FAQ & Aftercare
Everything you need to know — from caring for your new tattoo to booking your next one.
Aftercare Guide
Washing
1–2x daily with clean hands only. No washcloths, loofahs, or sponges. Warm water + mild cleanser.
Moisturizing
Very thin layer — your tattoo should barely look damp. Coconut oil, Lubriderm, Aveeno, or Cetaphil work great.
Sun Protection
No direct sunlight for 7 days. Once healed, always use SPF 30+ — UV is the #1 cause of fading.
Water
No submerging for 14 days. No pools, baths, hot tubs, or lakes. Quick showers are fine.
- Picking, scratching, or scrubbing your tattoo
- Rebandaging after the initial wrap is removed
- Vaseline or petroleum products
- Neosporin or antibiotic ointments
Flaking and peeling after a few days is part of the healing process. Don't pick — let it shed naturally.
Have questions or concerns? Just ask. Oliver would rather you reach out than worry about it. No question is too small.
Definitely contact us if you notice:
- Spreading redness beyond the tattoo area
- Increasing pain or swelling after day 3
- Pus, fever, red streaks, or unusual smell
- Anything that just doesn't seem right
Call or text: (608) 383-8706
Email: TheMadisonTattooCompany@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Process
Submit a request through our contact page or DM on Instagram. Include reference images and your idea.
No — appointment only. Every piece gets proper time and planning.
Yes. It secures your spot and covers design time. Applied toward your total.
Absolutely — finished designs, sketches, or reference images all work. Oliver will refine it for the best result.
Depends on the season — usually 2–4 weeks out, sometimes longer for larger pieces. Reach out early if you have a specific date in mind.
Give at least 48 hours notice if you need to reschedule. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows may forfeit the deposit.
Pricing & Payment
Depends on size, detail, placement, and time. Reach out with your idea for an estimate.
Cash (preferred) and Venmo.
Appreciated but never required. If you're happy with the work, it's a nice gesture.
Yes — reach out with your idea and we'll let you know the minimum for your piece. Even small tattoos require setup time and sterilization.
Before Your Appointment
Sleep well, eat a meal, stay hydrated. No alcohol 24 hours before. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring snacks and water for longer sessions.
No — we handle it at the shop with proper equipment.
No. Alcohol thins blood and affects healing. We can't tattoo anyone visibly intoxicated.
Pain & Experience
Varies by person and placement. Fleshy areas are easier; bony areas (ribs, spine, feet) are more intense. Most describe it as scratching or buzzing — uncomfortable but manageable.
Discuss with Oliver first — some can affect how skin takes ink.
Small pieces: 1–2 hours. Larger work: half or full day. Big pieces like sleeves are multiple sessions.
One person is welcome. Keep it calm and respectful of the space.
Totally normal, especially for first-timers. Oliver has been doing this for 20+ years and creates a relaxed environment. Most people say it was less painful than they expected.
Absolutely. Just say the word. Bring snacks, water, headphones — whatever helps you stay comfortable.
Healing & Aftercare
Surface healing: 2–4 weeks. Full skin recovery: 2–3 months. Follow the aftercare guide above.
2–3 weeks minimum. No pools, baths, lakes, or ocean until fully healed.
Light activity is fine. Avoid heavy sweating over the tattoo for 48–72 hours.
Yes — we stand behind our work. Wait 4–6 weeks (fully healed) before assessing, then reach out.
Safety & Requirements
18+ with valid photo ID. No exceptions — Wisconsin state law.
Yes. Single-use needles, sterilized equipment, and 20+ years of following health department and CDC guidelines.
Always tell Oliver about conditions, medications (especially blood thinners), allergies, or pregnancy during consultation.
Cover-ups & Rework
Yes — cover-ups are one of Oliver's specialties. Send photos of your existing tattoo and ideas for the new design through the contact page. He'll give you honest feedback on what's possible.
Not always. Depends on the existing tattoo's darkness, colors, and what you want to cover it with. Oliver can work with partially faded tattoos too.
Often, yes. Whether it needs touching up, reworking, or a full cover-up, send photos and Oliver will let you know what's realistic.
We stand behind our work. If your healed tattoo needs attention, reach out and we'll schedule a touch-up session.
Styles & Design
Blackwork, geometric, mandalas, illustrative, watercolor, fine line, and floral/botanical. Check out the portfolio to see examples.
Yes, though Oliver tends to focus on blackwork and fine line. Reach out with your idea — if it's not a good fit, he'll let you know honestly.
Absolutely — custom work is the specialty. Share your ideas, references, and inspiration, and Oliver will create something unique for you.
You'll see the design at your appointment before any ink goes down. There's always time for adjustments.
Location & Hours
819 Water St, Sauk City, WI 53583 — about 30 minutes from downtown Madison. Street parking is available.
Generally Mon–Sat, 9 AM – 6 PM. By appointment only — contact us to schedule.
Life happens — just give as much notice as possible. Call or text (608) 383-8706. Last-minute no-shows may forfeit deposit.
Yes, free street parking right on Water St. Easy to find.