Tattoo Equipment; A Complete Guide
While tattooing is an art form that is centered on the skills and creativity of the tattoo artist. The equipment they use is an important part of the tattoo process. While some of the equipment they use is straight-forward of simple. You may also wonder why artists can differ in the equipment they use. We’ll give a complete guide to tattoo equipment, so you’ll understand why different pieces of equipment matter for tattoo artists, and their tattoos.
Tattoo Machines
The main tool for tattoo artists. Tattoo machines are used to make tattoos. Their function is straightforward, to drive a needle back and forth at a high frequency. While all tattoo machines generally have the same function. They differ in the way they operate, their form factor, and their use.
Coil Machines
Liner Machines: Designed primarily for creating clean outlines and fine details. They use electromagnetic coils to move the needles up and down rapidly. Liner machines are known for their strong, dense lines.
Shader Machines: Used for shading and coloring, these machines are configured similarly to liner machines but with adjustments that allow for a wider, more consistent needle movement. Shader machines often have more coils and a different setup to handle larger amounts of ink.
Rotary Machines
Traditional Rotary Machines: Operate using a rotating mechanism to drive the needles. They are quieter and generally lighter than coil machines. Rotary machines offer smooth, consistent performance and are appreciated for their low maintenance needs.
Direct Drive Rotary Machines: Their direct drive system that provides a direct, efficient motion for the needles. Artists prefer these machines for their precise control and power delivery, which can benefit both linework and shading.
Pivoting Rotary Machines: Feature a pivoting motion that mimics the traditional coil machine's action. These machines provide a balance between rotary smoothness and coil machine performance.
Pen Machines
Pen machines are a modern variation of rotary machines, designed to look and feel like a pen. They are ergonomically shaped, lightweight, and often feature adjustable settings for various tattooing styles. Pen machines are popular for their ease of use and precision.
Hybrid Machines
Hybrid machines combine elements from both coil and rotary machines. They are designed to offer the benefits of both types, such as the power and adjustability of coil machines combined with the smooth operation of rotary systems. Hybrids are versatile and can be customized for different tattooing techniques.
Tattoo Needles
Tattoo needles drive the ink into your skin. Like a paintbrush, needles come in different shapes and sizes. Needles now commonly come in the form of disposable plastic cartridges. With the needle encased in a plastic shell that also acts as a reservoir for the ink. These are the types of tattoo needles.
Liner Needles: Used for creating precise outlines and fine details. They are typically grouped in configurations of single needles or small clusters.
Shader Needles: Designed for shading and blending colors. Shader needles are arranged in larger groups to cover more surface area and create smooth gradients.
Magnum Needles: These are used for large areas and heavy shading. Magnum needles are often arranged in a flat or curved configuration to distribute ink evenly.
Tattoo Inks
Tattoo inks are the key ingredient in tattoos. Quality tattoo inks allow for vibrant colors and strong contrast over a long period of time. Modern tattoo inks are constantly improving. In both color quality and in health standards for people. They come in various types:
Black and Gray Inks: Ideal for traditional black-and-gray tattoos, these inks provide a range of shades from deep black to soft gray. Black and grey inks can come in two forms. Greywash, being diluted shades of black ink, and pastel gray colors. Which are different shades of gray color.
Colored Inks: Available in a wide spectrum of hues, colored inks allow artists to create vibrant and dynamic tattoos. They are formulated to be both bright and long-lasting.
Specialty Inks: These include UV-reactive inks that glow under black light or inks designed for specific artistic effects.
Power Supply Units
The power supply unit (PSU) provides the necessary electricity for the tattoo machine to run. The important aspects of power supply units are:
Voltage Control: This allows precise adjustment of the machine’s power, which is important when alternating between techniques for a tattoo.
Durability and Reliability: A quality power supply will be able to deliver a stable power for the tattoo machine for long sessions. It will also be expected to do this over years and years of use.
Tattoo Grips and Tips
Grips and tips are components that the artist holds while tattooing:
Grips: Provide comfort and control. They come in various materials, including plastic, rubber, and metal, and can be disposable or reusable.
Tips: Guide the needles and control the flow of ink. They should be compatible with the tattoo machine and the type of needle used.
Stencil Materials
Stencils are used to transfer the tattoo design onto the skin. The most common materials include:
Stencil Machine: This machine transfers the design printed on paper onto thermal stencil paper. Modern stencil machines come in the form of printers, which can directly print the design as a stencil.
Thermal Paper: Used to create a stencil by copying the design onto the paper, which is then transferred to the skin.
Stencil Application Gel: Helps the stencil adhere to the skin and ensures that the design remains clear during the tattooing process.
Aftercare Products
Proper aftercare is important to ensure the quality of your tattoo when it heals. Through the healing process, aftercare products are important to help keep the skin moist and prevent infection. Aftercare products include:
Adhesive Bandages: Commonly referred to as “second skin”. These clear adhesive bandages are meant to protect the tattoo during the early stages of healing. Where the tattoo is an open wound, and has a higher risk of infection. This is applied to the tattoo where it is left for 1-2 days until a scab layer forms.
Ointments and Lotions: Specialized products designed to keep the tattoo moisturized and promote healing. These are made with a variety of ingredients, where most use natural ingredients to avoid severe reactions.
Antiseptic Solutions: Used to clean the tattoo area and prevent infection.
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of tattoo equipment is helpful for clients. As it helps understand the tattoo artist’s approach and quality of their work. A proper tattoo artist will be fully equipped to create any tattoo they can come up with.
