Tattooing is an art form that has been practiced for centuries, evolving from its traditional roots into a diverse industry. One of the most crucial elements in achieving stunning tattoo designs is the selection of the right tools, and at the heart of these tools are tattoo needle cartridges. These small but essential components come in a variety of sizes and uses, each serving a specific purpose in the tattooing process.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of tattoo needle cartridge sizes and uses. Whether you’re an aspiring tattoo artist looking to understand the fundamentals or a professional aiming to refine your skills, this article will provide valuable insights into the world of tattoo needles.
A quick guide to tattoo cartridge
Tattoo needle cartridges are containers that house needles used for tattooing. These cartridges are designed to attach to tattoo machines, allowing for precise and controlled needle movement. Unlike traditional tattoo needles, which need to be manually inserted into the tattoo machine, cartridges simplify the process and reduce the risk of contamination.
The tattoo needles inside these cartridges vary in size, configuration, and grouping, offering artists a wide range of options to achieve various tattoo styles and effects. Choosing the right cartridge size and configuration is crucial for achieving the desired outcome.
Tattoo Needle Cartridge Sizes
#08 Guage(0.25mm)BUGPIN
They are often referred to as bugpins and have a slower flow of ink, so they are suitable for intricate detailing.
#10 Guage (0.30mm)DoubleZero
Doublezero is very popular among tattoo artists and it tends to be the middle ground. It provides a steady flow, but does not restrict and slow down the flow as much as a bugpin does.
#12 gauge (0.35mm)Standard
A 12 guage called standard , but they have a faster ink flow rate, which means they are suitable for shading and coloring over larger areas.
Configurations and Uses
Round Liner Needles
Round liner needles, often as RL needles, are a specific type of tattoo needle configuration used primarily for outlining and creating clean, fine lines in tattoo designs. Round liner tattoo needles are typically configured with a single row of needles that are tightly grouped together in a circular pattern. The number of needles in the configuration can vary, with common options including 1RL, 3RL, 5RL, and so on. Smaller needle sizes (e.g., 1RL) are used for extremely fine lines, while larger sizes (e.g., 5RL) can create slightly thicker outlines.
Used For: lining,detailed work, lettering, small shapes, and delicate designs.Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Geometric. Tribal. Samoan.
Round Shader Needles
Round shader needles are very similar to round liners except the pins are not placed as close together.Theyare commonly used in creating gradients, shadows, and smooth transitions of color within a tattoo design. The number of needles in a round shader configuration can vary, typically ranging from 3 to 9 or more, with 5 and 7 being common sizes.
Used For:Some line work. Script and lettering. Basic shading and colour filling. Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Geometric. Tribal. Samoan Style.
Round/Curved Magnum Needles
Curved magnum tattoo needles are designed for shading and coloring work in tattooing. The term “curved magnum” refers to the shape of the configuration, which is typically rounded or curved, allowing for smooth and controlled application of ink.
Curved magnum cartridges are often used to fill in larger areas and create gradients or shading in a tattoo. They are different from traditional magnum needles in that they have a curved shape, which can help the tattoo artist to follow the natural contours of the body and achieve a smoother transition between different shades of ink. The curved design also allows for better ink flow and distribution during the tattooing process.
Used for: All types of shading and colour packing. Colour realism. Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Tribal. Samoan.
Weaved Magnum Needles
A weaved magnum needle cartridge typically consists of multiple, closely spaced needles, often arranged in two or more parallel rows. These rows of needles are usually set in such a way that they form a checkerboard or “weaved” pattern. The weaved design allows for the distribution of ink in a way that creates a textured look, making it ideal for creating patterns, gradients, and shading effects in tattoos, such as the appearance of fabric or other textured surfaces.
Tattoo artists use weaved magnum tattoo needles to add depth and detail to their designs, particularly when they want to achieve a specific texture or pattern in the tattoo. These cartridges can be particularly useful when working on projects that require a realistic depiction.
Used for: Packing black or colour, tribal designs, colour blends, some black and grey.
FAQ
Though tattoo needle cartridges can have somewhat of a universal fit for rotary machines, each brand of tattoo cartridge may have a slightly different fit. Consulting the supplier with the compatibility of the tattoo cartridge needle before purchasing
#12 or 0.35mm needles may also call them Standards.
1209M1″ tattoo needle is a configuration with 12 needles grouped together in a magnum arrangement. Tattoo artists would use this type of needle for shading or coloring larger areas of a tattoo, as it allows for efficient ink delivery and blending.
Tattoo needle sizes, including sizes 10 and 12, refer to the diameter of the individual needles within the needle grouping. The main difference between these two sizes is the thickness or gauge of the needles, and this can affect the appearance of the tattoo lines and shading.
The choice of needle size for tattoo lining depends on the specific design and style of the tattoo, as well as the artist’s preferences. However, there are some commonly used needle sizes for lining work in tattoos. Tattoo artists typically use needles with smaller diameters for lining to create fine and precise lines. The most common sizes for tattoo lining needles include: size 3,size5,size7,size9.size14
The “best” tattoo needle cartridge can vary from artist to artist and depends on individual preferences, the style of tattooing, and the specific application. Different cartridges are designed for various purposes, such as lining, shading, coloring, and creating various effects.The article titled 8 top tattoo needle cartridges brands is included some well-regarded tattoo needle cartridge brands ,it can be a guide for you to the world of tattoo cartridges
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