FAQ | United States | Dark Water Studio

FAQs

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

You’ve probably got a hundred questions about your tattoo. We’d love to help you out in any way possible. Our team has compiled a list of frequently asked questions by our clients — but if you still have something in mind, please get in touch with us.

How do I get an appointment at Dark Water Studio and how fast can I expect a response?

The best way to book an appointment is to call the studio Monday-Friday 12pm-8pm. You can also email the studio through our website after hours, but a phone call will speed the process up. If you decide to email your submission, do not forget to add your phone number so that we can call you to book your consultation/appointment. Please take the time to review our artist to see who you think would be the best fit for you. If you do not have a specific artist in mind, we can suggest one for you.

Is a deposit required to book an appointment with any artist?

Yes, a deposit is required for every appointment. No exceptions. See Deposit Policy.

How do I make an appointment with Jose Perez Jr.?

Please visit www.JPJTattoos.com and fill out the contact form, email jose@darkwaterstudio.com or give the studio a call at (708) 598-0999.

Do you take Walk-ins? Do you do piercings?

Unfortunately because we are a private tattoo studio, all appointments are pre-booked. We also do not offer piercings, of any kind.

Do you do Cover-ups?

Yes, some of our artists do cover-ups.

How do consultations work and is there any charge?

There is no charge for a tattoo consultation. A consultation is the opportunity for the client to meet with the artist via Skype or in person to discuss their idea for their new tattoo. This is a great way to share any reference images or thoughts with the artist before they dive into designing your piece. A consultation usually does not last longer than about 15 mins. More information on consultations.

How should I prepare for my appointment and how long do they last?

Please review Dark Water Studio's Welcome Packet. On the day of your appointment you should arrive on time, well rested and on a full stomach. During your session you will have a few breaks, so if you would like to bring a snack or food you can. We do have a refrigerator and a microwave for your added convenience. Your session will take between 6-10 hours, so please plan on spending the day here at the studio.

What if I need to cancel/reschedule or miss my appointment?

If such an occasion should arise where a client needs to cancel/reschedule an appointment due to an emergency; the studio must be given notice 7 business days prior to the appointment to ensure that you do not lose your paid deposit. If notice is not given 7 business days prior to your appointment, your paid deposit will be forfeited to the studio and you will be required to pay another deposit to make a new appointment. In the event you miss your scheduled appointment, your deposit will be forfeited to the studio. No exceptions. Please review Dark Water Studio's Deposit Policy.

Will the artist use my reference images?

Your artist will use your reference images for exactly what they are, reference material. These images are to give the artist of an idea of which direction you would like them to take you piece. Each piece is meticulously designed by each artist to be unique to the person receiving it.

Will I get to see the design before my scheduled appointment?

All artists will have your design ready for you on the day of your appointment, and only on the day of your appointment.

How much will my tattoo cost and how many sessions will it take?

Tattoo cost and number of sessions can vary for each client. There are a lot of factors that will go into determining this such as; size of the piece, location on the body, details of images, background, etc… The artists will be able to give you a realistic estimate during your consultation. But again that can differ depending on how you heal and if you take proper aftercare of your new piece.

What forms of payment does Dark Water Studio accept?

We accept all major credit cards, Cash and of course, Dark Water Gift Certificates.

Can I bring a guest with me to my appointment?

Yes you can bring a guest with you. Please keep in mind that depending on how many artists are working that day they may not be able to stay with you in the tattoo room. We do have a waiting area in the front of the studio.

Where can I find Aftercare instructions?

Each client receives aftercare instructions after each appointment. You can also find them here.

STUDIO POLICIES

Deposit Policy

A $200.00 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL APPOINTMENTS.

A $400.00 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TWO DAY BACK TO BACK APPOINTMENTS

(ONE $200.00 DEPOSIT WILL BE APPLIED TO EACH DAY).

If you already have a $200.00 deposit on file, and choose to book a two day back to back session, an additional $200.00 deposit is required.

