Buy quality tattoo supplies from us

Tattoo artists who have been in the industry for long enough, know the difference between quality tattoo supplies and the difference they make to the finished product. That’s why artists in New Zealand know to come to Sunset for their tattoo supplies.

Our sister site, Tattoo Station

Our sister company, Tattoo Station, started from humble beginnings, and has quickly become one of New Zealand’s finest tattoo supply companies - all within the space of a year.

Sunset started as somewhere we could create artwork, in many different media, without stress or pressure, and in a few short years we are now attracting some of the best tattoo artists in New Zealand, and overseas.

This studio may only be a few of years old, but we’ve all been in this business a long time, and after years of buying tattoo supplies at huge mark-ups from people who don't even tattoo, we became frustrated and decided to do it ourselves.

That’s when Tattoo Station was born.

Passing the savings onto you

Tattoo Station is a tattoo supply store by tattoo artists for tattoo artists.

Forget the companies making a fortune off our backs; we’re bypassing them altogether.

We design and make our own tattoo supplies, and with combined decades of experience in the industry, we know exactly what works and what doesn’t.

We supply some of the highest quality needles in the world with our Botan range, along with one of the best aftercare creams available on the market, Protat. We’re the official supplies in New Zealand for the world famous Eternal Ink, and we’re now selling Senders Widows, beautiful, hand-made tattoo machines.

Add to that the usual tattoo studio essentials, and we’ve got you covered for all your tattoo supply needs here in New Zealand.

Forget ordering from overseas, along with their huge mark-ups. Stay in local, support Kiwi business, and save money and time while doing it.

A basic guide to tattoo aftercare

Getting a tattoo isn’t like getting a haircut – there are health and safety concerns to follow up on. Here at Sunset, we’ll explain to you exactly what to do when it comes to tattoo aftercare.

Listen to your artist and follow these simple instructions after getting a tattoo, and not only will you be fine, but your tattoo will still look awesome years from now.

·        Leave your bandage on for at least a couple of hours after getting your tattoo. It’s there for a reason- to stop the bleeding and compact the wound, so leave it on.

·        And yes, it is a wound, so don’t get it infected!! Never touch it without cleaning your hands first, and clean it with soft, non-scented anti-bacterial soap, at least 3 times per day.

·        Keep it hydrated. This doesn’t mean splashing water on it when you wake up. For the first few days apply ointment. We recommend Protat aftercare cream.

·        For the first couple of weeks, try not to agitate the healing process by wearing tight clothes that will rub against your tattoo. If it’s on your back, learn to sleep on your front.

·        Avoid swimming pools, spas or hot tubs. Again, this is a great way to get an infection. Try to avoid any activity that make you sweat, and don’t expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight.

·        And last but not least, don’t pick at it!

So there you go, stick to these basic rules and you’ll be fine. For long term care, always use sun screen (which you should be using anyway), and keep your tattoo moisturised.

Sunset Tattoo are one of the most hygienic, respected and professional tattoo studios in Auckland. Contact us today to make a booking, or pop into the studio for a friendly chat. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about aftercare.

Getting your first tattoo? Then read this

If you have been thinking about getting your first tattoo, then we can help.

Sunset Tattoo is a professional tattoo studio in Auckland. As one of the most respected studios in the city, we pride ourselves on giving good advice, especially to people who are considering their first tattoo.

Before you go under the needle, consider the following:

Tattoos are permanent

Yes, ok, we all know that, but understanding that is something completely different. If you’re 18 and want a tattoo of your partner’s name, we would really advise you to think about it. Because let’s be honest here, statistically, you’re not going to be together in a few years. Think about what you’re doing, and truly ask yourself if you’ll be happy with this same tattoo a decade from now.

Do your research

If you’re unsure about what type tattoo you want, research it. Talk to people, and read tattoo websites and forums. Your first tattoo is a big deal, so don’t get one just for the sake of getting one.

