Understanding your Tools

The absolute first step in learning to tattoo is learning everything there is to know about the tools involved in tattooing. This step of the guide will go over the basic tools you will need to tattoo. I recommend you learning everything you can find regarding various tattoo tools available. In this step we’re going to cover all of the essential tools you will need to begin tattooing right away.

First, I’m going to cover what I like to call the "quick and dirty checklist" of tattoo tools.

Tattoo Machines

If you’ll note, I used the plural in this term because eventually you will use multiple machines for different applications during the process of tattooing. One machine is used for lining while another is used for black-and-white shading and yet another for color shading, etc.

Various Tattoo Parts-These consist of various parts that are associated with the tattooing equipment you might need in case of repairs, such as bands, for example.

Feeler Gauge-A feeler gauge is used for making adjustments for contact points

Power Supply-Main Power Unit: This is your main power source to run your

machines.

Foot Switch-The foot switch is used to control your tattoo machine with your foot instead of your hand.

Clip Cords- The main contact connection between your power unit to your tattoo machine.

Tattoo Shop Furniture and Equipment

Tattoo Work Table-This consists of a linoleum or glass top table to hold all of your tattoo supplies or equipment while you tattoo. It is essential you use a table that isn’t too large, yet small enough to work on and hold all your items.

Tattoo Artist Chair-Choose a comfortable chair that you can sit in for long periods of time. Look for one with wheels so you can move easily about.

Customer Chair-A comfortable chair for customers.

Weight Lift Bench (basic)-This is used for customers who are going to be getting tattoos on their back or legs.

Light Source (adjustable)-This is a free standing adjustable light source you can use at various angles.

Paper Towels, Dispenser, and Trash Can-Paper towels are used for all types of purposes while tattooing.

Needle Supplies

Regular Needle Bars-To hold the main needle group.

Needle Jig and Needle Bar Jig-Used to make the right needle group and keep the placement of the groups with the bars.

Soldering Gun and Stainless Solder-Used to fuse or solder the needles together and to connect the needles to the bars.

Tweezers-Used to hold work.

Sterilization Equipment

Autoclave (Stericlave)-This is where most of your equipment is going to be sterilized. This device exposes the equipment to steam at a very high pressure in order to decontaminate it. This is ESSENTIAL!

Autoclave bags-This is a sterile bag where you store needles and other tattooing equipment after it has been sterilized in the autoclave. You should always open new needles from the autoclave bags, right in front of the customer.

Dri-Clave-Table top with sterilizer pouches to check sterilization.

Main Ultrasonic Cleaner and Solution

This is used to clean all the left-over residue from tattoo needles, tubes, etc.

Ultrasonic Tray and Machine Holder-This is a tray that can be submersed in the Ultrasonic Cleaner with the tools attached.

Tattoo Machine Rack-Simple rack to hold unused machines.

Germicidal Solution-A solution that does not rust or sterilize, but keeps sterile equipment clean. Used in machine test tubes.

Medical Equipment

Needle Trays-These are stainless steel trays that will hold your tattoo needles.

Various Spray Bottles

One will hold a three parts water to one part soap mixture and the other will hold isopropyl alcohol.

Small Glass Jar-This will contain sterile ink caps.

Three Stainless Trays-These trays need to have sealing tops. One tray will only contain liner and needle bars. Make sure the 1’s and 3’s point in different directions. Another tray will contain shader needles. Make sure the 4’s and 6’s point in different directions. The last tray will have shader and liner needle tubes both pointing in opposite directions.

(Carbolated)-Used for stencils and skin.

Various Antibiotic Ointments and Solutions-These are used to wipe down the skin for healing.

Green Soap-This is used for cleanup and preparation. Please note that this soap is NOT used for sterilization purposes.

Disposable Razors-Used for skin preparation. It’s hard to do a tattoo on a hairy mess on the body. ALWAYS use a fresh razor for each customer.

Various Handi Wrap, Bandages, and Hospital Tape-Used for safely covering tattoos.

Rubbing Alcohol and Pads-Used for disinfectant on cleanups. Please note that this is

NOT used for sterilization purposes. Use to clean the skin before tattooing.

Tongue Depressors-Used for the application of various ointments.

Sharp Scissors-Stainless steel SHARP hospital scissors.

Latex Gloves-These are surgical latex gloves to be used when tattooing. You should NEVER perform any tattooing without the use of latex gloves. You are protecting yourself and you are protecting your customer. Make sure to check with your customer to make sure they are not allergic to latex. It is possible to buy gloves that are not coated in latex.

Art and Stencil Supplies

Various Colored Inks-A wide variety of colored inks including black ink.

Ink Cups-Used to hold inks. Each customer should have his or her own cups for their ink.

Ink Bottles-These are four ounce sized with a twist top.

Cup Holder-Used to keep all ink caps in place.

Flash-These are various sheets of flash tattoo designs.

Watercolors and Pencils-Used to color flash sheets.

This should give you a very quick list of the essential items you will need to get started tattooing. It may seem as though it is an overwhelming amount of supplies and tools to get going but don’t allow that to discourage you. Remember you can always slowly make additions to your collection and before you know it you will have

a complete set of tattooing supplies.

I would recommend starting with the larger items first, or with what you can afford to purchase. Remember, it’s always best to purchase the best even if that means you have to go a little slower