Deposits will be forfeited for the following reasons: cancellations for any reason within 14 business days of a scheduled appointment date, no call/no show on scheduled appointment date or rescheduling within 7 business days of a scheduled appointment date. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

To reschedule an appointment, 7 business days notice is required to allow a deposit to roll over.

To cancel an appointment without reschedule, 14 business days is required to receive a deposit refund.

If you currently have a $150.00 deposit on file, under Dark Water Studio previous deposit policy, your deposit will remain at the rate of $150.00. Once the current piece is finished and the deposit is used, a new $200.00 deposit will be required to book a new piece and will only be allowed to be cashed out at the final appointment.

Consultations

Each artist requests a scheduled consultation for each of his/her clients prior to the first tattoo appointment. They are free of charge and are a great opportunity for you and the artist to discuss the details of your piece and typically last about 20 minutes.

You have the option to schedule a consultation either via SKYPE or IN PERSON.

If you are traveling and would like to schedule a consultation via SKYPE please click here on how to find us & download Skype for your computer.

We recommend that you use Skype on either a desktop or laptop computer in order for our artists to share screens and review images/designs with you. If you are using a tablet/phone the artist does not have the option to do so.

Find us on Skype at darkwater501 and request us as a contact!

We do not offer/use the FaceTime app for online consultations because the artist’s are unable to share screens and review images/designs. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any additional questions or cannot find us on Skype, please give us a call and we will help you find us!

Aftercare Instructions with Saniderm

WHAT IS SANIDERM?

Saniderm is a very thin, transparent, flexible film used to protect new tattoos against fluids, friction, bacteria, and viruses. Unlike plastic films, Saniderm is breathable which allows moisture vapor and oxygen exchange while providing a moist wound environment for enhanced healing. When Saniderm is applied immediately after the tattoo session, the tattoo is protected from dirt and germs. Saniderm can also reduce scabbing, reduce pain, and maintain ink integrity.

HOW DO I APPLY SANIDERM TO MY TATTOO?

Ask your artist how to apply Saniderm before leaving the shop so you are able to apply the next pieces on your own.

CAN PEOPLE HAVE REACTIONS TO SANIDERM?

Yes. Although Saniderm is hypoallergenic and allergic reactions are rare, some people have very sensitive skin and/or allergies to adhesives. If you are concerned about using Saniderm over your tattoo, try wearing a test piece of Saniderm on a different part of your skin before your tattoo appointment to see if an allergy develops. If you experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, remove the Saniderm and wash with a mild soap. Discontinue the use of Saniderm. Saniderm should not be used on infected skin. Consult a physician if necessary.

DO SANIDERM BANDAGES CONTAIN LATEX?

No. The bandages are latex free.

WILL SANIDERM PULL INK OUT?

Saniderm will not pull ink out of your healing tattoo. Saniderm's adhesives are sensitive to the skin and do not attach to the weeping area of the tattoo. People who use Saniderm as recommended report the tattoo colors as even more vibrant and complete compared to other aftercare products.

HOW LONG SHOULD I LEAVE SANIDERM ON MY TATTOO?

Everyone reacts differently to the healing process. In general you should leave the first piece of Saniderm on your tattoo for at least 24 hours after your artist applies it, but no longer than 7 days. The length of time will depend on how much fluid your tattoo weeps which can affect the adhesion Saniderm. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid under Saniderm, change Saniderm dressing according to instructions. Many people choose to use the first piece of Saniderm for 2-3 days. Additional pieces of Saniderm may be worn up to 6 days.

HOW MANY PIECES OF SANIDERM SHOULD I USE?

We recommend using three consecutive pieces of Saniderm in order to allow your tattoo ample time to heal. You first piece may be used from 1-3 days. The next two pieces should be used 2-6 days each. If you wish, you may continue using additional pieces of Saniderm if you feel your tattoo needs more time to heal.

IS SANIDERM WATERPROOF?

Saniderm adheres to skin even when immersed in water, allowing bathing and showering while wearing it. However, prolonged exposure to water should be avoided. Adhesion may be compromised with extensive water exposure.

