Fading vs covering a tattoo without laser first
When planning a cover up, you have two options: work directly over the existing tattoo, or lighten it first with laser.
Going straight into a cover up means your tattoo artist is restricted by what is already there. Dark, saturated ink limits design choices, forces heavier coverage and often results in larger, darker tattoos than originally planned. In some cases, older ink can still show through over time as the tattoo settles.
Laser fading changes that starting point.
Why fading first makes a difference
By lightening the existing tattoo before your cover up, you give your artist a cleaner, more workable base. This opens up far more design flexibility, improves colour options and allows for a more refined result that better matches your original idea.
Instead of working around old ink, your artist is designing with you from a better foundation.
Our approach
At ERAZE laser clinic, we work with tattoo artists across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Australia to prepare clients for cover ups. Our principal laser operator Nate (QLD Health Licence P006436717) understands what artists need and can help time your fading treatments before your new tattoo appointment.
The result
Faded tattoos allow for:
- smaller and more detailed cover up designs
- better colour accuracy
- less compromise in the final artwork
- a cleaner long term result
Fading vs Complete Removal
Complete removal
Complete removal can take 6 to 10 plus sessions over an extended period of time. The goal is 90% plus clearance, with little to no visible ink remaining. This approach involves a longer timeline and higher overall investment.
Fading for cover ups
Fading for a cover up usually requires fewer sessions over a shorter timeframe. The goal is typically 50 to 70 percent lightening to create a workable canvas for your tattoo artist. This option is generally faster and more cost efficient than full removal.
Which option is right?
Most cover up clients do not require full removal. Once your tattoo artist can comfortably work with the remaining pigment, you are ready to proceed.
We can also work directly with your tattoo artist where needed to help determine the ideal level of fading for your planned design.
What Tattoos Fade Best?
Ideal for fading
- Grey wash tattoos (typically respond the fastest)
- Older tattoos that have already naturally softened over time
- Amateur or homemade tattoos with more superficial ink placement
- Fine line tattoos
Coloured tattoos can be more complex to treat, however we often see noticeable fading in the early sessions when treated with the correct laser parameters. This early response is particularly useful when planning a cover up, as it helps establish a workable base sooner.
Why early fading matters
The first few sessions are often the most important for cover up planning. Early lightening gives your tattoo artist a clearer foundation to design over, which can improve the final result and reduce the need for overly heavy coverage.
Seeing strong initial fading also helps confirm the direction of the treatment and how the tattoo is responding, which guides the overall plan moving forward.
May require additional sessions
- Dense blackwork or blackout tattoos
- Certain blended or layered colours such as purple tones
- Fresh tattoos under 12 months old
- Professionally applied tattoos with deeper ink placement
Additional considerations
- Tattoos with existing scarring may respond less predictably depending on skin texture and ink depth
HOW TATTOO FADING WORKS
THE SCIENCE
Our PicoWay picosecond laser delivers ultra short pulses (250 to 450 picoseconds) that create photoacoustic pressure waves, shattering ink particles within the dermis. Your lymphatic system then gradually clears these microscopic fragments over the following weeks.
For fading treatments, we target the same ink but with a different end goal. Instead of pursuing full clearance, we lighten the tattoo to a level where your artist can confidently work over it.
WHEN YOU’RE READY FOR YOUR COVER UP
We recommend waiting around 12 weeks after your final fading session before getting your cover up tattoo. This allows the skin to fully settle and ensures the best possible surface for new ink.
We have seen cases where clients have gone into their cover up too early. While the tattoo may initially appear fine, ink can sometimes blur or shift during the settling phase. Waiting the full healing period helps avoid this and ensures the cleanest long term result.
WORKING WITH YOUR TATTOO ARTIST
The best cover ups happen when your laser technician and tattoo artist are aligned. We can assist with this process where needed:
Coordination with your artist
We can share progress photos, discuss fade goals, and help time sessions around their booking schedule.
Selective fading
If only certain areas need to be lightened, such as backgrounds or specific sections of a design, we can target treatment precisely.
Artist referrals
If you do not yet have an artist, we work with experienced cover up specialists across the Gold Coast and Brisbane who understand laser faded skin.
