Cover ups

[sickboy]

I have a customer who I've put a couple of Tats on. He likes my work and now he wants me to to cover up some old unproffesional Tats that he got from someone who didnt know what they were doing. I have never done a cover up and would like to know from you experienced artists what I can expect and is there anything (technique wise) that I should know about before taking on the job?

[krow]

what color ink the existing tatoos,how faded out are they?

[framey]

:evil:

[sickboy]

what color ink the existing tatoos,how faded out are they?

They are mostly black and still relativaly dark.

[sundance4725]

Its not as spooky as you think I own my own shop i should call it a repair shop i do alot of never any problems that is if its crappy ink for tattooing like higgins or doc? or prison chess black and shoe polish i wouldnt worry place stencil and make sure the tatu on bottom is not in faces fingers small letters of new work but i put millineum power white over black higgins and it stuck i got pics but very new to computer dont no how

[MedusaQueen]

The existing lines, no matter how ugly, can be useful. See what shapes you can form from them and also, look beyond the lines and see what shapes you can form in the empty spaces between them. Just about ANYTHING can be covered up. My favorite technique for coverups is NOT to use a stencil, but free hand a custom peice (with marker or pen first) directly on the tattoo, because that existing peice will determine what can and cannot cover it. Be creative! It's just like doing a regular tat, only the stencil is already there and you will have to manipulate it. It's actually quite easy once you've done one, just keep yourself from that mental block; don't be afraid. There will be many, many more. If all else fails, TRIBAL!!

[sickboy]

Sweet...thx for the help Medusa and sundance. Ill post a pic when its all done. :D