Where are you located?
We can be found at 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads, QLD. We are a short 2 minute stroll from the Burleigh Heads main bus stops and around the corner from the busy café filled James Street. In fact most bus routes go right past us and stop a handy 50metres from our front door. (View a map)
Is there parking available at the studio?
There is free parking (timed) along Goodwin Terrace to Burleigh headland. There's loads more free parking along the The Esplanade between Burleigh Beach Surf Club and North Burleigh (area nearest the surf club is limited to 3 hours from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday). Paid parking and various limits apply in Burleigh Heads CBD.
What are the shop hours?
Our opening hours are 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday. There is always someone available to talk to you about your tattoo ideas during these times. Public holidays can affect our trading hours.
How old do you have to be to get tattooed?
You must be at least 18 years of age. Valid ID (license, passport etc) is required to get tattooed.
I’m not 18 yet but my mum & dad said it’s ok. Will you tattoo me if they give consent?
Nope, sorry. We can only tattoo you if you’re 18 or over. It's the law. NO EXCEPTIONS.
What’s the minimum price for a tattoo?
The studio minimum is $120.
How do you price tattoos?
We price based on the piece being tattooed. Our studio minimum is $150. Everything starts there and goes up depending on size, style, location and detail. Larger work of 3 or more hours, including pieces requiring multiple sessions are booked and priced at either an hourly rate or full day session. Smaller work will be quoted by the counter staff in consultation with the tattooists, and are NOT priced at an hourly rate. All sessions are ultimately priced on an individual basis on the day of the tattoo in order to take into consideration any changes to design/size/location/detail etc. This guide however, will give you an idea of what to expect.
Do you have to make an appointment to get tattooed?
We work mainly by appointment but gladly accept walk-ins if our schedule allows. If you don’t have an appointment we do recommend calling ahead to check availability. If you are seeking larger work, we always start with an initial consultation prior to the date of the tattoo in order to fully establish design requirements, location, restrictions etc.
How do I make an appointment?
To book an appointment with any of our artists, you can call us, email us or visit the studio in person. Our counter staff will be able to advise you of suitability/availability of artists, and walk you through the initial stages of the tattoo design process.
I already have my design drawn up. Can you tattoo it for me?
The majority of work done by our tattooists is drawn by them for the client. We can certainly have a look at your design to evaluate its suitability for tattooing, but can’t promise we’ll proceed with the exact design and will offer any design changes etc.
How can I pay my deposit?
We prefer cash payments when in the studio or debit/credit through email/phone. All credit card purchases have a 2% surcharge applied.
Deposit?
To make any bookings beyond the initial consult we require a deposit to set up and hold the appointment. The price of the deposit will depend on the size and design requirements of the piece being tattooed. A small piece will require $100 deposit (our minimum deposit), and larger scale work $300. This deposit amount comes off the total price of the tattoo and is held until the final session. A great deal of work goes into setting up and preparing for an appointment. Taking a deposit gives us security to begin research and prep work, and gives us more assurance that a client is serious.
If I cancel my appointment or change my mind, can I just get my deposit back?
If you can’t make your appointment we require at least 2 trading days notice by phone or in person, or you will forfeit the deposit. If you don’t show up for your appointment, you forfeit the deposit. If you cancel with more than 2 trading days notice, we can roll the deposit over to a new appointment time. Please give us as much notice as possible if you need to cancel. Please note that we’re unable to accept cancellations by Facebook, SMS or email. Deposits are NON REFUNDABLE but FULLY TRANSFERRABLE.
I’ve already had my consultation but have changed my idea. Can I just come in on the day and get the new design done?
If you change your idea, you need to contact the studio as far in advance as possible. It takes a lot of time and work to prepare for a tattoo and it’s possible that either the tattooist won’t be able to get the new idea ready at such short notice, the tattooer doesn’t work in the style you’ve now chosen, or of course, the new idea simply won’t work. Yep, it’s true…not everything works.
How do I look after my tattoo?
We’ll provide you with complete aftercare advice on the day of your appointment. The more well versed you are, and the more serious you are about looking after your tattoo, the better it will heal and last. Don't ruin your investment!
Do your artists do coverups?
Absolutely. We will, of course, need to see your existing tattoo before we can advise you of the best approach to achieve your desired outcome. Some tattoos can be covered up quite simply, while others may need to be lightened using laser tattoo removal before any new work can be successful. Without prior lightening, the general rule is that a cover up will need to be 2-3 times larger than the existing tattoo and use darker colours. Laser treatment services can , and generally gives your tattooer far greater freedom in the design of the new work. See our Laser FAQ for more info or simply come into the studio to discuss your options.
Can you rework/finish my old tattoo?
Possibly. We’re often very limited in what we can do with an existing tattoo, whether it be from a design perspective, or due to poor condition. We’ll need to see exactly what you have before we can say yes or no. If we feel we’re unable to make it a better tattoo, we’ll certainly let you know and may choose not to take on the job.
Can I bring my child into the studio?
Children are more than welcome at the studio when you make bookings or to enquire about tattoos, but are not permitted to come with you into the work areas, or be “waiting” in the foyer while you are getting your tattoo.
Will you tattoo my neck?
As a general rule, we won’t tattoo your neck, hands or face unless you are VERY heavily tattooed already. And no, those few pieces of script on your left arm do not constitute “heavily tattooed”.
