Begin by outlining the tattoo with a regular liner tattoo needle. Once the outline is complete, begin shading the darker areas of the tattoo. Work your way in until you have shaded the lighter areas.
Use a flat magnum shader to create a flowing look on objects such as water, fire and hair within a tattoo. Larger flat magnum shaders are used when a large area is being covered. Smaller flat magnum shaders, however, will cover smaller areas and will help with the creation of intricate designs.
Use a round magnum shader to add minor details to a tattoo. These shaders will also add more depth, since their smaller size allows them to fill in with more precision. Tattoos that require intricate shading with different tones and values should be done with a round magnum shader.
Rotate a round magnum shader in a circular motion for the best effect. Rotating a flat magnum shader in a circular motion, however, will scratch the skin and can potentially cause scarring. Tattoo with a flat magnum shader using linear strokes.
Adjust the depth of the needle according to the darkness of a shade. The depth of a needle alters how far the needle penetrates the skin. For lighter shades, a shallow depth is required. For darker shades, add more depth to the needle by adjusting the dials located above the handle.