How to choose the ideal tattoo needles? A guide to markings and configurations.
How to Choose the Perfect Tattoo Needles? A Guide to Markings and Configurations.
You enter doink.pl, open the "Needles" category, and see a series of numbers like 1205RL or 1009MG. Even for someone who has been in the industry for a few years, these markings can be tedious, and for beginners – it's black magic. However, it is these numbers that determine whether your outline will be sharp as a razor or whether the shading will spread smoothly like velvet.
Decoding the Code: Diameter and Number of Needles
The first two digits (e.g., 10 or 12) represent the diameter of a single wire.
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10 (0.30 mm): Use when you need very precise details and a slower ink flow.
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12 (0.35 mm): The most versatile, providing a solid pigment flow and reliable strike.
The next two digits simply indicate the number of needles soldered into one set. "05" means five needles, "09" means nine – simple, right?
Configurations – What to Use Them For?
The most important part is the letters at the end. They define the purpose of the needle:
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RL (Round Liner): Needles soldered into a tight point. Your foundation for outlines. Remember, good quality tattoo needles RL should not "hook" the skin – they must enter smoothly and leave a full line in one stroke.
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RS (Round Shader): Needles arranged parallel, looser than in RL. Ideal for filling small areas and thicker outlines.
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MG / M1 (Magnum): The king of shading and filling. Two rows of needles that allow for quick work on large surfaces without excessively tearing the client's skin.
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RM/SEM (Round Magnum / Soft Edge Magnum): Magnum arranged in an arc. A must-have for realism and soft transitions – helps avoid "steps" and sharp edges in shading.
What to Look for When Buying?
A good tattoo supply store offers needles that have perfectly smooth soldering and are made of hard steel. Why is this important? Soft steel dulls faster, which means that at the end of a long session, the needle tears the skin more than it punctures it. The effect? Poor healing and an unhappy client.
Summary
Choosing a needle is a matter of style, but also technology. If you are looking for reliable cartridges or classic needles that won't let you down halfway through your work, check out our section [Needles and Cartridges on doink.pl]. Remember, the equipment is an extension of your hand – it's not worth saving on it.
