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Watch the tip of the needle so you don't end up with plastic on it. When you tattoo a line you will have extra pigment left on the skin, this is normal but a pain in the ass. While you tattoo you will constantly have to wipe the pigment away so you can see what has been put under the skin and what has not.
Tattoo needles depend heavily on customer preference, and because a standard among companies does not exist, it is important to understand the size differences. The major determining factors in deciding the optimal size include diameter, taper, count, and configuration. Between the permanence of tattoos, the time and creativity involved with designing one, and the sometimes stressful and nerve-racking process of getting it on the body, it becomes essential to limit variables, such as an ill-suited tattoo needle.
People have practiced body art for thousands of years, and one of the major changes to transform tattoos into the specialized design art is machinery. It is essential to understand the difference between shader and liner needles, the variations in configuration, and the input of tattoo artists and customers before moving forward with a tattoo needle purchase.
People have practiced body art for thousands of years, and one of the major changes to transform tattoos into the specialized design art is machinery. It is essential to understand the difference between shader and liner needles, the variations in configuration, and the input of tattoo artists and customers before moving forward with a tattoo needle purchase.
1. Choosing Between Different Types of Needles
When determining the correct size tattoo needles, it is important to identify which type of needle is best for the kind of tattoo being applied.
Rounds
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Tattoo artists commonly refer to rounds as loose needles. They provide the most flexibility in terms of thickness; however, they are generally reserved for shading work and use a circle formation. Packagers commonly abbreviate them to 'RL,' listing sizes as 7rl, 9rl, and so on. Round shader sizes are referred to as 'RS,' listed as 9rs for example.
Magnums
Magnums are one of two shading needles. They also come curved, and tattoo artists refer to them as mags (or abbreviate them as 'mag' or 'M'). Magnums always have two rows, and when they are double-stacked, as opposed to regular, they are more compact. When filling in a large area with a single color, a regular magnum needle more evenly and easily distributes color. A highly rated demonstrative video about different needles recommends using the looser woven magnums, unless the tattooist has a long taper to accompany the stacked magnum.
Flats
Flats also distribute color, but artists use them exclusively for displaying depth within one color tone; for example, to illustrate a sky. Flat shaders (FS) types sometimes group up to 15 soldered needles in a side-by-side row.
Tights
Tights make finite borders and outlines, and the emphasis they leave is directly determined by how tightly fastened the needles are, and how many needles are grouped together. A tightly wound group of 14 needles should produce the heaviest outline.
2. Finding the Proper Count and Diameter
The count is simply the number of needles grouped together. Tattoo needles join together in groups with solder, and the tightness of the group of needles determines the diameter. Four needle diameters exist and the needle packaging indicates the number and the size in millimeters. The first two digits on the packaging designate the diameter number, which consists of the numbers 6, 8, 10, and 12. Each package number increases by 0.05 millimeters; for example, number 6 has the smallest diameter at 0.2 millimeters, and number 8 has a diameter of 0.25 and so on. The most commonly used lining diameter is number 10.
Number | Diameter (mm) |
---|---|
6 | 0.20 |
8 | 0.25 |
10 | 0.30 |
12 | 0.35 |
Essentially, the thicker the diameter, the less detailed the needle becomes, and subsequently, the better the needle is for shading.
3. Finding the Proper Taper Length
The taper is simply the point length of the needle, which varies between manufacturers and ranges from 1.5 to the rare 7 millimeters. One popular forum notes that long ones can work better for black and gray because they increase the amount of time a tattooist can work on an area while decreasing the amount of saturation that commonly occurs with color tattoos.
Many tattoo enthusiasts find little difference in the taper size and consider it a matter of preference, while others find longer tapers preferable for tight spaces and precision. However, it is always best to consult a mentor as some posts indicate that a tight liner paired with a long taper damages the tattoo, or worse, the skin. For a peace of mind, many find that medium tapers are best because they do not involve tightening.
