How To Tattoo Choosing The Correct Needles For Lining & Shading! + Do Not Make This Mistake!!!

Summary

Key Points

• —The number of needles used for a tattoo is entirely up to the artist's preference and what is necessary to achieve a successful outcome, emphasizing that there is no single “right” answer. 0:32
• —Tattoo needle packages display numbers indicating gauge (diameter), the number of needles, and their configuration (e.g., 12 07 RL for standard 0.35mm diameter, seven needles, arranged as a round liner). 2:04
• —Double zero (10 gauge) needles are popular as they cause less skin trauma than standard 12 gauge but offer better ink flow than 8 gauge bug pins. 3:33
• —Needle gauge refers to the diameter, with 12 gauge (0.35mm) being standard, 10 gauge (0.3mm) also known as double zeros, and 8 gauge (0.25mm) being true bug pins. 3:38
• —Needle taper is the length from where the needle begins to thin to its tip, with shorter tapers generally preferred for lining and longer tapers for shading, though this is often a matter of personal preference. 4:08
• —Common needle configurations include round liners (versatile for lines, script, dot work), magnum shaders (standard for shading/color packing, curved for softer effects), round shaders (for small area shading), and flat shaders (for shading and straight edges). 5:12
• —For intricate work or tight areas, it's effective to use a smaller “liner” needle to pack color, demonstrating the flexibility in needle application beyond their designated configuration. 6:35
• —A common mistake is believing liners are exclusively for lining and shaders for shading; instead, needles should be viewed as different sized paintbrushes, chosen for their ability to efficiently perform a task regardless of their label. 7:00
• —In realism tattooing, subtle soft shades are often preferred over distinct lines, which can be achieved by angling a curved magnum needle to use only one point for delicate effects. 7:40
• —Pre-selecting needles based on the tattoo's elements and mapping out their use before starting the work helps ensure efficient and effective execution. 10:28