You have had a potential tattoo client come into your parlour with the tattoo of their dreams already designed. The shading, the contours, and the image itself are striking. Which leads to the next question, how are you, as the tattoo artist, going to pull it off? Of course, you have the talent, but like a traditional artist painting a canvas, there is an array of tools you will need, which starts with the most basic- the needles.
If you are brand new to tattooing, you will likely be familiar with the needles, but if you are looking to get into tattooing as a job, there are different needle types that you will need to have in your kit. So, read on to learn a bit more about the different types at this tattoo school in Florida.
1. Single Needles
Single needles are an essential piece of tattoo equipment that is typically used for precise linework, such as outlining a design or adding delicate details to a tattoo. They allow tattoo artists to achieve sharp, clean lines with great control and precision. They are handy for creating fine lines, intricate patterns, and small details like lettering, fine filigree work, or small elements within a larger design.
The size of a single needle is denoted by its gauge or thickness, with smaller numbers representing thinner needles. Standard dimensions for single needles range from 3 to 18, with 3 being very thin and 18 being relatively thicker. Thinner gauge needles produce finer lines, while thicker gauge needles create bolder lines.
2. Stacked Needles
Tattoo artists use stacked needles to achieve smooth, solid colour fills or gradients in a tattoo design. The density and thickness of the stacked needle cluster affect the saturation and intensity of the ink deposited.
Artists may select different configurations, such as 3RL (3 stacked round needles) or 9M1 (9 stacked magnum needles), depending on the desired effect and the size of the area being shaded.
When using stacked needles, tattoo artists often adjust the angle, speed and pressure of the tattoo machine to ensure consistent ink flow and achieve the desired shading effect without issues on the final tattoo. It’s essential to have reasonable control and technique to create even and smooth shading with stacked needles.
3. Magnum Needles
Magnum needles allow tattoo artists to cover larger areas with each pass of the tattoo machine, making them efficient for shading and colour packing. The flat or curved configuration of magnum needles allows for broader coverage of the skin, resulting in smooth and even shading gradients. They are beneficial for filling in larger solid areas or creating smooth colour transitions.
The number of needles in a magnum configuration can vary, typically ranging from 5 to 15 needles grouped together. The specific number of needles used depends on the desired effect, the size of the area being shaded and the artist’s preference. The larger the grouping, the broader the coverage, resulting in bolder and more intense shading.
When using magnum needles, tattoo artists may adjust the speed, angle and pressure of the tattoo machine to control ink saturation and achieve the desired shading effect. It’s essential to have good technique and control to ensure consistent ink flow and avoid overworking the skin.
