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How to Shade With a Tattoo Gun

It is important for a tattoo artist to know how to shade with a tattoo gun. Shading contributes to a higher standard of body art, often preferred over a simple outline tattoo, which can appear flat. One benefit of shading is that it adds depth to the image, making the image more three-dimensional. Shading can also add detail to a black and grey portrait piece, making the image appear more lifelike.

Things You'll Need

  • Tattoo gun
  • Ink
  • Shading needle
  • Lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach a specialized shading needle to the tattoo gun (This must be sterilized). The tip of the shading needle is made up of a number of tiny needles that are specifically measured and fitted so that they inject the skin in exactly the right depth.

    • 2

      Grease the relevant area of skin by applying a thin layer of lubricant before beginning the shading. This will ensure that the needle can glide easily across the skin to increase the standard of the final piece.

    • 3

      Begin shading. Move the tattoo gun slowly over the skin to create a dark shading effect. To create a lighter effect move the gun across the skin at a quicker pace while being less invasive with the needle. After completing each small section of the tattoo, wipe with a clean cloth to get rid of any excess ink and view the section clearly.

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