If you are new to the tattoo industry, you will need to buy professional equipment and supplies from reputable suppliers in order to give a tattoo in a safe manner. The best tattoo equipment does not come cheap, but remember, in this industry as in others, you get what you pay for.
Instructions
Professional Tattoo Machines
1. A shader is a tattoo machine built specifically for coloring or shading in a tattoo once it has been outlined. This machine holds larger needles and delivers more power to cover larger areas of skin while tattooing. The types of needles used in a shader are often called "mags."
2. The liner tattoo machine is used to make the outline of any tattoo. The needles used in a liner are smaller so that they can make sharp, precise lines. The types of needles used in a liner are often referred to as "rounds."
3. Tattoo machines can range in price from $150 to $700 or higher depending on the manufacturer, features, and whether the machines are "production" or "custom."
Professional Tattoo Needles
4. Shader needles (mags) are a variety of needles used for shaders including 5 Magnum, 7 Magnum, 9 Magnum, 11 Magnum, and higher. Different sizes are necessary for different types of tattoo work.
5. Liner needles (rounds) can be purchased as size 3 Round, 4 Round, 5 Round, 7 Round, and higher. Just as with shader needles, different liner needles will be used depending on the specs of the tattoo.
6. Professional tattoo needles typically come in boxes of 10, 50, or 100 quantity and range in price from $8 to $30 or more, depending on the manufacturer and quantity purchased.
Professional Tattoo Ink
7. Professional tattoo ink comes in hundreds of different color varieties. As a tattoo artist, you want to have several shades of each color to ensure the best-quality tattoo. Above all, ensure you have all of the most common ink colors including black, red, blue, green, pink, purple, yellow, white, and orange.
8. Experienced tattooists learn to mix colors in the right amounts to create new colors and shades. This is a great way to get just the right color and a lot of colors for your money. You can mix red and yellow to get orange, etc.
9. Tattoo ink sells for an average of $20 per bottle. Look for tattoo ink sets that offer a price break for buying in bulk. Don't skimp on tattoo ink price, as cheap ink will impair the quality of the tattoos you give to your clients.