Once you’ve decided on a design, do your research on tattoo studios. Find somewhere that is clean and reputable (like us!), with a large portfolio of work (like us!), with a friendly and supportive environment (like us!).

Aftercare is essential

The process doesn’t stop once you leave the studio. Proper aftercare is a vital part of getting your first tattoo. Without it, you could run into some serious health issues. We offer a range of creams and advice for you in the weeks following your first tattoo.

We take our profession very seriously, least of all our Health & Safety responsibilities. Getting inked in our tattoo studio in Auckland is a safe experience. We practice the highest level of hygiene and meticulously adhere to the Auckland council Health & Safety guidelines.

So if you're interested in getting your first tattoo with us, give us a call or pop into the studio for a chat.

What not to do in a tattoo studio

Tattoo artists have a great job. Unlike most people, they do what they love for a living.

But that doesn’t mean it’s an easy job.

There are things that make tattoo artists want to pull their hair out (or yours), either because they are so mind-numbingly stupid, or incredibly offensive.

If you do go for a tattoo, please don’t do any of the following…

Scoff at the price

Tattoo artists are just that – artists. And art costs money. No artist wants to sell their work for less than it’s worth, so pay up! And remember, when it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for.

You’ll probably be charged at an hourly rate, so the cost is dependent on the size and detail of your tattoo. If you feel the tattoo is too much, then go away and save some more. The attitude of “I know a guy who’ll do it for half that price” is one which will you will absolutely regret in the long run.

Turn up drunk

We won’t tattoo you if you’re pissed. Simple as.

If you need a wee bit of Dutch Courage to get inked, then you shouldn’t be getting a tattoo in the first place. Drunk people are a pain in the ass and not fun to work with. On top of that, it’s dangerous to get a tattoo with alcohol in your system. It thins the blood, making healing more difficult, so stay off the booze.

Not turn up at all

Not turning up to your appointment is a big no-no. We offer a free consultation here at Sunset, but there’s a reason we take a deposit once you make a booking. When we book a time for you, that means we’re not taking any other customers, so if you don’t turn up, that’s money we could have been earning. Instead we’re twiddling our thumbs, wondering if you’ve chickened out, forgotten, or been hit by a bus. It’s usually chickened out though.

If you need to cancel or move your appointment and give us more than 48 hours notice we will keep the deposit as shop credit for you.

Are tattoos suitable for vegans?

Did you know that 1-in-10 people in New Zealand is either a vegetarian or vegan? That figure has jumped significantly in the previous decade, and it looks like it’s only going to increase.

With a substantial part of the public against animal products, how does this affect the tattoo industry? With many tattoo products made from animal products, or at the very least tested on animals, there is a danger that the industry is missing out on a significant demographic.

What contains animal products?

Tattoo Ink is the biggest offender, with many containing glycerine from animal fat, gelatine from hooves, or shellac from beetles.

But it’s not just ink. Many supplies contain animal products, such as latex gloves, aftercare creams, and stencil paper.

In fact, if you’re being really strict about it – which most vegans are – then pretty much everything in a tattoo studio can be attached to animals in some way. Even aluminium foil isn’t vegan because it contains vark, which is made from silver metal beaten between sheets of ox guts.

Eternal Ink – Suitable for Vegans

Here at Sunset Tattoo we use the world-famous Eternal Ink.

Eternal Ink is not tested on animals and free of animal by-products, so there’s no guilty conscious tagging along with every purchase.

Made from organic pigments, deionized water and hamamelis water, this bright coloured ink is supplied in a medical grade sealed bottle, ensuring its longevity before and after opening, the ink pigments are regularly evaluated for testing and comply with all health and safety regulations.

The brand trusted by tattoo artists around the world, Eternal Ink lead the way in tattoo ink by setting strict standards in product consistency, quality ingredients, and outstanding performance. They take great satisfaction in knowing that artists believe and trust in their product.

If you would like a guilt-free tattoo, then come see us at Sunset!