Can You Change The Color Of An Existing Tattoo?
Concerned about whether you can change the color of your existing tattoo or not? If so, not to worry! After going through much research work, I’ve come up with the best possible answers to your question.
You can change the color of an existing tattoo. Using darker inks, tattoo colors can easily be changed though there is a risk of making the old tattoo appear even worse. But make sure the new colors you use to change the existing colors are compatible with the existing ones and must blend well.
Read along the article if you’re determined to know more as to how you can change the color of an existing tattoo, what to consider before heading towards changing the color, and many more unknown frequently asked questions.
What To Consider Before Changing The Existing Tattoo Color?
If your existing tattoo looks a bit faded and you want to bring it back to life, consider doing these things mentioned below:
Use the same color:
For bringing an old tattoo back to life, use the same color that was used in your original pre-existing tattoo and get it touched up simply. You will see it will add plenty of life to your tattoo, and you need not worry about whether or not the color will blend together properly.
But if you want to give your tattoo an entirely new look, think carefully: will the new color blend well with the existing color? For instance, red and blue will not blend well together, whereas orange and yellow will blend well together.
Use the same color in a darker shade:
If your old tattoo was a tree that was done with light green leaves and a light brown trunk, just stick with those colors but add a darker shade.
You could use a beautiful dark green in the leaves and a nice chocolate tone of brown to the trunk. You will not need to worry about if the new colors will blend properly, and they really will still be new colors.
Factors that Determine the Feasibility of Changing Tattoo Color
Before you consider changing the color of your tattoo, there are several factors that determine whether it’s possible.
- Age of the Tattoo: Older tattoos are more challenging to change because the ink has had time to settle into the skin.
- Ink Quality and Depth of the Original Tattoo: The depth and quality of the original tattoo ink play a significant role in the feasibility of changing the color.
- Location of the Tattoo on the Body: The location of the tattoo on the body can also impact the ability to change the color. For example, tattoos on the hands and feet are more challenging to change than tattoos on other parts of the body.
- Previous Attempts to Change or Touch up the Tattoo: If you’ve had previous attempts to change or touch up your tattoo, it can make it more challenging to change the color.
Techniques for Changing Tattoo Color
Basically there are three techniques that can be used to change the color of an existing tattoo –
1. Tattoo Cover-Up
Tattoo cover-ups are a popular option for those looking to change the color of an existing tattoo. This technique involves using a solid color or creating a new design to cover the existing tattoo. This option is best for those who want to completely change the look of their tattoo, rather than just altering the color.
2. Color Correction
For those who want to specifically change the color of their tattoo, color correction may be the best option. This technique involves lightening or darkening the existing tattoo color. Color correction is a bit more complicated than a cover-up, and it’s important to work with a seasoned tattoo artist who has experience with this technique.
3. Removal And Re-Inking
Finally, for those who want to completely remove their tattoo, removal and re-inking is an option. This involves removing the existing tattoo using a laser or non-laser method, and then re-inking the area with new tattoo ink. This option is best for those who have tattoos that are deeply ingrained into the skin and are difficult to cover up or correct.
Can You Get A Tattoo Covered With Skin-Colored Ink?
When you get tattooed for the very first time, the ink is placed almost one millimeter underneath the skin into the dermis, the layer below the epidermis. That means that the tattoos actually lie inside the skin. This is why you can’t get them covered up by using even a skin-colored tattoo.
Generally, tattoos are darker than the skin tone and they remain noticeable on the skin. Hence if you get a lighter and skin-colored tattoo done over a dark-colored tattoo, it won’t hide the old, dark one and won’t appear that good either.
Though some people out there may get better results using flesh-toned ink, the majority can’t be satisfied with the end results. So, first off, you’re better off going through a laser tattoo removal process to remove the older one.
Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist for the Job
The success of changing the color of an existing tattoo depends on the skill and experience of the tattoo artist. It’s crucial to find a tattoo artist who has a lot of experience with color changes. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right tattoo artist for the job.
