Use only as many lines as you need to execute your design. Avoid excessive detail and lines in your design. Fewer lines make your tattoo simpler and clearer and help avoid visual clutter while also reducing the time it takes to ink the design.
Pull on latex gloves.
Transfer the design to a stencil and apply the stencil to the area you wish to tattoo.
Select a three-needle outliner for your initial outline. A three-needle outliner produces a very fine line while a four- or five-needle outliner produces a thicker line. Larger pieces may require thicker outlines than smaller pieces; you can always switch sizes during outlining.
Rub the area you will tattoo lightly with petroleum jelly.
Dab any blood or excess ink during outlining with a paper towel. Do not smear the blood or ink or you may risk wiping away your stencil.
Stretch the skin gently with your free hand as you tattoo. This will provide an even surface on which to apply the outline. Avoid overstretching the skin by pressing too hard as this can cause excess bleeding or scarring.
Apply a thin black outline to the tattoo using the tattoo outliner of your choice. Work slowly around the outer edge of the design from the bottom to the top, then outline the interior lines.
Switch to a larger outliner for thicker lines. Using outliners of different sizes can make some lines stand out more than others and appear more three dimensional.
Stop frequently to check your work and gently dab excess ink and blood from the tattoo.
Check the outline when you have finished to ensure you have outlined the entire tattoo.
Clean the tattoo with a solution of one part rubbing alcohol to 10 parts distilled water.