Many tattoo enthusiasts find little difference in the taper size and consider it a matter of preference, while others find longer tapers preferable for tight spaces and precision. However, it is always best to consult a mentor as some posts indicate that a tight liner paired with a long taper damages the tattoo, or worse, the skin. For a peace of mind, many find that medium tapers are best because they do not involve tightening.
4. Choosing Between Liner and Shader Needles
A liner needle is an ideal tool for detailed, intricate work. The user should never set the tattoo liner machine as a shader, and similarly, they should never use cut-back shaders before cut-back liners when available. Liner needles typically feature five needles soldered tightly together, which aids with accenting, scripts, vibrant coloring, and highly detailed work. Shader needles, conversely, contain five needles in a pentagon shape spaced to apply large, even coloring. Most tattooists work with five needles, but configurations vary in sets from three to seven.
5. Choosing the Proper Needle Size
One popular tattoo blog claims that although a common one-size-fits-all needle kit does not exist, a few needles are so rare that consumers can avoid them, namely the 12RL and 13RS. The proper size depends on the tattoo itself. An amateur tattooist training to become a professional may want to experiment with the most common size needles. As a general guide, consumers should use low round needles for small tattoo linings, while more round needles are best with thick lines, shading, and larger canvas designs across a back. Magnums are the most versatile and work best for color. Tattoo artists reserve large tattoos for mags with 11 or more needles in the tube.
Tattoo Type | Optimal Number of Needles | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Magnum | Small: 5; medium: 7 to 9; large: 11 to 17 | Two rows of needles spread out; light shading and portraits use 7 to 11 needles; curved has slight arc to protect skin |
Tights | 7 to 9 needles | Grouped in circle, tight cluster, makes bold outlines |
Flats | 7 to 11 needles | Straight in a row; best for whips, blending, shading |
Round Liners | Small: 1 to 5; large: 7 to 21 | Large rounds for whole backs; thick lines; 7 to 9 needles for shading; not ideal for color |
Shader | Ideally, 7 for medium | Shading; even, aligned in tube in a circle |
Tattooists find that magnum rounds have the best shading capability, which artists commonly use for portraits. Round Liner (RL) tattoos, conversely, work best for detailed lines, and smaller tattoos require fewer needles. Flat shading(FS) needles make more unique blending marks, often referred to as 'whip' strokes, that tattooists commonly use a row of 7 to 11 needles to create.
Additional Tattoo Equipment
While shopping for needles, tattooists may want to consider also researching the pricing and options available for other necessary supplies. You'll need a power supply for your tattoo gun, and plenty are available across a wide variety of price points. Tattoo tubes are another such item. Made from stainless steel or disposable plastic, they surround the needle and aid in ink distribution. Stainless steel models can be reused after thorough sterilization, but disposable ones come individually wrapped and pre-sterilized, significantly reducing the amount of time needed to change them out between tattoos. You can purchase either option in multipacks, with the disposable option commonly available in a mix size variety as well as in counts of 50 and 100. It's also easy to find a multitude of nozzle and tip styles in steel and disposable versions as well as in different colors like blue or black. Tattooists also must have a large supply of gloves on hand. There are countless brands and types available, and they're typically in bulk packs. And lastly, it may help to research the components for the machine itself, such as grommets and metal grips, so you can easily replace them when needed.
How to Buy the Correct Size Needles on eBay
Once you have identified the correct needle size for your machine, it is important to research the most cost-effective and efficient way to purchase. On every eBay page there is a search bar to begin the filtering process. A tattooist preparing for a particular project or design, for example, may use the term 'tattoo needles' or filter further by searching for the desired needle size, such as '3rl' or '5rl'. The buyer should then filter by relevant parameters, such as 'new' and 'free shipping,' if applicable. Especially with needles and other medical supplies, it is important to make sure the seller is trustworthy. One way to do so is to look for the Top-rated badge.
