Does shading take longer than linework?

Author: Ayla King I  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

A linework tattoo will usually take the least amount of time to complete. If your tattoo looks more like a blank coloring page than a full mural, your artist can call it a wrap at phase one. If your tattoo is black and gray and involves some shading, it will go a little longer.

Does shading a tattoo take longer?

Just depends on both the artist and the tattoo. Generally shading doesnt take long if you're getting a fully colored tattoo. However if you're getting something like a black and white tattoo, then it could very well take hours. Just depends.

Is shading easier than lining?

Tattoo shading is much easier to remove than dark lines. The shade areas generally have less ink and the ink is not usually very deep in the skin. I recommend finding an experienced clinician who is using a pico second laser.

What part of the tattoo takes the longest?

Generally, rib and stomach tattoos take the longest. A simple tattoo that would be on a low price range if placed on a leg could potentially double in price if placed on the ribs or stomach. This is because the skin stretches significantly, and tattooing takes twice as long with more skin to work with.

How long to wait between linework and shading?

Generally, it's recommended to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks after getting a tattoo before adding shading or additional work. This allows the initial tattoo to heal properly, reducing the risk of infection and ensuring better results.

Tattooing 101-Needle Depth Visually Explained

Do line art tattoos heal faster?

Quicker Healing

Fine line tattoos generally heal faster than larger, more complex tattoos. The minimal skin trauma and reduced ink saturation contribute to a quicker and smoother healing process. There is a lower risk of infection, provided proper aftercare is followed.

How deep should tattoo needle be for shading?

Liningneedles, which can be as short as 1mm, are used for fine lines and often require a more superficial depth setting. Shadingneedles tend to be longer (up to 2mm or more) to allow for better distribution of ink under the skin and typically require slightly deeper penetration.

What is the most painful tattoo spot?

Here are the most painful places on the body to get a tattoo.
  • Head. The head, including the scalp and face, is a highly sensitive area due to the high density of nerve endings. ...
  • Rib Cage and Chest. ...
  • Stomach. ...
  • Nipples and Breasts. ...
  • Face and Ears. ...
  • Hands, Fingers, Feet, and Toes. ...
  • Neck and Spine. ...
  • Groins and Genital Area.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

What needle is for shading?

Magnum Shader needles

Magnum shaders are the preferred grouping or needle type for pretty much all shading work. Magnums hold and deliver a lot of ink, making them perfect for large areas of colour packing and shading. Less passes are required over an area to work the ink in meaning less trauma to the skin.

Why is shading hard?

Shading can be challenging because it requires an understanding of light, form, and texture.

What hurts more, linework or shading?

Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.

How long does a line tattoo take?

Now there are no size parameters on fine line tattoos, but there has been a trend of micro tattoos. This opens the door for smaller lines and more detail to be packed into each tattoo. A small, simple fine-line tattoo can take anywhere between 15-30 minutes to complete.

Do tattoos with shading age well?

Contrast in a tattoo can help to ensure that different elements of a tattoo remain readable for the long term. A poor use of contrast will cause all the elements to blob together. If all the elements of a tattoo have a single value (shade light to dark) chances are it will not read well over time.

What is tattoo pain comparable to?

How bad do tattoos hurt? There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you'll feel when getting tattooed. But if you're wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.

Do people cry during tattoos?

Do People Cry or Faint During a Tattoo? You might have heard horror stories about people passing out or crying from the intense pain of a tattoo. Pain, however, is usually not the culprit when someone faints during a tattoo.

How bad are stomach tattoos?

Also, stomach tattoos can be quite painful. The skin in this area is very sensitive, and getting a tattoo here can be quite uncomfortable. Finally, you should be prepared for the possibility that your stomach tattoo may not look quite as perfect as you'd like it to.

Is $200 an hour a lot for a tattoo artist?

According to PayScale, the average hourly rate for tattoo artists is about $100. This is typical for experienced, non-apprentice tattoo artists with solid portfolios, but some popular tattooists charge as much as $300 per hour.

How much should you tip a tattoo artist?

Again, 20 percent is the typical amount, though tipping percentages often range from 15 to 25 percent based on tattoo difficulty, size, time, artist expertise, and overall experience.

What happens if your tattoo artist goes too deep?

One of the most common signs that a tattoo is too deep is excessive pain and bleeding during and after the tattooing process. If the needle is going too deep into the skin, it can cause more trauma and damage to the skin than necessary, which can lead to more pain and bleeding.

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