If the black ink is tired and faded it can be easily colored over – the Japanese Irezumi style for example is often employed to great success in covering tattoos due to its use of cartoonish quality cover, garish hues, and ‘thick’ imagery.
Traditional themes in Irezumi – such as waves, flowers, koi – provide opportunities for pieces to be augmented, updated or eliminated effectively.
Other tattoo styles can also be effective in covering black work, but it’s best to consult with your tattooist about possible options before committing to any piece.