F.A.Q.s - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do tattoos hurt?
   Yes, tattoos hurt. The pain involved is more irritating and annoying. It feels alot like a cat scratch or a bee sting.
2. How long does a tattoo take?
   It depends on the tattoo. The size, detail, placement and how well you sit all determine how long your tattoo will take.
3. How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
   According to Iowa State Law you MUST be 18 years old. You may NOT get tattooed with parental permission. We require a valid state ID, Driver License or military ID to get a tattoo at Skin Kitchen Tattoo.
4. Why don't you do price quotes over the phone or internet?
   We do not give price quotes over the phone because it is impossible to give you an accurate price without seeing the design you want. The size, detail, color and placement on the body all determine the price. Trying to price a tattoo over the phone is like calling a furniture store and asking how much furniture is.
5. Do you use new needles on every client?
   YES!!! All the needles and pigments that the artists use are single-use only, and are disposed of after each client.
6. What is the difference between an ultrasonic and an autoclave?
   The ultrasonc is a piece of equipment that use vibration and a soap/water mixture to break up the ink particles on the tube. This is NOT sterilizing equipment. After the equipment is cleaned and disinfected it is then ready to be put in the autoclave. The autoclave uses heat, steam and pressure to kill any and all bacteria. The instruments are in the autoclave at 270+ degrees and 27psi (pounds per square inch) for 15 minutes. The state of Iowa requires 250 degrees at 15psi for 15 minutes. In accordance with state law our autoclave is spore tested monthly by the University of Iowa to ensure it is working properly. Test results are available.
7. Are you State licensed?
   The State of Iowa requires that all tattoo shops have a permit to operate. Every tattoo artist in Iowa must also have a tattoo permit. We are also inspected once a year by the Health Department
8. What types of tattoos do you do?
   We do everything from flowers to portraits and everything in between. We do custom drawings as well. As long as ou can give the artists a good enough of an idea of what you want they can draw it for you. The only exception to this is if your idea will not lend itself well to being tattooed. They will aid you in getting what you want.
9. How long have you been in business and how much experience do your artists have?
   Skin Kitchen Tattoo opened its doors in November of 1997.
   Jack has been tattooing since 1993.
   Matt has been tattooing since 1996.
   Michelle has been tattooing since 1996.
   Dante has been tattooing since 1998.
10. How long does a tattoo take to heal?
    There is no magic number. On average though 7-14 days for scabs and flakes to disappear. The underneath layers of skin take longer to heal, anywhere from 2 weeks to a month.
11. Do you take appointments?
    Yes, we prefer appointments. We ask that you come in to the studio to make an appointment. we require a $20 deposit on all appointments made. If you live out of town we will make an exception for the deposit.
12. Do you do touch-ups?
    Yes. Everything that leaves this tattoo studio is guaranteed. If it is not your fault ,yes we can tell, there is no charge. Hands, feet and face we charge $20 for t-ups.

We hope that this answers any questions. If you have other questions please do not hesitate to call us at 515-255-4430 or e-mail us at shop@skinkitchen.com

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