For tattoo artists
We also work with artists who have clients requiring pre cover up fading. Trade enquiries are welcome via info@eraze.com.au
TATTOO FADING PRICING
Fading sessions are priced the same as standard tattoo removal treatments, based on size, colour, density and complexity. The key difference is that most fading cases require fewer sessions overall.
All tattoos are individually assessed. You can send through clear photos for a quote, ideally showing the full tattoo and its placement on the body.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us — we’re here to help
Our secret to successful tattoo removal
Successful tattoo removal comes down to the right technology and experienced application. At ERAZE, we use advanced laser systems to gradually break down tattoo ink over a series of treatments, allowing your body to naturally clear the pigment over time.
Each session builds on the last, with the tattoo continuing to fade in the weeks and months following treatment. Clients simply return for their next session once the area has settled and faded further.
We combine this process with clear aftercare guidance to ensure the skin remains healthy throughout the journey and results continue to progress safely and effectively.
FREE ONLINE QUOTE
Upload a photo of your tattoo and receive a professional, personalized assessment. Our specialists will evaluate its size, placement, colors, and your skin type to design the most effective treatment plan for you. For best results, please upload a clear photo that shows the tattoo in context on your body—not a close-up.
PRIOR TO THE TREATMENT
Please always use a high SPF (30 or higher) on all tattoos prior to and post laser sessions.
DURING THE TREATMENT
Our skilled specialists use the unique combination of the Quanta You laser and PicoWay laser to deliver targeted energy pulses to the tattooed area.
AFTER TREATMENT
Keep the area clean, and protected from sun exposure during the healing process.
Why choose Eraze – Gold Coast Laser Skin Clinic ?
PicoWay® laser technology allows us to remove any color of a tattoo, anywhere on the body (even the face). The pressure wave technology of a picosecond laser also leaves the skin with less discomfort during the initial removal procedure and following treatment. This allows us to offer better results and a better experience for our clients. This world class equipment as well as our skill and experience, we are able to safely reach the ink in the deeper layers, even after the tattoo has faded, which standard lasers and inexperienced operators tend to leave behind. In other words, you are guaranteed a faster removal and requiring less treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tattoo Fading
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How many sessions to fade a tattoo for cover-up?
For comparison, full removal typically requires 6 to 10 plus sessions over a longer period of time.
Grey wash and older tattoos tend to fade faster, while dense black work, heavy colour or newer tattoos may require additional sessions.
How long does tattoo fading take?
This timeframe includes both the treatment sessions and the healing period after your final fading session before new ink is applied.
Plan ahead if you have a specific date in mind for your cover-up.
Is fading cheaper than full removal?
Each session is priced the same, however fewer sessions are needed to achieve a suitable level of fading for a cover up compared to complete removal.
Can my tattoo artist tell me how much fading I need?
Many clients begin with one or two fading sessions, then show their tattoo artist the progress to see if it’s at a workable level. From there, your artist can advise if more fading is needed for the design they have in mind.
Ultimately, it comes down to when your artist feels they can achieve the result they want over the existing ink. Once you’ve reached that point, you don’t need to continue with further laser sessions
Can you fade just part of my tattoo?
In some cases, treating the full tattoo can create a more even and predictable result, giving your artist a cleaner overall canvas to work with and often producing a better final outcome.
Before starting treatment, we ensure you have all the information you need so you can make an informed decision. We can also have a chat with you in person when you come in for your first session to confirm the most effective approach.
What if I change my mind and want full removal?
We can reassess your goals at any stage and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
How soon after fading can I get my cover-up?
Rushing this stage can compromise healing and may affect the quality and longevity of the final result.
Will fading damage my skin for the new tattoo?
We also use our unique dual laser approach including CO2, which supports overall skin renewal between sessions.
With proper aftercare and adequate healing time between treatments, the skin remains healthy and suitable for fresh tattoo application once fully recovered.
We regularly receive feedback from tattoo artists noting that skin treated at ERAZE is in excellent condition for re-tattooing compared to what they typically see after laser elsewhere.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us — we’re here to help
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