Tattoo Supplies Guide

There are many basic supplies that every tattoo artist needs to have to run their operation effectively. If you are interested in becoming a tattoo artist, you’ll need to learn what these supplies are and how to effectively use them as a tattoo artist to give people good, unique tattoos.

Here’s an overview of the necessary tattoo supplies followed by a brief description for each item.

Tattoo Machine. Also commonly referred to as a tattoo gun.
One can think of the tatto machine as a type of pencil for drawing, except that instead of drawing pictures with pencil lead on a piece of paper, a tattoo artist uses the tattoo machine to draw pictures on a body’s person with tattoo ink. The machine uses tattoo needles which dip into the ink (contained in what’s called a sanitary tube). The needles then prick the skin, creating small holes, of which the ink is deposited. It’s also important to note that a tattoo machine power supply must be attached to the device for it work.

Tattoo Ink. Ink used for tattoos are different from the normal types of ink we come in contact with, such as the ink of a gelpen. Tattoo ink is dervices from metal components. (This does mean it’s possible for someone to have an allergic reaction from it.) Tattoo ink must be approved by the FDA in order for a company to manufacture and sell it. Tattoo ink comes in a variety of colors and is sold in small bottles usually between 4 and 8 ounces.

Flash Tattoo Art. The term “flash” refers to a drawing that can be made into a tattoo. Tattoo shop keep thousands of flash art drawings on hand for artist and customers alike. It helps faciliate ideas, suggestions, and clarify what a person is looking for in a tattoo. In many cases, flash is used by a customer to point out exactly what they want to have turned into a tattoo.

Stencil. The stencil is a copy of the tattoo design that will soon be turned into a real life tattoo. A stencil is used to create an outline of the tattoo work on the persons skin that will then be traced over with actual tattoo ink injected into the skin.

Various Accessories. There are many accessories used in conjunction to the aforementioned tattoo supplies. This includes things like the sanitary tubes placed into the tattoo machine, the needles used in the tattoo machine, sanitary gloves worn by the artist, petroleum jelly, skin sanitizers and disinfectants, and various cleaning supplies. Additionally, tattoo artist uses specialized tattoo furniture designed to make giving and receiving tattoos easier.

There are more tattoo supplies that what we have listed above. However, this list will suffice to give a clear picture of what supplies are involved when giving a tattoo. For more information on individual components and specific tattoo supplies, please see the following articles:

1. Tattoo Shop Supplies
2. Tattoo Aftercare Products
3. Misc Tattoo Supplies
4. Tattoo Kits

Tattoo supply shops and vendors commonly package and sell what’s known as a tattoo kit. These kits contain various tattoo supplies that can be used to give tattoos. The idea behind tattoo kits is to take a little bit of everything that a tattoo artists needs to do tattoo work and sell it together in one package for one price. Tattoo kits are generally aimed at beginners or starter tattoo artists, as well as those just thinking of getting into the business and want to have some hands-on access to the tools of tattoo trade.

Tattoo kits are true to the letter of the word; using the supplies contained within a kit, a person could give someone else a tattoo. Nearly every kit contains the following basic supplies:

1. Tattoo Machine (also called a tattoo gun). While some tattoo kits contain 2 or more machines, most starter kits will come with a single tattoo machine.
2. Tattoo Needles. Again, many kits contain extra or different types of needles.
3. Tattoo Ink. An assortment of different colors is usually included.
4. Power Supply. Every tattoo machine needs a power supply, and these are always included in a starter tattoo kit.
5. Misc. Accessories such as ink caps, razors,
6. Sanitary and Cleaning Supplies. This includes disinfectant spray, petroleum jelly, soap, gloves, and similar items.

Additionally, since the tattoo kit is usually aimed at an aspiring artist or someone who otherwise is looking to learn more about the trade, kits will often comes with tattoo DVD’s, books, manuals, and tattoo flash art books with instructions on how to use the tattoo supplies and how to get started in the tattoo industry.

Are tattoo kits a good source or method of buying tattoo supplies?

For a professional tattoo artist employed in a shop, buying a tattoo kit is not a good way to source the needed supplies. Tattoo shops buy their supplies direct from tattoo supply vendors. Furthermore, since a kit contains a little bit of everything, it would not be useful for an artist to buy a kit when he or she already has the basic supplies, such as an expensive tattoo machine, and would likely only need to refill on related accessories, such as individual and specific types of tattoo ink, needles, and so on.

However, for someone who is not a tattoo artist and would like to start: absolutely. A tattoo kit is a great way to acquire a buffet of the necessary tattoo supplies and accessories needed to get started.