- Questions to ask the Artist Before the Procedure: Ask the tattoo artist about their experience with color changes, their process, and the results they’ve achieved.
- Factors to Consider When Selecting a Tattoo Artist: Look for a tattoo artist with a solid portfolio of color change work, read reviews from past clients, and consider the cost of the procedure.
Aftercare Considerations
Proper aftercare is critical for a successful outcome when changing the color of an existing tattoo. Your tattoo artist will provide instructions for proper aftercare, but here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Importance of Proper Aftercare: Proper aftercare will help ensure that the color change heals properly and looks its best.
- Instructions for Proper Aftercare: Your tattoo artist will provide specific instructions for proper aftercare, including how often to clean the area, when to apply ointment, and how to protect the tattoo from sun exposure.
- Avoiding Common Mistakes During the Aftercare Process: Common mistakes during the aftercare process include not cleaning the area enough, exposing the tattoo to the sun, and picking at the scabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you recolor a tattoo?
After having the first tattoo done, tattoo lovers usually wait for at least around 6 months to get a touch-up. It mainly depends on the size and level of detail of your tattoo, and how quickly your skin heals.
Is it possible to tattoo a lighter color over a bolder color?
Nope, you can’t cover up a dark color with a light color. As tattoos can’t change the skin texture so if there is any scar, it will still be visible over there even after the cover-up’s been done.
Can you lighten a tattoo with white ink?
Of course, if you choose to use white ink on top of your existing tattoo, it will obviously help you lighten the spot. Though this can be a fruitful step towards preparing your new piece unless the cover-up is done skillfully, most tattoo artists suggest that the pre-existing tattoo might show through in certain areas later on.
Can you put color over a black tattoo?
If the old tattoos are solid black or in darker shades, covering them up can take enough time. In this case, the tattoo artist will likely make use of the ‘white-out technique’ and go over darker-colored tattoo ink with white ink so as to lighten up the color.
How can I lighten my tattoo at home?
You can use lemons as they are considered an effective natural lightening agent for the skin. All you need to do is to apply fresh-squeezed lemon juice to your tattoo three times a day at the least. And within a couple of weeks, you see the ink of your tattoo, especially, the darker colors will fade out.
Is colored tattoo ink dangerous?
Yes, colored tattoos could be dangerous at times. Colored inks may contain lead, chromium, cadmium, titanium, nickel and these metals might cause allergic reactions and eventually lead to disease. Read our article on how to make homemade colored tattoo ink.
Why are white ink tattoos bad for you?
White ink tattoos are harder to notice because they are less saturated. Moreover, once your body heals, white ink tattoos are more prone to fading away quickly and turning into a light grey or yellow. If it happens, re-establishing the original white ink look will take quite a task.
How much does a cover-up tattoo cost?
You may need to pay at least $125 per hour because tattoo cover-ups require more creative design work.
Do Tattoo cover-ups hurt more?
Yes, as a tattoo cover-up goes over an existing tattoo, it hurts slightly more than when you got tattooed previously. But why? This is because of the artist tattooing over the scarred tissue. So be prepared mentally to experience it.
What tattoo Colors Can’t be removed?
Not all tattoo inks can be removed by a single laser. Such as, you can remove black and dark green colors with ease. Whereas, turquoise, yellow, purple, and fluorescent colors are the toughest to fade.
Is it hard to cover up a black tattoo?
If your tattoo has got darker colors such as black or dark blue, it will be visible through the fresh new tattoo way more than lighter colors such as yellow or white. Plus, it is much easier to cover up an old tattoo than a new one, and old tattoos bleed through way less than new ones as well.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, people. Now that, hopefully, you’ve come to know the comprehensive answer to your question.
And, did I miss anything in this post?
If so, I’d love to hear it out from you. Let me know by leaving a comment below right away so I can make an update to this article further.
Happy Tattooing!
