Apollo Tattoo Studio is Los Angeles's trusted destination for cover up tattoos, transforming unwanted ink into beautiful new artwork. Our Los Angeles cover up artists specialize in creative solutions for tattoos you've outgrown, regret, or simply want to change.
Located in Santa Monica, our LA studio has helped hundreds of clients turn old tattoos into pieces they're proud to show off. Whether you need to cover a name, transform faded tribal work, or reimagine any existing tattoo, our Los Angeles artists provide free consultations to explore your cover up options.
Book Free Cover Up Consultation
100s of Cover Ups Done 
Cover up tattooing is a specialized skill—not every tattoo artist can successfully transform existing ink.
Cover ups require understanding how colors interact, how to use existing lines strategically, and how to design around constraints. Our Los Angeles artists have dedicated training in cover up techniques.
Every cover up presents unique challenges. Our artists approach each project as a puzzle, finding creative solutions that transform limitations into design features.
We'll tell you what's possible—and what isn't. Some tattoos require laser lightening before cover up; others may need larger designs than you initially wanted. Our Los Angeles consultations are honest, not sales pitches.
Review our artists' before-and-after cover up work to see proven results, not just promises. We have hundreds of successful transformations to show you.
From name cover ups to full tribal transformations, explore the range of cover up work our Los Angeles artists excel at.
Whether it's an ex's name, a misspelled word, or text you've outgrown, we specialize in transforming unwanted lettering into beautiful new designs.
Tribal tattoos from the 90s and 2000s are among our most common cover ups. We can work with the existing lines or completely reimagine the space.
Dense black ink requires strategic design. We use color theory and placement to effectively cover even the darkest existing tattoos.
Full sleeves, back pieces, and other large-scale cover ups require vision and expertise. We plan these projects carefully for stunning results.
Clear next step
Free assessment of your cover up options—no obligation
Recommended first step
Reserve your tattoo session and let Apollo confirm the right artist, timing, and scope.
Tattoo bookings are a reservation, not the full session length. After you book, we will follow up to confirm your design details, quote range, and the total time needed for your piece so everything fits your vision and the schedule.
5000+ clientsWe examine your existing tattoo to understand its darkness, color, and how it's aged. This determines what designs are possible and whether laser lightening might help.
Together we explore design options that will effectively cover your existing tattoo while creating something you'll love. We show you realistic sizing and placement.
Your artist applies the cover up design with strategic technique, ensuring complete coverage and a result that looks intentional—not like a cover up.
Understanding what can be covered, how placement affects results, and strategic design choices for successful cover ups.
Cover up pricing at our Los Angeles studio depends on the existing tattoo and desired design.
Simple cover ups
Moderate cover ups
Based on existing tattoo
May require multiple sessions
Factors Affecting Cover Up Pricing: Size and density of existing tattoo, color of existing tattoo (dark colors require more coverage), complexity of new design required, number of sessions needed, and artist specialization. We offer free cover up consultations at our Los Angeles studio to assess your existing tattoo and provide accurate pricing.
Cover Up Expert Cover Up Specialist
Blue Mason has 17+ years of experience transforming unwanted tattoos into beautiful new artwork. His expertise in cover ups spans from simple name covers to complex full-sleeve transformations over dark tribal work.
Realism Master Realism Cover Up Artist
Raa's mastery of photorealism makes him exceptional at cover ups requiring realistic imagery. His understanding of color and shading allows him to work around challenging existing ink.
Cover Up Expert Cover Up Artist
David's fine arts background gives him unique vision for cover up design. He excels at seeing possibilities in challenging pieces and creating designs that not only cover but elevate.
Jr. Artist Jr. Artist
Hannah brings fresh energy and meticulous attention to detail. Specializing in delicate fine line work, script, and minimalist designs.
From consultation to completed transformation, we're dedicated to delivering the cover up of your dreams, while making your experience smooth, inspiring, and unforgettable—right here in the heart of Los Angeles.
A stunning cover up tattoo deserves exceptional care. After your session, you'll receive detailed aftercare instructions, ensuring you know exactly how to care for your new tattoo. Our team is always available by phone, text, or email for any questions throughout the healing process.
Cover ups often involve more ink saturation than typical tattoos—proper aftercare is essential for optimal results.
Book AppointmentKeep bandage on for 2-4 hours. Gently wash with unscented soap. Apply thin layer of aftercare ointment. Expect redness and slight swelling.
Light peeling and flaking is normal. Don't pick or scratch. Continue moisturizing. Avoid swimming and excessive sweating.
Outer skin heals. May appear slightly dull—this is normal. Full healing takes 4-6 weeks. Continue sun protection.
We use Fusion, World and Dynamic inks, and all vegan tattoo ink options. What Makes Ink Non-Vegan?
Being vegan does nothing to affect quality. We will never compromise on the quality of materials used for your body art.
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"Blue transformed my terrible tribal band into an amazing sleeve. I can't even tell there was anything there before. True cover up magic!"
"Had an ex's name I needed covered for years. The team at Apollo designed something beautiful that completely hides it. So grateful!"
"Apollo gave me my skin back. My old faded tattoo is now a stunning piece of art. The consultation was honest and the result exceeded expectations."
"I was told by 3 other shops my black tattoo couldn't be covered. Blue proved them wrong with an incredible design. Best cover up artist in LA!"
"The creativity in designing around my old tattoo was impressive. They saw possibilities I never imagined. Worth every penny."
"Professional, honest, and incredibly skilled. They told me what was possible and delivered exactly that. My regret is now my favorite tattoo."
5000+ clients
Santa Monica, CA
Hi, I'm Blue Mason, founder and lead tattoo artist at Apollo. My mission is to inspire beauty and confidence through the art of tattooing. When I created Apollo, my vision was to establish LA's premier tattoo destination—a place of luxury and exceptional craftsmanship.
Cover ups are one of my specialties—there's nothing more rewarding than transforming someone's regret into a piece they're proud to show off. Our team of expert tattoo artists is dedicated to delivering a transformative experience.
Common questions about cover up tattoos in Los Angeles
Most tattoos can be covered, but success depends on the existing ink's darkness, color, and placement. Very dark or heavily saturated tattoos may need laser lightening first. Our Los Angeles artists assess each case individually during a free consultation to determine the best approach.
Cover ups typically need to be 30-50% larger than the original tattoo, depending on darkness and complexity. Some designs require even larger coverage. We'll show you realistic sizing during consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, but black ink is challenging. We use strategic design, heavy saturation, and sometimes darker colors to effectively cover black tattoos. Very dense black may benefit from laser lightening first to give us more design flexibility.
Most cover ups complete in 1-3 sessions, depending on size and complexity. Some large or complex cover ups may require more. We'll estimate session count during your consultation at our Los Angeles studio.
At Apollo Tattoo Studio, small cover ups (existing tattoo under 2") start at $250, medium cover ups (2-4") start at $400. Large or complex cover ups require custom quotes based on the existing tattoo. We offer free consultations to assess your cover up needs.
Cover up is ideal if you want new artwork and your existing tattoo isn't extremely dark. Laser removal is better if you want blank skin or your tattoo is too dense for effective coverage. Some clients benefit from laser lightening before cover up. We can advise during your free consultation.
Discover the pinnacle of body art at Apollo Tattoo Studio, where luxury meets creativity. Our expert artists craft breathtaking personalized tattoos and piercings using only the best materials and state-of-the-art technology.
Ready to elevate your look?
Visit us today and experience the future of body art.
We offer cover up tattoo services in the following cities in California.
Cities:
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Westwood, Hollywood, Downtown LA
Book your free cover up consultation with our specialists today.
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