AFTERCARE: How do I take care of my tattoo?
What we recommend is:

• Remove the bandage after 3 hours (do not re-bandage at any point)

• Wash with warm soapy water.

• Gently dry the tattoo.

• Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion 2-3 times a day after washing.

• Keep your tattoo clean. Showering IS ok.

• In 2-3 days, the tattoo will begin to flake or scab

DO NOT

• Pick at your new tattoo

• Submerge your new tattoo in water

• Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds for 2-3 weeks

FAQ’s

• How do I set up an appointment? - To book an appointment, please fill out our APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM. 

• What do I need to bring to get a tattoo? - If you are 18 or older, you will need a government-issued ID with your birth date and picture. This can be a driver’s license, state i.d. card, or passport. School and other forms of ID are not accepted.

• How much will it cost? - Our shop minimum is $100. Most tattoos are priced individually based on size, body placement, and level of detail. Larger tattoos taking multiple sessions are priced hourly at $250/hr. It is difficult to give an accurate price estimate without visual reference and exact measurements. Once a design is finalized, the I can give you a price. We suggest talking with your tattoo artist to get an estimate before getting your tattoo and also letting them know if you have a budget you are working with.

• What forms of payment are accepted? - We accept cash, cards, and mobile-wallet payments (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.).

• Do I tip my tattoo artist? - Tipping is not required but is always greatly appreciated by your tattoo artist. We recommend tipping like you would any other service professional.

• How much are touch-ups? - Touch-ups for tattoos done at Eternal Canvas are complimentary for up to a year. For tattoos not done at Eternal Canvas or done over a year ago, the cost depends on how much work needs to be done on the tattoo. This does not include tattoos on the fingers or areas that are not guaranteed.

• Can I bring in my own design? - We encourage you to bring in visual references of what you like so your tattooer can get a better sense of what you are looking for. Your reference does not have to be exact and can simply be ideas or examples of styles and things you like for the tattooer to draw from. Or, you can bring in exact designs that you would like replicated. Keep in mind that some things that look great on paper or on a screen do not always translate well as a tattoo. I can work with your design to make sure it works as a tattoo. We also have hundreds of designs books for you to choose from.

• Can you fix my old tattoo? - Typically, yes, although it does depend on the tattoo. While we do re-do tattoos and do cover-ups often, each one is unique and might require a different approach. 

• Do you do cover-ups? - Yes, we do. Cover-ups typically need to be darker and larger than the original tattoo. Certain designs work better for cover-ups, but having an idea of what you would like to cover it with is suggested. 

• How old do I need to be to get a tattoo? - In the state of Michigan, you must be 18 years or older.

• If I’m under 18, can I still get a tattoo with parental or guardian permission? Even with them being present with me? - No, you must be 18 years of age to be tattooed in Michigan. There isn’t a parental or guardian consent option.

• What are the sanitary conditions of getting a tattoo? - All of our tattoo supplies are individually wrapped single-use instruments. They are opened immediately before each tattoo and disposed of after. The entire tattoo area, including countertops and furniture, is sanitized with medical-grade sanitation products after each tattoo. All tattoo artists are compliant with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

• How small can my tattoo be? - This depends entirely on the tattoo design and its complexity. Over time, ink gradually spreads. When tattoos are done correctly with enough space between dimensional lines, the expansion of the lines is barely noticeable. If lines are tattooed too close together, the space between them can disappear, and they end up looking like one thicker, blurred line. This is most likely in tattoos with small lettering, details on a face, and other small elements and can make the tattoo less ‘legible’ after several years. Once this happens, it is irreversible. The tattoo artist will let you know if this is risky for you at your chosen size. With small adjustments to the size or by simplifying the design, we can often give you the tattoo you want that will hold up well over time.

• Can I bring a friend? - You can bring a friend with you to the shop. However, only the person getting tattooed is allowed in the station.

• Do you do white tattoos? - We will do white ink in tattoos. However, the longevity and quality of white tattoos cannot be guaranteed. This means that unlike other tattoos done at Eternal Canvas, touch-ups are not included in the price of tattoos done only in white ink.

• Finger tattoos? - We will tattoo the fingers, but the tattoos are not guaranteed. This means that unlike other tattoos done at Eternal Canvas, touch-ups are not included in the price of finger tattoos.

• Face tattoos? - It is our shop policy not to tattoo faces, including inner lip tattoos.

• Can I get tattooed over scars? - It is possible to cover scars with tattoos, but each scar is different. This is a case-by-case situation.

• Does getting a tattoo hurt? - Tattoos can be uncomfortable. The level of discomfort can vary from person to person.

• How long will it take? - It depends on the tattoo you are getting.

• Do you have vegan ink? - Our tattooers tattoo with brands listed as vegan such as Eternal and Solid ink.