Tattoo Needle Sizes, Counts & Groupings
| Needle Grouping | Tube Size | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 15MR | 15 flat | Color fill and shading |
| 1RL, 3RL | 1 – 3 round | Lines, intricate shading, and fill-in |
| 4RL, 5RL | 4 – 5 round | Outlines, shading, and fill-in |
| 7RL | 7 round | Shading and color fill |
Also question is, what size needle is best for tattoo lining?
#12 gauges are highly popular across all needle groupings and tattoo styles. Anyone referring to #12 or 0.35mm needles may also call them Standards. Common in lining and traditional work as they have a faster ink flow. Great for bold lines and colour packing/shading large areas.
Moreover, can you line with a shading needle?
Shader needles can also be used for lining and there is no reason why you shouldn’t use them.
What angle do you tattoo at?
between 45 and 60
What is the thinnest tattoo needle?
For example, a 3RL would be 3 needle points, and a 9MS would be 9 needle points. The smaller the number, the smaller the mark. A 1rl is the smallest needle available, but can be hard to work with. In our kits, 3rl is the smallest needle in our kits.
How deep do you go when tattooing?
Generally speaking, a tattoo needle needs to penetrate between 1mm and 2mm into the skin, beyond the 5 layers of epidermis and into the dermis layer. Anything deeper can lead to infection.
Can I use a shader tattoo machine as a liner?
Similarly, can you shade with a liner machine? You can put a liner needle in a shader (not a color packer with a hard hit!) for that effect or you use a soft six wrap liner for small needle settings. You can whip shade with liners which gives you a traditional style of the tattoo but not a soft shade.
How do I know which tattoo needle to use?
Choosing the size of a needle is all about what kind of tattoo you’re doing.
- Round and low for lining small tattoos.
- Thick lines, large canvas designs (think back work), or shading, you’ll want a needle that’s more round.
- Mags are versatile and are the best thing for working with color.
What needle size is best for stick and poke?
0.35mm
Can you use a piercing needle for stick and poke?
You can use a normal sewing needle but a tattoo needle works the best. DO NOT USE A HOLLOW PIERCING NEEDLE OR SAFETY PIN.
How long do stick and poke tattoos last?
between five and ten years
Do you push or pull when tattooing?
Absolutely this. If u pull the machine backwards the needle becomes loose & jumps around. The reason we bend the needle slightly & put rubber bands on is to keep the needle tight against the tip. If you use diamonds you can pull a line without it jumping all over the place.
Can I line with a 5rs?
Yes lining with a rs is very common. You will get a more consistent and solid line because the grouping does not taper. When using a rs, you need to slow your hand speed slightly or you will notice you’ll get tiny individual lines.
What is a curved magnum tattoo needle?
Round curve magnums are used for shading, blending and coloring large areas with less impact to the skin. The needles are made in an arch formation to better deflect the skin when it goes in and out.