Conclusion
Knowing which needle sizes tattooists commonly use, and having an idea of which can most efficiently tackle a particular tattoo is crucial in building a kit. A great way to save money is to fully visualize the tattoo before buying equipment. Like the tattoo itself, the brand and proper needle size is highly subjective to the artist and the person receiving the tattoo. In addition, not having an industry standard in size gives the artist and buyer more freedom. Once the buyer can determine the color or colors, the thickness, outlines, amount of script, boldness, and degree of shading, then they can make decisions on which configuration, diameter, count, and taper size of needle is best. Being able to always use the least amount of needles in the optimal amounts can make tattooing less hectic and stressful. In addition, the tattooist saves on supplies, requires fewer tubes, and turns an immediate buy into a wise investment.
on average a three is used unless you are doing portraits andthen id stick to a one. for larger projects a 5 is okay always makesure you are using a round liner for outlines.
I disagree a 3 liner is best for small details. Most novicesstart of with small needles just due to being misinformed. When istarted i used 5 round tapers and i always found myself going backover lines. in my opinion and what I use know are 7 round linersthey lay down a nice semi-bold line that is just right. if you needto accentuate a line a bolder just do your fills with the sameneedle. My art improved ten-fold when I switched from a 5 to a 7.point is too they hold more ink too. The trick to good lining isholding your machine upright to the skin , go slow and do as muchof your line as comfortably possibly. maintain your confidence.
I agree with the second poster. I am a tattoo artist who neverdid an apprenticeship anywhere. Just bought a machine from anartist friend of mine and starting plugging away on Pig skin.Lining is the MOST important part of a tattoo. Without a solidoutline, there is no reason to color, shade or fill. So get a goodline. Make sure your liner machine is well tuned, running well, andnot misfiring. Next choose a 7 round or even higher if you aredoing large work without alot of details. Then GO SLOW. Rememberthe machine moves fast, but you cannot move faster or you will endup with a dotted line. Tattoos hurt, don't try to be the nice guyand compromise your work to keep the client comfortable. Go as slowas you need to and allow the machine to do the work. Keep the inkflowing. Do not ever allow your liner to run out of ink. You willend up with line that you will have to go over again causing morepain and potential scar on the tattoo. And lastly, practice. If youare new to tattooing, do NOT try your skill out of a human untilyou have a handle on how the machine works, etc. Buy some grapefruits, honey dew melons, pig skin (from a butcher) etc and startto practice. The practice skins on eBay are garbage. They do notaccept ink nearly the same way as real skin and you will end upfrustrated. Plus there are very few places on the human body whereyou will be working on a 'flat' surface so why practice on one?Good luck!
What needle to use to outline a tattoo?
A single needle is normally used for tattoo outlines. Read More
What is the best needle to use for a big tattoo outline?
What size tattoo needle do you use for lettering?
What size tattoo needle do you use for taibal tattoo?
Can you use a flat tattoo needle to make an outline like you can use a magnum tattoo needle?
You can if you need to, but I would not recommend doing this for a whole tattoo. Not that there is anything wrong with it per se, but you are taking at risk unneeded trauma to the skin with this configuration as opposed to using a nice tight Round Liner. Read More
What do they use in making a linning before the tattoo is done?
to do the outline on a tattoo you need a needle called a liner for instance you could use a 14 round liner. now for shading you need a shader which is another kind of needle now you can use a 14 round shader or a 14 flat mag shader that answer your question and an p.s you can get a needle any size they can go as small as 1 all the way up… Read More
What is the best size tattoo needle to use for coloring and outlining?
That would all depend on the size and the intricacy of what you are doing. Read More
What size tattoo needle do you use for a large back tattoo?
7 or 9 magnum or a 14 round for heavy filling such as tribal ....... Read More
What are size 3 round liner tattoo needles for?
They are for fine lines and detail that's in the tattoo you can also use this needle to do awhole tattoo for lines and shading without changing needles Read More
What size needle do you use to colour in a tattoo?
Between a 6 and 15 is usually ideal for coloring in a tattoo depending on the artist's preference. Another factor when choosing the right sized needle is the shape, choosing a round or flat mag will also determine the needed size and the comfort level for the artist. Read More
How do you use a magnum tattoo needle?
Why can't you use a sewing needle to pierce your nose?
