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Tattoo Needle Sizes and Uses
Tattoo Needle Sizes and Uses: The number of needles in the grouping is indicated by the two digits in a code such as 1203RL. Therefore, in our example, 03 denotes a grouping of three #12-diameter needles. The letters at the end of the code determine how they are arranged. Round Liner (RL) tattoo needles are specifically designed for lining work and are arranged in a circle.
How Categories Are Sorted
Tattoo Needle Sizes and Uses. Every grouping is set up according to its description in a particular way. Round liner needles, also known as RL needles, are arranged tightly in a round shape. Round shaders, or RS, are arranged loosely in a circle.
F or flats are arranged in a line arrangement. For example, a 7M1 will have an upper row of 3 and a bottom row of 4. M1 or weaved magnums are grouped with 2 rows of needles in a weaved formation. The term "stacked magnum," or M2, refers to a grouping of materials that is identical to M1 but is stacked closely together. The points on RM or round magnums are arranged in a curved arch, but they are grouped in the same manner as M1.
Which Tattooing Techniques Use Which Needle Groupings?
Which groups of needles accomplish what in tattoo supply? It goes without saying that round liners are used for lining tattoos and round shaders are used for shading tattoos. Smooth gradients can be achieved with bug pin tattoo needles (diameter #8 or smaller), which are particularly useful for portrait work. Areas with geometric shading and shapes are called flats. Large areas can be colored, blended, and shaded with woven magnums. For coloring larger, more intricate areas, shading, and blending, stacking magnums are utilized. If you turn the needle to the side, you can use both for lining. It does require some skill, so only attempt this if you have sufficient practice; otherwise, you risk injuring your skin. Large areas can be shaded, blended, and colored with round curve magnums, which have less of an effect on the skin. To better deflect the skin as it enters and exits, the needles are shaped like an arch. A round magnum's needle arch allows you to move more freely across the skin without worrying about the edges digging in, unlike regular magnums, which have the potential to pierce the skin.
Reference for Needle Groupings:
RS = Round Shader needles are used for shading.
RL = Round Liner needles are used for lining.
F = Flat tattoo needles are often used for filling and shading geometric shapes.
M1 = Magnums are used for filling large spaces, blending and shading.
M2 = Stacked Magnum tattoo needles are tighter magnums that allow you to fill in, blend and shade larger areas more quickly than standard magnums.
RM (aka CM or M1C) = Curved Magnums are easier on the skin due to their curvature. For filling, blending and shading in delicate areas that have curvature, like the inner elbow.