Replace What You No Longer Want

Custom tattoo cover ups designed for clients in Nashville, Tennessee who need to conceal old or unwanted ink.

You have a tattoo that no longer fits your life, style, or preferences, and you want it replaced with something new. Bellevue Tattoo Emporium designs custom cover ups that fully conceal the original tattoo using strategic placement, layering, and color theory. Clients across Nashville and surrounding suburbs come in with old tattoos from past relationships, outdated designs, or work that was poorly executed, and the studio creates new pieces that hide the original completely.


The process begins with a consultation where the artist examines the tattoo you want to cover and discusses design options that will work over it. Cover ups require larger, darker, or more detailed designs than the original to effectively hide what is underneath. The artist will explain what is realistic based on the size, color, and placement of the existing tattoo and work with you to create a design that you actually want, not just something that covers the old ink.


Schedule a cover-up consultation today to discuss your options and see what is possible.

How Cover Ups Work Over Existing Tattoos

The artist will look at the tattoo you want to cover and assess its size, color, and darkness. Darker tattoos require designs with heavy shading or bold elements to hide the original. Lighter tattoos offer more flexibility but still need careful planning to make sure nothing shows through. The new design is built around the shape and placement of the old tattoo, and the artist will adjust the artwork to make sure the cover up looks intentional, not forced.


After the session, the old tattoo will no longer be visible, and the new design will stand on its own. You will see a completely different image in that area, and the original tattoo will be hidden under the new ink. Proper healing and aftercare are required to make sure the cover up settles correctly and the colors stay vibrant.


Not every tattoo can be covered with a small or simple design. The size and complexity of the cover up depend on what is being hidden. The studio provides clear expectations during the consultation about how large the new tattoo will need to be and what styles will work best. Clients who want minimal or delicate designs may need to consider laser removal first if the original tattoo is too dark or too large.

What You Should Know Before Booking a Cover Up

Most people want to know how big the new tattoo will be, what designs work best, and whether the old tattoo will show through. These are the questions that come up most often during cover up consultations at the Nashville studio.

What types of designs work best for cover ups?
Designs with bold lines, heavy shading, or dark colors work best because they conceal the original tattoo more effectively. Floral patterns, animals, mandalas, and geometric designs are commonly used for cover ups because they allow for creative layering.
How much bigger does the new tattoo need to be?
The new design typically needs to be at least one and a half times larger than the original to fully cover it. The artist will show you the sizing during your consultation so you know what to expect.
Can you cover a colored tattoo?
Yes, but the new design will need to use darker colors or heavier shading to hide the old color. Light or pastel colors will not cover a tattoo that has strong pigment underneath.
What if the old tattoo is too dark to cover?
If the original tattoo is very dark or heavily saturated, laser removal may be recommended to lighten it before attempting a cover up. The artist will let you know during your consultation if this is necessary.
How long does a cover up session take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the new design. Small to medium cover ups may take a few hours, while larger or more detailed pieces may require multiple sessions to complete.

If you are ready to cover an old tattoo in Nashville, call Bellevue Tattoo Emporium at (855) 782-8866 to schedule your consultation. 


The artist will assess your tattoo, explain what designs will work, and create a custom piece that replaces what you no longer want.