You can't use a sewing needle to pierce your nose because it might not be the same size as the nose stud and the sewing needle may not be clean enough to use if i were you i would go to a local tattoo shop and get it done because i did it myself and it wasn't pretty. Read More
What kind of needle do you use for a homemade tattoo?
Any sewing needle will do. you can also use guitar strings and sand the with sandpaper to make them work. Read More
What needle and tips to use for shading a tattoo?
That all depends on the size of the tattoo that you are doing, and what you are trying to accomplish whether it be soft shading, coloring, etc. If you are using disposable tube and needle combos, which you should, then the appropriate sized tip will be included with the needle. However, since you must ask I will take it that you are new to the game, so practice on your own legs before you ever… Read More
Dose it hurt to get a tattoo?
What size needle do you use to stitch up a cut?
Needle size is dependent on thread size. Read More
What size tattoo needle do you use for coloring tattoos?
That depends on the type of coloring, the type of needle and the size of the area being tattooed. However; I think a curved magnum, probably in 07 or 09 would give nice, soft but well packed coloring in most areas. Read More
When doing old English lettering tattoo what is the best type of needle to use?
For the most common size that you would be doing it in. Line it with a 3RL, and then do your edges with 5RS. Then do the middle fill with a 15RS. The bigger the letters, the bigger the shade needle size and in some instances, the liner as well. Read More
Can you make a tattoo gun without a motor?
Yes you can, just use a needle or guitar string just make the same action with the needle as a regular tattoo gun would (up and down) Read More
Why are you not allowed to donate blood if you have recently had a tattoo?
The application of a tattoo requires a needle to be inserted into the skin. This needle use has the potential to spread bloodborne pathogens like HIV or hepatitis if the person giving the tattoo has not used appropriate infection control procedures. Read More
Do you outline a tattoo before shading?
Not really you only use out like to tatt it not the shading Read More
Do tattoo artist have a special needle they use on diabetics?
no they do not we all get the same needles buddy Read More
How much volts to use a 9 mag tattoo needle?
What needle size should you use for sewing silk?
A small needle, size 60/8, is suitable for sewing silk. Read More
Can you use an expired tattoo needle?
Of course you can!But why even take a chance as cheap as they are get some new ones. Read More
What size needle do you use for outline tattoos?
It depends on what your outlining, on dark skin you use a bigger needle grouping then you would on light skin. It also depends if your one shooting lines or if your line building. I tend to use a 7rl on everything with hard outlines it gives it a more of a old school/new school traditional look. I don't one shoot lines I run through the whole tattoo quickly to commit the stencil to skin… Read More
How do you do a tattoo with out a tattoo gun?
You could use a needle and Indian ink, you would have to use fast, sharp poking motions so that the ink will go into the skin, it all depends on your pain tolerance and if you can do this to yourself :) Read More
How do you know what size tattoo needle to use?
Experience primarily, but the type of needle factors too. Tattoo needles consist of anywhere from 1 to 30+ needles all grouped together, round needles have these in a round pattern, magnum have them in a line, diamond have them in a more open spaced round pattern and double stacked have them in two lines. The needle size reflects on the number of needles used to make the tattoo needle tip, so an 07 round would… Read More
How do you make a tattoo gun?
A tattoo gun, or mechanized needle drive, is a fairly complex mechanical device, and requires substantial knowledge to build or use. (see related link) Read More
When doing a tattoo how much pressure must you use to draw a clean and clear outling?
that depends. what area of the body are you tattooing? what size needle are you using? go get an apprenticeship and stop hacking people up in your house. Read More
Is it safe to home pierce your nose?
yeah, as long as you sterilize the needle. and you have to use a hollow needle when you pierce cartilage or it wont heal. but you can buy them at a tattoo place or online and you have to be 18 or they wont sell them to you. Read More
What is the difference between tattoo ink and artist ink?
![Wich Wich](/uploads/1/2/5/7/125749966/809566338.jpg)
Artist Inks can be used with airbrushes, pens, and paintbrushes. Tattoo inks are made specifically for use on the skin only (by a needle) hope this helped~ Read More
What kind of needle to use for a border on a tattoo?
