Tattoo needles depend heavily on customer preference, and because a standard among companies does not exist, it is important to understand the differences in sizes. The major determining factors in deciding the optimal size needle include diameter, taper, count, and configuration. Between the permanence of tattoos, and the sometimes stressful and nerve-racking process of getting a tattoo, 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.
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.
Rounds
Tattoo artists commonly refer to rounds as loose needles. The round needles provide tattooists with the most flexibility in terms of thickness; however, round needles are generally reserved for shading work and use a circle formation. Packagers commonly abbreviate round liner needles to "RL" and round shader sizes as "RS."
Magnums
Magnums are one of two shading needles. They also come curved, and tattoo artists refer to them as mags (or abbreviate them as "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 .05 millimeters; for example, number 6 has the smallest diameter at .2 millimeters, and number 8 has a diameter of .25, and so on. The most commonly used lining diameter is number 10.
Needle Number | Needle Diameter |
|---|---|
| 6 | .2 millimeters |
| 8 | .25 millimeters |
| 10 | .30 millimeters |
| 12 | .35 millimeters |
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 tapers 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 damager 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 s hading (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.
How to Buy Correct Needle Size on eBay
Once you have identified the correct needle size, it is important to research the most cost-effective and efficient way to purchase. Atop every page on eBay exists 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 ." 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 ensure this is to look for the top-rated seller plus badge. Shoppers can sort by "newly listed" items in order to help filter and narrow the results, as well as find brand new tattoo needles that may not have been available on a previous search.
Conclusion
Knowing which needle sizes tattooists commonly use, and having an idea of which needles 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.
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