Ars Tattoo Blog

We continue our series of articles aimed at beginner tattoo artists. If you have already managed to read our tattoo artist's guide, where we advise on how to take your first steps in this profession, it's time to get down to specifics and start assembling the necessary tools for tattooing. This time, we won't be focusing on elements strictly for learning to tattoo, but rather on what you really need to realize your first project on a live model. Let's get started. Accessories for transferring the design Precisely transferring the design onto the client's skin is the foundation of a successful tattoo. You'll need appropriate accessories and equipment, from tracing paper and hectographic ink to a printer. All of these are, of course, available in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer. If you want to create your own portfolio of designs, use a rapidograph to design them. What is a rapidograph? You can find out more about that in another blog article. Tattoo machine – time to choose it consciously Beginner tattoo artists often experiment with different types of machines, which is highly recommended. During the learning phase, it's worth testing both classic coil machines and more advanced rotary machines. If you've already done that and know which machine works best for you, then buy a model tailored to your expectations, one that will guarantee an accurate reproduction of the design on the model's skin. A wide selection of branded tattoo machines, including super comfortable wireless machines, can, of course, be found in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer. Ars Tattoo Expert Tip: You can also try your hand at the handpoke technique, for which you don't need a machine. You can read more about it in a separate article on our blog. Needles/cartridges Introducing ink under the skin requires either classic needles or cartridges. The former are dedicated to coil machines and are more often chosen by so-called old-school tattoo artists. If you prefer working with a rotary machine, you will certainly opt for cartridges – much more convenient and much easier to quickly change during a project. Both needles and cartridges can be found in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer. Grip This is a small but very useful accessory for tattooing. Simply put, a grip helps guide the needle more easily. This directly translates to greater comfort and precision during work. At Ars Tattoo, we offer many variants of grips for cartridges and standard needles, including disposable, rubber, silicone models, and those with adapters to fit the grip to a specific machine. Inks Tattoo inks are, of course, an essential attribute of a tattoo artist. Available in an enormous variety of colors, they determine not only the aesthetics but also the durability of the tattoo. Remember to use only REACH-compliant inks for tattooing people, which guarantees safety and the absence of undesirable skin reactions. Anesthesia It may not be essential, but it's worth having on hand if your model turns out to have a low pain threshold. Tattoo anesthetics, of course, do not guarantee complete elimination of unpleasant sensations, but they significantly increase the comfort of the person being tattooed (and thus the tattoo artist, who no longer has to "fight" with a constantly squirming client). You can read more about how tattoo anesthetic works in a separate article on our blog. Petroleum jelly Modest petroleum jelly is also an important part of a tattoo kit. You'll use it to improve needle/cartridge glide, which translates to better working comfort. Additionally, tattoo petroleum jelly provides extra moisture and skin protection. We write more about which petroleum jelly to choose in another article on the blog. Hygiene, care, protection Tattooing is not just the – let's call it – artistic and technical part, but also the entire setup that determines the comfort and safety of the client. You need to stock up on a range of products to maintain hygiene at the workstation, as well as to protect the fresh tattoo and care for it during the initial, critical stage. Assemble a kit consisting of professional hygiene and disinfection products, tattoo cosmetics, and special dressings – Ars Tattoo consistently recommends the best solution of this type, which is second skin. These are, of course, only the most important items you need for tattooing. Let's not forget about small accessories, such as disposable gloves, cups, or the entire tattoo studio equipment. Frequently asked questions and answers What do you need to do a tattoo? The basic elements are a tattoo machine, needles or cartridges, and ink. In addition to this, there are smaller, though no less important, accessories, such as a machine grip, hygiene products, and cosmetics that improve the comfort of the client and the tattoo artist (tattoo petroleum jelly, optionally anesthetic, skin and workstation disinfectant, fresh tattoo dressing). What types of tattoo machines are there? The two basic groups are classic coil machines and much more modern rotary machines. The latter are further divided into several variants, including pen-type and wireless machines. Can you get a tattoo without a machine? Yes, a tattoo can be done using the handpoke technique, meaning with just needles. This is a traditional form of tattooing that is currently experiencing a renaissance of interest, guaranteeing a unique effect (but also requiring excellent skills from the tattoo artist).

