What needle is best for starting tattooing?

Author: Dr. Dimitri Feeney  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

If you're just starting out, you'll want to focus on round shaders in sizes 3, 5, 7, and 9 for some shading and filling in small areas.

What are 3RL tattoo needles used for?

3RLs are versatile needles with many uses in traditional tattooing. Artists use them to create solid lines, like those in calligraphy, tribal patterns, and geometric designs. They're also great for drawing intricate details and micro tattoos, as well as packing color on small areas.

What size needle is best for tattoo lining?

Traditional should be minimum 9rl, you will also want min 7m + what ever size rs you need for the size of thd tatt. Your machine will need some good volts to get clean lines.

How to know what needle to use when tattooing?

The diameter of a tattoo needle will also affect the amount of the ink deposited into the skin. Smaller diameter deposits are better for shading and creating smooth gradients, while larger punctures are typically better for bolder work and thick lines.

What voltage to use when tattooing?

I'd say 6.5 to 7.5 volts is a good place to be at, depending on your hand speed. If you do a lot of shading with realism. then you likely have a machine that's in the 3 millimeter range. For these you can run your machine a little bit higher. Lately I've been finding 7.5 to 8 volts a good spot to be in.

Tattoo Needle Guide - How to choose the right needle for shading and lines

What speed should you tattoo at?

The Right Rhythm for Line Work: Linework is the foundation of most tattoos, demanding precision and consistency. For this task, a higher speed is typically employed-ranging from 7.5 to 8.5 volts, depending on the machine and power supply.

What is the best stroke for lining tattoos?

stroke Of 4.0+mm

The 4.0mm+ stroke is typically only used for lining, as it packs in ink with hard-hitting strokes. It can push large needle groups into the skin with ease and allows you to hang the needle farther out of the tip, which provides greater accuracy when you're lining.

What is the best needle for a beginner tattoo?

If you're just starting out, you'll want to focus on round shaders in sizes 3, 5, 7, and 9 for some shading and filling in small areas.

What is the most commonly used tattoo needle?

#10 Gauge (0.30mm Diameter)

Popular with all styles of tattooing and needle groupings as fundamentally they are the middle gauge size (when accepting 8, 10 and 12 as the main three gauges). The ink flow on 0.30mm needles is still a steady, controlled flow but not as restricted and slow as an #8 or 0.25mm.

What voltage should I use for lining?

Generally most artists use voltages around 7v-9v for lining (8 should be a good start) and 8-10v for shading.

What tattoo needle is best for lining?

Round Liner Needles

These have a round pattern and are good for clean lines.

What is the best tattoo ink on the market?

Best Tattoo Ink 2025
  • FUSION INK.
  • ETERNAL INK.
  • PANTHERA INK.
  • CARBON BLACK TATTOO INK.
  • RADIANT COLORS.
  • VIKING INK BY DYNAMIC.
  • EMPIRE INK.
  • KWADRON INX.

How to tattoo yourself step by step?

Shave the area you're tattooing and draw or trace your design onto your skin. Put on gloves and prepare your tattoo machine or needle. Load the ink into the needle and press it into your skin, about 2 mm deep, at a 45 degree angle. Slowly move the needle across your design until the tattoo is complete.

Why do tattoo artists dip the needle in water?

You may notice your artist dip the needle in water during the session. This is called a dip cap which helps clean, blend, dry, or dilute ink. Artists do this for smoother ink flow and to reduce friction. This allows more precise and comfortable tattooing.

What needles are best for beginners?

Bamboo knitting needles are a great choice for beginners. They are sturdy and lightweight. They also offer great control over your yarn as they are less slippery than metal needles. Bamboo needles are our top recommendation for all beginners who like to work with sustainable and strong needles.

How do you know what size needle to use when tattooing?

When choosing tattoo needles for shading, pick the largest needle count the tattoo will allow. A back tattoo will have tons of space to fill in, so you'd pick a bigger needle, like a 15 or 23 mag. Note: Thinner lines are easier to get in the skin because your machine needs less power.

What is the difference between 5RL and 3RL?

The smaller the number, the smaller the mark. A 1rl is the smallest needle available, but can be hard to work with. In our kits, 3rl is the smallest needle in our kits. 5RL is the next biggest after 3RL and the size of the line will increase all the way up to 20RL.

How do I keep my tattoo lines sharp?

The sun's rays can break down the ink particles in your skin, causing your crisp lines to blur and fade over time. Whenever your tattoo is going to be exposed, make sure you're slathering on a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen (aim for SPF 30 or higher). Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

What is the best tattoo ink for lining and shading?

Dynamic Triple Black

Praised for being the "richest black" used by many artists, it is known for its ease of application and its ability to remain dark and vivid after healing. Its thin blend makes it ideal for lining, tribal tattoos, and shading, blending seamlessly with other pre-made washes.

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