CAN I SUNBATHE WITH SANIDERM ON?

Saniderm does not contain any type of sun block or sun protection, so you should avoid exposing your tattoo to prolonged sun or UV ray contact. After your tattoo is fully healed, please continue to use sun protection to maintain the integrity of your tattoo colors.

WHY IS SANIDERM BETTER THAN OTHER PRODUCTS?

It seems that there are as many recommendations for aftercare as there are artists and shops. This is why we have worked hard to provide a simple solution to all of the tattoo aftercare complaints.

Current recommended products include:

•Antibacterial soap which may dry out tattoo, cause bleeding, scabbing, or faded colors.

•Lotions are vehicles for bacteria, cause allergic reactions, cause infections and scabbing.

•Petroleum based products may drain color, provide no healing agents, and stain clothes, sheets, or any other fabrics.

•Antibacterial Ointments can create allergic reactions, discoloration, and excessive fluid weeping.

Saniderm eliminates the need to meticulously care for your healing tattoo 3-5 times a day, protects your tattoo from dirt and germs, expedites the healing process, reduces scabbing, and enhances color quality, so you can stop worrying about how your tattoo will heal.

DOES SANIDERM HURT TO USE?

No. In fact, some people say the healing process was less painful when using Saniderm.

CAN I RE-USE THE SAME PIECE OF SANIDERM?

No. Make sure you always use a new and fresh piece of Saniderm when re-applying.

HOW DOES SANIDERM WORK?

Saniderm promotes autolytic debridement. Autolytic debridement is the natural process the body undertakes to remove dead and dying tissue. During this process moisture and enzymes, called autolysins, are produced by the body to break down dead tissues. Under normal circumstances these autolysins dry up and evaporate which reduces their effectiveness and causes increased healing times, scabbing and scarring. Saniderm locks in the body's natural moisture and enzymes allowing the body to more effectively use its own natural process to heal itself. Because Saniderm is permeable to oxygen and water vapor, skin can continue to function normally. Additionally, Saniderm prevents contamination from outside objects and eliminates friction and other irritations to further facilitate the healing process.

Welcome Packet

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Aftercare Instructions

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Waiver

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Aftercare Instructions without Saniderm

DO NOT Re-bandage your tattoo
DO NOT Use a washcloth or anything abrasive on the tattoo.
DO NOT Pick or scratch at your new tattoo.
DO NOT Go in hot tubs, pools or the ocean while healing.
DO NOT Soak your new tattoo in water (i.e. bath). Showers are fine.
DO NOT Go into direct sunlight and/or tanning beds while healing.

REMOVE BANDAGE AFTER 1 HOUR AND BEGIN THE CLEANING PROCESS OR REMOVE BANDAGE THE NEXT MORNING AND BEGIN THE CLEANING PROCESS.

Cleaning Process:

Wash hands and remove bandage.
Use a mild soap (H2Ocean blue green soap or unscented Dial antibacterial soap is recommended) and use fingertips to gently clean the area. Be sure to remove all plasma (the slit part, if not, it can eventually form a scab). The area should feel smooth and not slimy when done correctly.
Apply a THIN layer of healing ointment. AquaTat by H2Ocean is recommended, but Aquaphor is a reliable substitute. Apply a very light layer of ointment so there is a light shine to it. Gently remove excess with a paper towel.
Repeat the cleaning process 4-5 times a day with clean hands until the tattoo is no longer producing plasma (slimy covering). This will last approximately 4-8 days.
While the tattoo is dry and flaking, DO NOT pick at the flaking skin or scabs.
Continue use of ointment while tattoo is flaking. 2 days after all flaking has stopped, switch to a moisturizer or unscented lotion.
Continue use of moisturizer with SPF 50 or higher for daily care.

For general inquiries (i.e. aftercare, gallery events, studio information, etc.) please fill out the contact form below.

Dark Water Studio office hours are 10AM to 7PM Monday through Friday.

For all tattoo appointment inquiries, please fill out the contact form on the individual Artist Pages.