Many novice tattoo artists focus on perfecting their technique and developing design skills, testing various machines, tattooing on artificial skins, making sketches, etc. One can easily get lost in this, forgetting about the "boring" but equally important elements of the tattooing process. Maintaining hygiene is an absolute must, not only from a safety perspective but also for comfort at work. A professional must meticulously care for the client's skin and workstation cleanliness, and the sterility of tools, which is greatly aided by using a tattoo disinfectant spray. What is it? How to use this product? Which spray to buy? We have many valuable tips for you. Tattoo disinfectant spray – a dual interpretation We all tend to use shortcuts in thinking, and it's no different in the tattoo industry. Many professionals use the term "tattoo disinfectant spray" to refer to both products used for routine skin cleansing during and after tattooing (during the healing phase of the tattoo) and disinfectants for tools. In our article, we will look at both to help you gather the appropriate products useful at different stages of working on a project. What to use to clean a tattoo? Cleaning the tattoo during tattooing is fundamental for maintaining hygiene and thus client safety, also allowing for precise replication of the design. This aims not only to remove blood but also petroleum jelly or excess ink. You must have such a product at hand, preferably as a backup. Ars Tattoo experts particularly recommend Tattoo Eazer Foam. It is not a typical tattoo disinfectant spray, but a gentle cleansing foam that has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is based on natural potassium soap with the addition of linseed oil, witch hazel water, and aloe vera extract. Thanks to this, it not only effectively cleans the skin but also soothes irritations and improves skin elasticity, reduces bleeding, and facilitates tattooing. Ars Tattoo expert tip: Using Tattoo Eazer Foam is also the first stage of proper tattoo aftercare – it can also be used during skin healing, for example, to clean the tattoo before changing a dressing, including second skin. An alternative to foam is special green soap, for example, Onyx Magic Soap, which should be diluted with water and applied with a spray dispenser. This is a slightly cheaper option, which may interest novice tattoo artists looking to reduce costs. Disinfection of tools and workstation During tattooing, you must absolutely ensure that your workstation is clean and sterile – the client has trusted you, so make sure they don't later have skin problems caused by infection. Start by thoroughly disinfecting your studio equipment, i.e., the chair, your chair, and the table – you can use the most common disinfectant liquid for this, for example, Velox Spray Neutral (effective in 15 seconds against fungi and 30 seconds against bacteria). After finishing work, do not forget to thoroughly wash and disinfect the entire workstation. As for reusable tools, such as grips or tips, they are best disinfected using an autoclave, i.e., an ultrasonic cleaner or a sterilizer for tattoo accessories. Maintaining hygiene during tattooing is not limited to disinfecting surfaces, sterilizing tools, and cleaning the client's skin. You also need a range of small accessories that ensure the highest standard of cleanliness, such as nitrile gloves, underlays (sheets), or a protective apron. All of this, of course, you can buy at Ars Tattoo. Most frequent questions and answers What and why to disinfect a tattoo? During tattooing, the skin should be regularly cleaned to remove blood, petroleum jelly, or excess ink. We recommend using gentle Tattoo Eazer Foam. What is better for cleaning a tattoo: foam or soap? Special soap for cleaning and disinfecting tattoos (green soap) is a good and inexpensive choice, but foam is more convenient to use. Choose what you work with better. Why is a fresh tattoo cleaned? In fact, we clean the skin, not the tattoo itself. This is to neutralize bacteria or other microorganisms, thus eliminating the risk of skin infection. Disinfection also constitutes the first stage of fresh tattoo aftercare. What to use to clean the tattoo artist's workstation? For disinfecting surfaces, including the chair or table, it is best to use a liquid dedicated to cleaning medical equipment, such as Velox Spray Neutral. How to clean tattoo tools? The best choice is to invest in a so-called autoclave, meaning an ultrasonic cleaner or a sterilizer. This ensures that you can safely use reusable tools.