For the borders/lines you use a liner needle.It can be 3liner,5liner,8liner...It all depends on how thick line you need... Read More
Do cartilage piercings hurt?
No, Not If You Go To A Tattoo Parlor And Have Them Do It With A Needle. However If You Get It At Claire's You Do Risk A Shattered Cartilage Because They Use Guns. Read More
How do you use the word vacillation in a sentence?
Although she waited so long to get a tattoo, seeing and hearing the needle caused a moment of vacillation. Read More
Where can I find free tattoo templates?
I've never heard of a Tattoo template. Try searching the Internet for a picture you want tattooed onto yourself. Place a piece of carbon paper, or ink paper(you know for making hand written copies) between your picture and a clean piece of paper. Trace the picture with something (want wide lines? use top of pen. Thin lines? use the pen). You should have an outline drawn onto the clean piece of paper in carbon or… Read More
Is there a size G knitting needle?
In the US, knitting needle sizes are in numbers; crochet hooks use both numbers and letters. Read More
What do you need to be able to do to be a tattoo artist?
You have to be able to draw and use a needle or vibrating needle to trace the drawing and fill it in with coloured ink. Also bear the sight of blood, and be able to ignore somebody else's pain Read More
Is a round magnum tattoo needle the same as curved magnum tattoo needle?
This is talking about the tip of the needle. Standard is round, i don't know about curved, that's kind of scary, at least I have never heard of them, however there are tapered tips as well, which is probably what your talking about. Mag needles are stacked, if there is no stack they are also called flats. For the artist, tattooing is all about technique, and depending on your technique, you may choose to use… Read More
Can you get HIV from a tattoo?
While it is possible for HIV to be spread if a tattoo needle were used on another person, HIV lives such a short time outside the body that the needle would have to be re-used very quickly. It is more common for hepatitis to be spread in this manner. A reputable tattoo artist uses single-use needles, avoiding the chance of the needles being a vector for disease. Read More
What size and length needle do you use to inject vitamin b12?
What size gauge needle do you use to start iv in an infant?
What size needle to use when attaching wide elastic to pajamas?
What do tattoo artists use to trace tattoo?
Well generally we would use a drawing on a light box to take an outline from a design that you would bring in, assuming it would be a non custom piece. besides that we would use a thermo fax or hand trace the design on carbon paper to get our stencil Read More
What do they use to pierce your lip?
a specially needle is used. the common size for the needle is 14 g, and sometimes they use a 16 g if you don't want the hole to be so large Read More
When would the technique tattooing bloodlines be implemented in a tattoo and what purpose does that type of tattooing do for the tattoo?
Bloodlining is used when people dont want an outline for their tattoo (like a smoky effect). It also comes in use during white ink tattoos, because a stencil ink would mix with the white ink and corrupt the tattoo. Read More
What size needles do you use to outline shade and color in a tattoo?
When you are tattooing you have to use the appropriate needle for the design you are doing. If your doing a big tattoo your probably going to use a 7 round liner if your doing more detailed work like in a faces lips etc you will probably be using a 1 round liner. It all depends on the tat, For shading if it is a small area you can just use the 7 round or… Read More
What kind of needle do they use for a navel piercing?
a hollow needle. Pretty much what you see in hospitals and such. The size depends on whichever one you ask for. Read More
Can you use a sewing needle for a tattoo?
Yes, you actually do the pricking with the needle and then you use ink to smear over it. But it won't last like a true tattoo would. Go to a professional to do it! Don't do it yourself. You're only looking at disaster! True, but I got a tattoo in jail and used a sharpened staple. Used soot and shampoo as ink and still there 4 yrs later. But best to let a professional do… Read More
Can you use a3 liner to do a whole tattoo?
If you are doing a REALLY small tattoo such as small lettering, then maybe. I wouldn't personally do it though. What you are trying to accomplish with a tattoo, is to push as much ink into the skin in your first pass without chewing up the skin and scarring it up. A needle of this size is simply not a smart or safe choice. You will invariably have to do really small grouping, overlapping into… Read More
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