Hey you don’t need to worry…I know I want my face tattooed and don’t care about jobs and shit like that. FTW!!
Awesome. We respect your right to have any part of your body tattooed with whatever you want tattooed there, and ask that you respect our right to choose what we tattoo and where.
What about just on the inside of my little finger…or maybe under my foot…or inside my lip?????
We aim to only do tattoos that will hold up well over time. Some areas of the body simply won’t allow that and for that reason we choose not to take your money and tattoo them.
What about all white tattoos or UV ink?
For much the same reason, we choose not to do all white tattoos or use UV ink.
Does it hurt?
Yep, although some parts of the body will be more painful than others. First timers often find the experience less painful than they expected.
Can my friends come in and hold my hand?
Having a friend drop in to say hello while you’re getting tattooed is no problem, but having an extra person hang out with you in the work area while we are trying to prepare for and execute your tattoo is counter-productive and against QLD health regulations.
I’m from out of town, how can I get tattooed?
If you’re not local to the Gold Coast, we’re happy to facilitate the tattoo process by conducting initial discussions as well as all consults via email. Each person’s circumstances are different though, so the best thing to do is just contact the studio and let us walk you through what will be required for yours.
How long is the waiting period?
Anything from one day to 1 month… waiting periods vary greatly depending on your own availability, the tattooist, the time of the year, the size of the tattoo, preparation required etc. We’ll do our utmost to book your appointments as close to your desired schedule as possible.
You guys will tattoo any designs, right??
We cover a wide range of tattoo, art and design styles, but if there’s something we think simply won’t work as a tattoo, we’ll tell you.
If I love a particular tattooists work and have a design in mind that’s not the style they usually work in, will they tattoo it for me?
It will depend on what you have. Tattooing in different styles is about so much more than just laying out a different design on the skin. Our artists want to make sure you are getting the best possible tattoo in the style you’re after, and if they don’t believe they’re the person best suited for a particular piece, they’ll tell you. Each tattooist can, and does, work outside their areas of specialty however, so don’t be afraid to ask. We’ll evaluate each request on its particular parameters and merits.
Can I come in and have the design temporarily drawn on?
We don’t offer any kind of service to provide temporary tattoo designs.
Can I see the artwork a week or two before the tattoo?
Due to an extremely busy working schedule, we’re unable to provide final artwork prior to the session. With proper consultation, your tattooist will make sure they have everything ready for you on the day.
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
It generally takes about 7—14 days (sometimes a little longer) if you follow the aftercare procedures. Everyone is different, it all depends on how healthy you are (your immune system) but your tattoo should be fully healed in around six week.
Are Tattoos safe?
Yes! But remember there are some cowboys out there that aren't really too concerned about health issues. You should check to see if a shop is registered with the health department and has separate rooms for tattooing and sterilization. All instruments should be sealed and autoclaved. Obviously check to see if the area is clean. Spray bottles and tattoo machines should be covered. Don't hesitate to ask questions, they shouldn't have anything to hide.
Can I swim/sun bake?
Yes you can, but you have to wait until your tattoo is healed. Remember sun and outside elements will fade your tattoo.
Will the tattoo fade?
Yes it will but only if you don't look after it. Always put sunscreen on your tattoo when outside. Also, tattoos do age just like us.
How long will it take?
This all depends on the size, placement, the type of design, colour etc. Tattoos should never be put on in a rush, they take as long as they should. Your artist will give you a rough estimate on how long it will take when you book in.
How much will it cost? How do you charge? How long will it take?
Our prices vary depending on each artist, type of tattoo, position, colour or greyscale. It takes as long as it takes and will cost accordingly. You can discuss this further with the artist at your consultation. We require a drawing fee for all artwork for tattoos. We respect your acceptance of this policy.
What if I become pregnant, gain weight, put on muscle?
To distort a tattoo you'd have to gain a lot of weight! Even if you pump iron you'd need to be popping steroids or pump up to Arnie Schwarzenegger's size for the tattoo to change shape.
Pregnancy on the other hand is a little different. It can change a tattoo's shape, especially if it's around your stomach or hip area. Stretch marks will effect your tattoo also, so think about where you will get your tattoo if you plan to have children in the future.
Cancellation
A minimum of 48hrs notice must be given over the phone or your deposit will be forfeited. A new deposit will have to be made before your next appointment.
Alcohol Policy
No drugs or alcohol are allowed in the tattoo studio. It's illegal. Please make sure you eat a couple of hours before your sitting as it will help your body adjust and keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Hygiene
Good personal hygiene rocks, we love it.
Sterilization
Here at Borderline Tattoos we are very serious about our sterilization and hygiene. All instruments we use are properly sterilized in an autoclave.
The autoclave we use is a brand new state of the art Mocom Exacta, which has an initial vacuum through pump that enables the efficient extraction of air, allowing for optimal steam saturation and penetration. It also has separate tanks to prevent recycling for constant use of pure water and to increase the life of the sterilizer.
Remember it is important which studio you choose to get tattooed and pierced at. Make sure any studio you visit follow all safety and hygiene practices.
If they hesitate on any questions you ask them about sterilization then go and find another studio where you'll feel comfortable.
Thankyou for respecting our shop policies
The Borderline Crew.
