Entering the world of tattooing can be exciting, but also overwhelming, especially when faced with the vast array of tattoo needles available. Understanding the differences between a round liner, magnum, or Bugpin needle is crucial for any aspiring or experienced tattoo artist. This guide aims to demystify Tattoo Needle Sizes and their uses, providing a clear and comprehensive overview to help you make informed decisions for your art.
Understanding tattoo needles doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide will walk you through the various tattoo needle sizes and their specific applications in tattooing. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your technique, grasping the nuances of needle types is essential. Exploring different tattoo styles and the needles they require will significantly enhance your skills and artistry.
Let’s dive into tattoo needles 101, exploring tattoo needle sizes and their uses. Don’t be intimidated by the variety; with a little understanding, you’ll be confidently selecting the right needles for every tattoo. This knowledge is a fundamental step towards becoming a proficient tattoo artist.
Decoding Tattoo Needle Types and Sizes
Round Liner (RL) Needles: Precision for Lines and Details
Round liner needles are configured in a circular pattern and are specifically designed for creating crisp, clean lines. These needles are ideal for outlines, intricate details, and any design that requires precise linework. The size of a round liner needle is indicated by a numerical value, with smaller numbers representing finer needles and larger numbers indicating thicker ones. For instance, a 01 RL is incredibly fine, perfect for delicate lines, while a 14 RL is considerably thicker, suitable for bold outlines. Round liners are designed to deposit a smaller amount of ink, which is essential for detailed work and techniques like dot work.
Alt text: Close-up of round liner tattoo needles, demonstrating their circular configuration ideal for precise lines.
Round Shader (RS) Needles: Softness for Shading and Filling
Similar in configuration to round liners, round shader needles differ in their pin arrangement. The pins in a round shader are spaced slightly further apart, making them better suited for shading, soft color fills, and blending. While they can follow outlines, their primary function is to add depth and dimension to tattoos.
Magnum (M) Shader Needles: Coverage for Large Areas and Shading
Magnum shader needles are the go-to choice for artists needing to cover larger areas efficiently and effectively. They are excellent for various shading techniques and are particularly advantageous when working on expansive tattoo designs. Magnum needles are designed to deposit a significant amount of ink, allowing for quick coverage and smooth, consistent shading across larger skin surfaces.
Alt text: Example of magnum tattoo needles, showing their staggered configuration for efficient ink deposition and shading large areas.
Curved Magnum (RM) Shaders: Gentle and Even Ink Distribution
Curved magnum shaders, also known as soft edge magnums, share the ink-dispersing capabilities of standard magnums but with a gentler approach. Their curved configuration ensures a more even ink distribution and reduces potential trauma to the skin. These needles are particularly favored for delicate shading and achieving smooth gradients, minimizing skin irritation and promoting faster healing.
Double Stack Magnum (M2) Shader Needles: Dense Ink Packing (Less Common)
Double stack magnum shader needles feature a denser pin configuration compared to standard magnums. While designed for heavy ink packing, they have become less popular over time.
Flat (F) Shader Needles: Straight Lines and Bold Shading
Flat shader needles are arranged in a straight line, making them versatile for both lining and shading. They can deliver a substantial amount of ink quickly, which is beneficial for creating dark, solid shading and bold lines. Flat shaders are particularly useful for geometric and mandala-style tattoos that require sharp, straight lines and solid black areas. They are also utilized in certain semi-permanent makeup applications.
Tattoo Needle Sizes and Uses Chart: Your Quick Reference
The following chart provides a comprehensive overview of various tattoo needle groupings, their corresponding tube sizes, and common applications. This tattoo needle sizes and uses chart serves as a practical guide for selecting the appropriate needles for different tattooing tasks.
