What tattoo needle is best for shading?
Apr 30, 2021
by Spark Tattoo Cartridges
A 12 gauge might be referred to as standards, but they have a faster flow of ink which means they are good for shading and coloring even in bigger areas.
35mm, diameter. #12 is one of the larger-diameter needle sizes available and the most commonly used size. By comparison, #10, or 0.30mm, is the size tattoo artists most often like to use when doing lining work.
Larger flat needles can be used for colour fills and shading as they deliver more ink quickly with just one pass. Flat needles are good for intricate shading such as in geometric patterns and some mandala work. Flat shader needles are also common in semi-permanent makeup.