You’ve got plans for new ink. Something fresh, meaningful or just more you. But the old tattoo is still there, taking up valuable space and making things harder for your artist.
Whether it’s a rushed design, a name you’ve outgrown or something that no longer suits your style, fading it first can change what’s possible. Tattoo fading for cover up gives your artist more creative freedom, helps colours show through and creates a cleaner finish.
At Swipe Clinics, we help people evolve their ink without having to erase their past. With advanced PicoWay tattoo fading technology, we can lighten old tattoos safely and efficiently, so your skin is ready for its next chapter.
I Want a New Tattoo, But My Old One is in the Way
Maybe you’re planning a full sleeve. Maybe you’ve got a design in mind that needs space to breathe. But bold, saturated ink underneath can block your vision and your artist’s.
Fading gives you more flexibility. A few sessions to reduce the density of an old tattoo can make a huge difference to the final result. We’ve seen it work for name cover-ups, stylistic upgrades and full reworks.
You don’t need full removal. Just enough clearance to create something new. To see how it looks in real life, check out our client results.
Why Tattoo Artists Recommend Fading Before Cover-Ups
Artists want to start with the best canvas possible. When the existing ink is lighter, they have more room to move. Designs are sharper. Colours come out cleaner. The result lasts longer.
If the old tattoo is too dark, your artist might have to go bigger, use heavier shading or compromise on detail. Fading helps avoid that.
We work closely with local artists who send their clients to us because they know it improves the outcome. If you want to understand how fading fits into the process, take a look at our laser tattoo removal treatments.
Tried to Skip the Fade? Here’s What Usually Happens
Plenty of people try to go straight into a cover-up. It might seem quicker, but it often leads to bigger problems. Thick outlines, dull colours and oversized designs are all common when the base ink hasn’t been prepped properly.
Even the most talented artists can only do so much when they’re working over heavy saturation. A quick fade first can prevent the need for a complete blackout or a second cover-up later.
Need proof? Our before and after gallery shows what’s possible when the fading is done right.
How Our PicoWay Laser Sets You (and Your Artist) Up for Success
Smart fading starts with the right laser. PicoWay is fast, precise and gentle on the skin. It uses ultra-short pulses to break down ink while keeping heat and trauma to a minimum.
This makes it ideal for people who aren’t looking for full removal. You get lighter ink and better skin condition, ready for your artist to work on.
We personalise every treatment based on your skin, tattoo and timeline. If you want to know more about the process, you’ll find the details on our tattoo removal service.
Your Fading Plan: What to Expect
Most people need between two to six sessions to get the right amount of fading. It depends on the age, depth and colour of your tattoo. Treatments are spaced about six to eight weeks apart to give your skin time to heal properly.
You don’t need to go all the way. Just enough to open up more creative options. We’ll build a plan around your goals, your timeline and your budget.
If you’re wondering what it might cost or how long it could take, check our pricing options or talk to our team for a personalised consultation.
Book a Consult, Get a Clean Canvas
Fading shouldn’t feel complicated. Our team will assess your tattoo, talk through your goals and build a clear plan to get your skin ready for its next design.
Whether you’re covering up a name, refining a design or making space for something new, we’re here to help you move forward. You can explore real results in our gallery and speak to one of our clinicians when you’re ready.
The tattoo you want starts with the right foundation. Let’s get your skin there.
