Get a quote for the whole composition
Send the artist a clear, unfiltered photo, the old tattoo's width and height, its placement, and a few references for the direction you want. Include surrounding skin so they can see where the replacement could extend.
Tell them which constraints are firm: the largest area you would accept, whether you want color, and anything you want to retain. A quote for a small flower is not directly comparable with a quote for that flower plus the leaves and background needed to address old lettering.
What can change the price?
Ask the artist how they price the final design rather than assuming all cover-ups use the same formula. Their location, experience, studio minimum, design time, finished size and appointment plan can all affect your quote. This guide does not claim a universal price range.
- Is the quote for the whole piece or one appointment?
- Is pricing hourly, per session or a fixed project fee?
- Is the consultation or drawing charged separately?
- How is the deposit applied, and what are the rescheduling terms?
- What follow-up or touch-up work is included?
Compare equivalent options
Ask the same questions of every artist you consult. Request healed examples of comparable cover-up work, then compare the proposed size, design, included appointments and follow-up. A lower initial quote does not necessarily cover the same scope.
If an artist suggests fading first, get an individual medical assessment and a separate estimate from the laser provider. Do not count an assumed number of laser sessions as a confirmed part of your tattoo budget. Keep appointment timing and healing requirements in that discussion too.
A digital concept is a separate purchase
InkReborn helps you compare ideas on a photograph before a consultation. Its Free tier includes two watermarked previews; Starter is $9.99 for 20 designs and Plus is $19.99 for 60. These are digital design packs, not tattoo appointments, artist deposits or laser treatments.
Bring your selected concept and honest preview to the artist as discussion material. They still need to adapt the drawing to your skin, choose a workable size and give their own quote. Buying a preview does not reserve an appointment or guarantee a tattoo result.
A short message to send an artist
“I would like to cover the tattoo in the attached photo. It measures [width × height] and is on my [placement]. I am considering [subject/style], with a maximum finished area of [size]. Could you assess whether this direction is workable, explain your appointment plan, and quote the full scope including any consultation and follow-up?”
Use the reply to establish what is decided and what still requires an in-person assessment. A design concept is useful preparation; the artist's assessment determines whether it is workable.
A concept to discuss, not a healed result
Generic name-tattoo research demonstration. Move the slider to compare the source photo with an AI concept; it does not show completed tattoo work, laser treatment or a medical outcome.
Source photograph: Saishna96 · CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped research photograph; AI-edited concept and simulated show-through. These adaptations are shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.
See it on your skin first
Upload a photo — get 2 free concepts with an honest show-through check.
Try the cover-up generatorFAQ
Does InkReborn's price include the tattoo?
No. InkReborn sells digital design previews and related downloads. Tattoo work, artist consultations, deposits and any laser treatment are arranged and paid for separately.
Is a small cover-up always cheaper?
No fixed rule establishes that. Ask about the studio minimum, the final design size, planning time and included sessions before comparing quotes.
Can AI give me an exact tattoo quote?
No. An AI concept cannot set an independent tattoo artist's price or confirm the work needed. Get a written scope and quote from the artist.