What tattoo needle is best for shading?
Magnum needles are the most popular for shading. This style of needle groupings holds the most ink. Therefore, they easily transfer and pack large amounts of color into the skin. One pass can distribute more ink across the skin to quickly cover large sections.
What setting should a tattoo gun be on for shading?
Six volts is appropriate for lining. Most tattoo artists adjust voltage by listening carefully to the sound of the gun–it should produce a steady buzz or a hum. The sound shouldn’t crackle or sound make a staccato noise such such as those made by machine guns or typewriters.

What voltage should a tattoo be when shading?
8-10v
Generally most artists use voltages around 7v-9v for lining (8 should be a good start) and 8-10v for shading.
How do you do shading techniques?
Various shading techniques used to shade simple, geometric shapes….
- Hatching/Parallel Hatching. This can be considered the most basic of all of the shading techniques included here.
- Cross Hatching. Cross Hatching is like taking parallel hatching to the next level.
- Contour Hatching.
- Stippling.
- Tick Hatching.
- Woven Hatching.
Why do tattoo artists water down ink?

Things You’ll Need. Tattoo ink comes in a variety of colors, but certain pieces may require a custom color or shade of pigment which isn’t available. In this case, the tattoo artist may choose to dilute her tattoo ink, creating a lighter or more delicate shade of a color.
Do you use green soap while tattooing?
Green soap is used in tattoo and piercing studios for everything from prepping the tattoo or piercing site to cleaning tattoo machines. It’s a great remover of dirt, blood, and tattoo ink. Because it’s non-corrosive, it can also be used to safely soak equipment to loosen dried debris before cleaning and sterilization.
Why isn’t the ink staying in when I tattoo?
One cause of ink not going in is: Needle is set too far out for that viscosity ink. The tip is the reservoir for the ink. Surface tension holds the ink in the tip and on an object (the needle cluster).
How do you know where to shade?
Determine the surface where the shadow would land, and use the side of your pencil to shade in the drop shadow.
- Look at a photograph or a still-life to see how your light angle affects the drop shadow.
- The hardness of the edge of your drop shadow depends on the strength of your light source.