| Needle Grouping | Tube Size | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 4F, 5F | 4 – 5 flat | Lines and detail |
| 6F, 7F | 6 – 7 flat | Shading, thick lines, and color fill |
| 9F | 8 – 9 flat | Shading and color fill |
| 5M1 | 4 – 5 flat | Thick lines, color fill, and shading |
| 7M1 | 6 – 7 flat | Lines, shading, and color fill |
| 9M1 | 8 – 9 flat | Thick outlines, shading, color fill |
| 11M1 | 11 flat | Color fill and shading |
| 13M1 | 13 flat | Color fill and shading |
| 15M1 | 15 flat | Color fill and shading |
| 5M2, 7M2, 9M2 | 4 – 5 flat | Outlines, lines, detail, and shading |
| 11M2, 13M2 | 6 -7 flat | Thick outlines, thick lines, shading, and color fill |
| 15M2 | 8 – 9 flat | Color fill and shading |
| 5MR | 4 – 5 flat | Small lines, detail work, and intricate shading |
| 7MR | 6 – 7 flat | Lines, shading, color fill, and detail work |
| 9MR | 8 – 9 flat | Outlines, shading, and color fill |
| 11MR | 11 flat | Color fill and shading |
| 13MR | 13 flat | Color fill and shading |
| 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 |
| 8RL, 9RL | 8 – 9 round | Shading, thick outlines, and color fill |
| 11RL, 14 RL | 11 – 14 round | Shading and colors |
| 3RS | 1 – 3 round | Lines and detail |
| 5RS | 4 – 5 round | Lines, small shading areas, and small detail |
| 7RS | 7 round | Shading, lines, small area fill in |
| 8RS, 9RS | 8 – 9 round | Shading, thick outlines, and color fill in |
| 14RS | 11 – 14 round | Shading and color |
Tattoo Needle Codes: Understanding the Abbreviations
Tattoo needle codes are standardized abbreviations that indicate the needle type and configuration. Deciphering these codes is essential for ordering and selecting the correct needles.
- RL (Round Liner): As mentioned, for lining and detailed work.
- RS (Round Shader): For shading and soft color fills.
- F (Flat Shader): For straight lines and bold shading.
- M1 (Weaved Magnum): Standard magnum shader for general shading and large areas.
- M2 (Stacked Magnum): Double stack magnum for heavy ink packing (less common).
- RM (Round Magnum) / CM (Curved Magnum): For soft, even shading and gentle ink distribution.
Tattoo Needle Diameters (Gauges): Ink Flow and Detail
Tattoo needles come in various diameters, often referred to as gauges. The gauge affects ink flow and the level of detail achievable. Three common gauges are:
#8 Gauge (0.25mm): Bugpins for Intricate Details
#8 gauge needles, often called Bugpins, are the smallest of the common gauges. Their fine diameter results in a slower ink flow, making them ideal for highly intricate details, fine lines, and delicate work. Bugpins are favored when precision is paramount.
#10 Gauge (0.30mm): The Popular Middle Ground
#10 gauge needles are a popular choice among tattoo artists, representing a versatile middle ground. They offer a balanced ink flow – steady but not too slow – making them suitable for a wide range of tattooing tasks, from lining to shading and color packing. Artists sometimes refer to this size as “double zeros.”
#12 Gauge (0.35mm): Standards for Bold Lines and Fast Filling
#12 gauge needles, sometimes called “standards,” have a larger diameter, facilitating a faster ink flow. This makes them excellent for shading, color filling, and creating bold lines, especially when covering larger areas quickly and efficiently.
Other gauges exist, including #6 (0.20mm), #14 (0.40mm), and #16 (0.45mm), each designed for specific applications and effects.
Choosing the Right Tattoo Needles: Matching Needles to Technique
Selecting the appropriate tattoo needles is a critical decision that directly impacts the outcome of your tattoo art. The key is to align your needle choice with the desired effect and tattooing technique. Consider the style of tattoo, the specific area being tattooed, and whether you are outlining, shading, or color filling. Using the correct needle for each task will ensure the best results and contribute to the overall quality and longevity of your tattoos.
Download our Tattoo Needles Sizes and Uses Chart Here.
If you’re looking to get tattooed or further explore the art of tattooing, Skin Design Tattoo boasts some of the best tattoo studios in the U.S.. Our studios feature top-tier tattoo artists at multiple locations nationwide, including tattoo shops in Las Vegas, Hawaii, California, and New York City. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and bring your tattoo vision to life.
