How to Shade With a Tattoo Gun

Shading adds depth to a tattoo.

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

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wash made up of ink and sterilized water to create an extremely light shading.

References

• How To Tattoo: Tattoo shading techniques
• How To Tattoo: 4 tips for top notch tattooing