Everything about tattoo equipment, in one place
Short answers to real questions — and, under each one, the full guides. From your first machine to running a studio. Written by people who work with this equipment every day.
Tattoo machines
A tattoo machine is the tool that drives the needle into the skin to deposit ink. There are three types: rotary, pen (also rotary, stylus-shaped) and coil. For a first machine choose a rotary or a pen with a medium stroke (~3.5 mm) — forgiving and suitable for every technique.
Which tattoo machine should a beginner choose?
As a beginner choose a rotary or a pen with a medium stroke (~3.5 mm) and soft give. They are light, quiet and versatile — good for both lining and shading. Leave coil machines for later, once you have experience.
What voltage do you tattoo at?
Voltage depends on the machine, needle and technique. As a guide: lines ~7–8 V, shading ~5–7 V, packing ~7–9 V. Adjust by how the skin and the needle respond, not by a fixed number.
Needles & cartridges
A cartridge is the sterile single-use needle that mounts into a modern machine. The code on the cartridge (e.g. 1207RL) tells you the needle diameter, the needle count and the configuration: RL lining, RS shading, M1 packing, RM soft shading. Diameter: 08 = 0.25 mm (fine), 10 = 0.30 mm, 12 = 0.35 mm (high flow).
What does the cartridge code (1207RL) mean?
12 = needle diameter (0.35 mm), 07 = number of needles in the grouping, RL = Round Liner (lining). You can check any code with the free decoder on this site.
Which needles for fine line?
For fine line use a tight liner with a small diameter: 1RL or 3RL bugpin (#8 = 0.25 mm or #10 = 0.30 mm) with a long taper. The small diameter lays a thin, precise line.
Inks
Tattoo ink is the pigment deposited into the dermis. Inks should comply with the REACH restrictions (limits on certain substances). Always check the label for REACH compliance, batch number and expiry date.
Which black ink for lines vs shading?
For lines use a dense, opaque lining black. For shading use a black designed to dilute into greywash — mix it with dilution solution in ratios (e.g. 20/40/60/80) to get tones.
Hygiene & sterilisation
Hygiene is the non-negotiable part of tattooing. Needles and cartridges are single-use, opened in front of the client; surfaces are disinfected, and reusable instruments are sterilised in an autoclave. A licensed studio follows local environmental-health requirements.
Nitrile or latex gloves for tattooing?
Nitrile is the standard: no latex allergies, resistant to tears and inks. Latex is avoided because of allergies (yours and the client’s). Vinyl is only for tasks without blood contact.
Tattoo aftercare
Proper aftercare decides how the tattoo looks years later. In the first days wash gently and apply a thin layer of cream; protective film or second skin covers the fresh wound. Surface healing takes ~2 weeks, full healing ~4 weeks.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
On the surface a tattoo heals in ~2 weeks (flaking, itching), fully in ~4 weeks. For the first 2–3 weeks avoid swimming pools, the sea, saunas and direct sun.
Classic film or second skin after a tattoo?
Classic film is cheap but needs frequent changes. Second skin (breathable adhesive film) stays on for days, protects better and lets the wound breathe — but costs more and requires skin that tolerates the adhesive.
Stencils & transfer
The stencil is the outline of the design transferred onto the skin before tattooing. You produce it on thermal paper with a stencil printer (or hectograph paper), then fix it to the skin with transfer solution. A well-set stencil lasts the whole session.
How do I transfer the design onto the skin?
Print the design on thermal paper with a stencil printer, clean and degrease the skin, apply a thin layer of transfer solution, press the paper on for a few seconds, lift it off and let the outline dry before tattooing.
Piercing
Piercing perforates tissue to fit jewellery. Jewellery thickness is measured in gauge (G): 20G = 0.8 mm, 18G = 1.0 mm, 16G = 1.2 mm, 14G = 1.6 mm. Initial jewellery should be implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) or surgical steel to avoid reactions.
Which material for a fresh piercing?
For a fresh piercing choose implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) or 316L/316LVM surgical steel. They are biocompatible and do not release nickel above the restricted limits. Bioflex is a flexible alternative for areas that get irritated.
Can't find your answer?
Browse the FAQ and the guides, or ask the assistant directly — it answers from our catalogue.