Questions & Answers

Everything You
Need to Know

Straight answers about tattoos, booking, pricing, removal, and visiting us on Whyte Avenue.

Before Your Tattoo

Tattoo pricing varies by size, complexity, and placement. Our minimum starts at $100 for small pieces. Custom mid-size tattoos typically range from $200–$600, and larger full-day projects are priced at a day rate. We provide detailed quotes during your free consultation — we'll never surprise you with hidden fees.
You can book a free consultation online at phantomavenue.com/book, call us at 587-520-7711, or walk in during studio hours. We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance for custom work, though we often have earlier slots available — especially for smaller pieces.
Yes! Walk-ins are welcome during all studio hours (Mon–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 12pm–6pm). Walk-ins are best suited for smaller, simpler designs. For custom or larger pieces, we recommend booking a consultation first so your artist can prepare your design in advance.
Our artists specialize in fine line, colour, black and grey, neo-traditional, and custom illustrative work. We also do cover-ups and reworks of existing tattoos. Every tattoo is custom-designed — we don't flash off the wall unless you specifically want it.
Eat a good meal 1–2 hours before your appointment, stay well-hydrated, avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior, and wear (or bring) clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area. A good night's sleep helps too — your skin heals better when you're rested.

During & After

Small tattoos (business card size) typically take 1–2 hours. Medium pieces run 3–5 hours. Large or complex work may require multiple sessions spread over days or weeks. Your artist will give you a time estimate during your consultation.
Tattoo pain varies by location and individual tolerance. Bonier areas (ribs, spine, ankles, elbow ditch) tend to be more sensitive. Fleshier spots like the outer arm, thigh, and shoulder are generally more comfortable. Most clients describe the sensation as a persistent scratching or burning — manageable and worth it.
We provide detailed aftercare instructions at the end of every appointment. The basics: keep it wrapped for the first few hours, wash gently with fragrance-free soap 2–3 times daily, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer, avoid sun exposure and soaking (no pools, hot tubs, or long baths) for 2–4 weeks. Don't pick or scratch peeling skin.
Wait at least 4 weeks before direct sun exposure on a new tattoo. After that, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen when the tattoo will be in the sun — UV exposure is the leading cause of tattoo fading over time.
Surface healing takes 2–4 weeks. Full deep-skin healing takes 3–6 months. During that time the colour may appear dull or uneven — this is normal. After full healing, the true vibrancy of the tattoo will show. If you're concerned about any part of the healing, reach out and we'll take a look.

Cover-Ups & Removal

Yes, cover-ups are one of our specialties. We can conceal faded, blurry, or unwanted tattoos with a new custom design. The cover-up design needs to be larger and darker than the original — we'll assess your existing tattoo and show you what's achievable during a free consultation.
Our Phantom Skin Studio uses PicoSure laser technology, which delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to shatter tattoo ink into tiny particles. Your immune system then flushes the particles out over the following weeks. PicoSure is effective on all ink colours and is gentler on surrounding skin than older nanosecond lasers.
Most tattoos require 6–12 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart for significant fading or full removal. The number depends on ink density, colours, age of the tattoo, and your skin type. Black ink is the easiest to remove; bright colours like yellow and green take longer. We offer a free assessment at Phantom Skin Studio.
Laser tattoo removal at Phantom Skin Studio is priced per session based on the size of the tattoo. Small tattoos start around $75–$150 per session; larger pieces are priced accordingly. Package pricing is available. Contact Phantom Skin Studio at phantomskinstudio@gmail.com or call 780-710-1527 for a quote.
PicoSure by Cynosure is the leading picosecond laser for tattoo removal. It fires pulses 100x shorter than traditional Q-switched lasers, creating a photomechanical effect (pressure wave) rather than relying on heat alone. This means faster ink clearance, fewer sessions, less thermal damage, and better results on stubborn colours — including blues and greens.

Location & Booking

We're at 10359 82 Ave NW, Suite 201 — on the second floor of a building on Whyte Avenue in Old Strathcona, Edmonton. We're a short walk from the Whyte Ave strip, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops. Look for our sign at street level.
Absolutely. We regularly welcome clients from Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan, and across the greater Edmonton area. The drive to Whyte Avenue is worth it — and we'll make sure the experience is too.
Monday through Saturday we're open 11am to 8pm. Sundays we're open 12pm to 6pm. Holiday hours may vary — follow us on Instagram @phantomavenue for any schedule changes.
Yes, there's paid street parking on Whyte Avenue and free parking on side streets nearby (83 Ave, 104 St area). The Whyte Avenue area is also well-served by Edmonton Transit — the 99 and 9 bus routes stop nearby.
For small or simple work, we often have openings within 1–2 weeks. For custom designs or work with our more in-demand artists, booking 4–8 weeks ahead is recommended. Large multi-session projects may require booking 2–3 months out. The earlier you reach out, the better the selection of dates and artists.

Still have questions? We're easy to reach.