It is possible to both line and shade with a single tattoo gun, but it requires taking apart the gun and changing its settings between the lining and shading steps. Also Know, what's the difference between tattoo guns?
How hard is it to get a tattoo lined?
Lining isn't as easy as you may think. You need to put a lot of time and consideration into lining. Lining is not a race. Usually the lining of a tattoo will take you longer than shading or coloring it.
Can you tattoo over a pattern?
When tattooing over a pattern you can't just start in the middle, because after two or three lines you will no longer be able to see the pattern or what you are doing. You have to start from the bottom and work up and away from your predominant hand.
How to line a tattoo with a clip?
You need to put a lot of time and consideration into lining. Lining is not a race. Usually the lining of a tattoo will take you longer than shading or coloring it. Now that your machine is set up you can attach the clip cord. It doesn't matter which way. Run the machine and check the tuning.
How can I Make my Tattoo machine more precise?
Every time you dip for pigment, black or color, you should barely touch the tip of the needle to the paper towel at an angle. This will remove most of the extra pigment and allow you to better see what you are doing. Other than that, the more fine tuned your machine is the smoother the lines.
Can you use a rotary tattoo machine for lining and shading?
Most rotary machines can be used for lining and shading. The only part of a rotary machine that will increase performance in either duty is the cam. The cam can come in different sizes. The larger the cam, the longer the rotation and the slower the machine.
Can you use a liner needle for shading?
RL or round liner needles are used for lining. RS or round shader are used for shading. Flats are used for areas with geometric shapes and shading. Weaved magnums are used for shading, blending and coloring large areas.
What's the difference between lining and shading tattoo guns?
The most significant distinction between liner and shader tattoo devices is their way of operating. A liner tool is used to make the frameworks of tattoo design and the blackwork. A shader is a tool that brings tones and colors to the artwork. The front component of a shader is bigger than that of a liner.
Can you use a round shader needle as a liner?
0:5229:24Tattooing 101-How To Line With A Round Shader - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell. Let's go ahead and continue here i'm going to go ahead and i'm going to be lining thisMoreWell. Let's go ahead and continue here i'm going to go ahead and i'm going to be lining this traditional style snake as you can see right there and again we are going to use a standard 14. Round.
What voltage should a lining tattoo be?
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 size needle is best for tattoo lining?
The narrower the diameter of the needle, the finer and more controlled the stream of ink that flows out of it. That's why #10 needles are so popular for line work; the ink flow is finer and more controlled than with a #12 or #13, but not quite as constricted as with a #8 or #6 tattoo needle.
How do you tell if a tattoo machine is a liner or a shader?
0:231:54What is The difference between Liner & Shader Tattoo Machine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight here for the front spring. Comes out and here where the amateur bar is still more longer thanMoreRight here for the front spring. Comes out and here where the amateur bar is still more longer than the front spring. Itself. So this is the liner. And this is the shader.
How do you tune a lining and shading tattoo machine?
9:3017:04How To Tune Your Tattoo Machine Like A Pro!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all we have to do is run the Machine check the Hertz on the power supply turn the contact screwMoreSo all we have to do is run the Machine check the Hertz on the power supply turn the contact screw until the Hertz read 130. And that's our machine all tuned up right run.
How deep do you tattoo into skin?
So, how deep, to be exact, should a needle go into the skin? The answer is – approximately 1/16th inch deep into the skin. This means that the ink will be placed exactly between the 2mm of the dermis layer.
How do you get bold lines when tattooing?
5:598:02How To Tattoo Bold Lines! Plus Full Demonstration Tattooing Real Skin ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy using the stacking method with a large needle configuration. For me it gives the line a niceMoreBy using the stacking method with a large needle configuration. For me it gives the line a nice smooth polished finish.
How can I make my tattoo lining better?
1:187:34How To Tattoo - Line Work (How To Improve Your Lines) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou cannot hide bad line work if your lines suck your entire tattoo is going to suck. So spend timeMoreYou cannot hide bad line work if your lines suck your entire tattoo is going to suck. So spend time making them as nice as you can do not rush over time you'll get faster at lining.
What needles to use for thick lines?
For thicker lines/shading/colourpacking, one would use a larger needle grouping like an 11, 13 or even 23 magnum. The last letters in the code refer to the way that the needles are arranged or grouped. In the example, RL refers to round liner.
How do you use a shading needle?
4:1115:25HOW TO TATTOO: SOFT SHADING WITH A MAG NEEDLE!!! IN REAL ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet more saturation running on its side. But you do again need to be careful not to overwork theMoreGet more saturation running on its side. But you do again need to be careful not to overwork the skin running outside can really cause a lot of trauma. So be careful. And then on the other. Side.
How do you tell the difference between a liner and shade tattoo machine?
0:201:54What is The difference between Liner & Shader Tattoo Machine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo right in front of me I have two tattoo machines. One is a liner tattoo machine and one is aMoreSo right in front of me I have two tattoo machines. One is a liner tattoo machine and one is a shader and the big huge difference between these two items here if you can't notice is the front spring
What is machine stroke?
A tattoo machine’s stroke, or “throw,” is the distance the armature bar travels from its most upright position to its most down position. In rotary machines, the stroke refers to the amount of travel required for one rotation. The further the bearing is away from the centre of the cam, the longer the stroke.
When to use different strokes
A shorter stroke (1.8-2.5mm) is good for applying soft black and grey. This style often requires multiple passes to build up layers of ink. The softer-hitting stroke allows you to create these layered, smooth blends without chewing out the skin. A short stroke cannot be used for lining.
Adjusting Your Machine Stroke
What stroke does my machine have? The machine’s stroke or possible stroke range will be listed when you buy your machine. Some machines can be adjusted and others cannot. You will need to know this about your machine before purchasing.
Practice Makes Perfect
Picking the right stroke is only one aspect of achieving perfect lines, colour packing, and shading. Improve your craft by joining the world’s first and largest online education platform for tattooing.
Looking for a tattoo apprenticeship?
Nathan is a licensed professional tattoo artist with over 8 years’ experience working at studios across the globe, including Celebrity Ink, the world's largest tattoo studio chain. When he's not tattooing, he spends his free time sharing his experience and knowledge with aspiring artists who dream of pursuing a career in the tattooing industry.
