Cover-Up Tattoos in Fort Collins: Before & After Stories You Need to See

We see all kinds of tattoo regret here in Fort Collins at Solana Tattoo Company — from poorly done home tattoos to faded designs — and we know how to fix it. Whether it’s an old name, a symbol you’ve outgrown, or just something that never really felt “you,” it doesn’t have to be permanent. 

At Solana Tattoo Company, we specialize in cover-up tattoos Fort Collins locals can trust — transforming old stories into meaningful, new statements.

Real Stories

Here are some before-and-after tattoo cover-up photos. These are real stories of transformation and healing from our community.

This was a matching tattoo (safety pin) between two friends who drifted apart. Sabrina covered it up with a traditional-style heart strawberry.

Sabrina reworked this old tattoo for a client who rode his bike from Baltimore to Seattle. He wanted it to match his other traditional-style tattoos, so Sabrina added a frame with each of the state's flowers.

Sabrina redid this old tattoo, which was based on a drawing his friend made.

Sabrina covered up this 60-year-old tattoo of a skunk (his friends kept making fun of it). She replaced it with an Air Force logo to honor his time spent in the Air Force.

This was a cover-up of a matching tattoo with some former friends. Tattoo done by Sabrina.

Don't get tattoos from untrained friends. This smiley face was an attempt at a stick-and-poke tattoo. Sabrina fixed it.

This tattoo cover-up done by JD was to reflect the client's personal changes -- from a cross to a witchy bird.

Sabrina covered this tattoo for a client who loved Harry Potter but no longer wanted to identify with J.K. Rowling.

Here are some more examples of cover-ups:

Tattoo cover-up by Aiden

Tattoo cover-up by Igor

Tattoo cover-up by Helena

Tattoo cover-up by Helena

Tattoo cover-up by Helena

Tattoo cover-up by Aiden

Tattoo cover-up by JD

Tattoo cover-up by JD

How Tattoo Cover-Ups Work

Covering up a tattoo isn’t just about putting something new over something old. It’s a thoughtful, strategic process that combines technical precision with artistic vision. All tattoo correction clients in Fort Collins we see receive a custom design tailored to work with, not against, their existing ink.

We use tattoo ink blending, layered color work (or black and greys), and the smart use of shading to conceal old lines and shapes. Cover-up designs largely depend on size, color, and how dark the original tattoo is. That’s where our experience matters most. At Solana, our experienced tattoo artists in Fort Collins consult with you to create something that looks intentional — not like a cover-up.

No templates. No rushed solutions. Just honest guidance and one-of-a-kind work that transforms your bad tattoo stories in Colorado into beautiful art you can be proud of.

FAQs: Tattoo Cover-Ups in Colorado

Can you cover up any tattoos?

Not always. But most tattoos can be reworked or redesigned. We’ll walk you through all of it.

How long do I have to wait before getting a cover-up?

Usually, eight to 12 weeks after the original tattoo, allow your skin to heal. Older tattoos (1+ years) are probably ready now.

Does it hurt more than a regular tattoo?

Not necessarily, but scar tissue or areas of old trauma can be more sensitive. We’ll work gently and communicate throughout the process.

What styles work best for cover-ups?

Darker, bolder styles like American Traditional, Neo-Traditional, and blackwork typically offer the best results. Fine-line tattoos and very minimal designs don’t usually do a good job covering up existing ink.

Why Fort Collins Locals Trust Solana

We’ve helped countless people cover up or remove unsightly tattoos in Fort Collins and beyond. Our shop is renowned for its clean, respectful service, experienced artists, and high standards of tattoo cover-ups that Colorado is familiar with. 

When you’re ready to stop hiding your ink and start loving your skin again, we’re here.

Book a Free Cover-Up Consultation Today

Let’s talk about your vision and what’s possible. Consultations are always free, and we’ll be honest with you about what can be done. Trust your story with a local tattoo shop Fort Collins clients recommend for both skill and service.