Evaluate the tattoo design. Flat shader needles can be configured to be narrow or wide depending upon the number of needles which are soldered to the needle bar. Select shaders based on the areas of one color, choosing narrower shaders for narrow areas and wider shaders for wide areas.
Arrange the ink colors being used in the design in disposable ink cups. The cups should be wide enough to accommodate the flat shader which you have chosen for the design.
Attach the flat shader to your tattoo machine. Thread the needle through the sanitary tube and attach the looped end of the needle bar to the armature of the machine. Tighten the nut to attach the needle to the machine and adjust the needle depth. Adjust the speed of the machine from the power supply.
Dip the flat shader needle in the ink cup and press the foot pedal to work the machine. Press the foot pedal to work the needle, then place the needle against the skin in a shading area to begin using the flat shader needle. Continue to re-ink the needle and shade the area until finished.