right, can turn most regrettable tattoos into beautiful works of art.

It’s all about finding the right piece and the right artist. Here are 20 amazing cover-ups that made magic happen.

1. Cover-up tattoos can hide just about anything, even larger pieces.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcD5sUMFuwQ/?tagged=tattoocoverup

That Poe piece is stunning on it’s own, but seeing what’s lurking underneath makes it even more amazing.

2. Bigger, better, and more beautiful.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcFPsDGhpRY/?tagged=tattoocoverup

Sometimes you don’t necessarily want an all-new tattoo. Maybe you just want an old one brought back to life.

3. The progression is insane.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcFC4OWHtM-/?tagged=tattoocoverup

You can see on the left, the older black tattoo that was covered up by this exquisite new piece.

4. We cannot stress enough the importance of finding a good artist.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcEWNgpAMw4/?tagged=tattoocoverup

The cover-up on the right is what she originally wanted, and the left is what she was given. I … don’t even know what to say. Thank god for a good cover-up.

5. I’m not even sure what the first tattoo is supposed to be.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDkCVQlmrh/?tagged=tattoocoverup

A dinosaur? Running from a robot? No idea. Definite upgrade.

6. Cover-up tattoos will usually end up bigger than the old tattoo, but sometimes bigger IS better.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDdEulFX1e/?tagged=tattoocoverup

Those colors are absolutely breathtaking. 

7. Marriage isn’t always forever. No sense in being saddled with a constant reminder.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDTBWKDB6Q/?tagged=tattoocoverup

There’s something really beautiful about covering an old tattoo (and memory) with vibrant life.

8. This haunted castle is incredible.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDRBL9HAmW/?tagged=tattoocoverup

When you look at the piece as a whole, you can’t even tell where the old tattoo is!

9. Old tribal tattoos are probably very high on the list of cover-up requests.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDNY7DlASQ/?tagged=tattoocoverup

They seemed like a good idea at the time. However, they don’t age very well. Amazing work.

10. The rest of our lives…

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcC8f6mDpbM/?tagged=tattoocoverup

When the relationship ends sooner than you planned, cover-ups are there.

11. Similar concept, much better execution.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcCiDmhlK_3/?tagged=tattoocoverup

It looks like an entirely new tattoo. Never would have guessed it was a cover-up!

12. Joel whoooo whoooo?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcAv_fNlp89/?tagged=tattoocoverup

I really hope that was the inspiration behind this sweet owl cover-up.

13. You can remove a wedding ring. And you can hide a wedding ring tattoo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcAIZXOA12r/?tagged=tattoocoverup

A nice little dagger to replace a date they’d rather forget. 

14. Old tattoos aren’t the only things people might want covered up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb-Gg33HB1s/?tagged=tattoocoverup

This artist tattoos over self-harm scars, and in the process, heals those on the path to recovery. Beautiful.

15. Now that’s a good boy!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb9xJnvHmt6/?tagged=tattoocoverup

Who wouldn’t want to see that sweet goofy face every day?

16.  small, nondescript tattoo can become a beautiful work of art.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7zo09Ai7f/?tagged=tattoocoverup

The colors and details in this piece are amazing. 

17. Why live with a little meaningless tattoo when you can have this beauty?

https://www.facebook.com/DanielArtTattoo/photos/p.1873907446159411/1873907446159411/?type=1&opaqueCursor=Abo0r_jk8-mgGrC2sc3SSqLVnC5yfYt7a9TyoW8itffhPlpp3srCvY52EhJUM-U-e6Ujajw2bbyzHp797BE7LDv-mQCCfeYk8tuiXMM-ZX3uwQ1XPZJGf2k1DfhS4tp4v28GaJmTsov6mkcV5fDxZbKKq8j2-W9oUAOb5uv_TsNrj9RLHEWfx5-Ym-hw3k8BOUMC5spep2382SBfwDK80TrpBBS6LzY5ME0HAQ2Z9c4156G0IrMIoGnmg-FNwMbYgD_Nrh18TC4eOgywIhTXGxBp6-hCfckcXxm2M-mhaZ7utvx-EE8wclw67PEVBT9embFVCbmsgfeDMOkZpQYWDplHsjWJ5lJZNM8cx6ep3UeUrZsMhgXZSu9nnem5CIdMafHU7gJRyXE9Uxv3UonqcJ5fZVgH-SN5ocMo9m51Y0Sp5Q&theater

Love the depth of the rose, such great lines.

18. When you want to keep the original idea, and just add some OOMPH.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7V5fgl6uC/?tagged=tattoocoverup

That little lonely lady bug got a whole family of lady bugs to keep it company.

19. For when you want your memorial tattoo to better represent the person it’s dedicated to.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb5YIwbg5WF/?tagged=tattoocoverup

That’s a beautiful tribute.

20. Still a fan!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb4en-gBqd1/?tagged=tattoocoverup

He still wanted to pay homage to the band, but just in a more grown-up, artistic way. Brilliant!

Do you have an old or embarrassing tattoo you’ve considered covering up? As you can see from some of the cover-up tattoos included here, out with the old and in with the new is the way to go.

Also read:

(Image: Facebook / Daniel Art Tattoo)

Similar Posts