| Most people have a general grasp of what it takes | | | | completion of the tattoo before it is covered. |
| to do a tattoo, however some aren't sure of the | | | | Petroleum, or Bacitracin: These are used in similar |
| basic necessities that are required to preform a | | | | manners, however the Petroleum is only used for the |
| sterile, and proper tattoo. The following are names, | | | | lubrication throughout the tattoo. Bacitracin can be |
| and descriptions of the items you will need to get | | | | used throughout to aid in lubrication, and after the |
| started. | | | | tattoo is completed. |
| Autoclave: By far one of the most important items in | | | | Plastic cup: This seems rather mediocre, however it |
| a tattoo shop. The autoclave provides a way for the | | | | will provide a way for you to use your ultrasonic |
| needles, grips, and tubes to be sterilized properly. | | | | without the risk of cross-contamination. |
| Autoclaves are a device that exposes items to | | | | Spray bottles: You should have a spray bottle filled |
| steam at high pressure in order to decontaminate the | | | | with Green soap, and one with water. The water will |
| materials and render them sterile. All of the items will | | | | aid you in making washes of color. |
| need to be wrapped individually and un-wrapped in | | | | Plastic covers: You should always cover all of your |
| front of the client. | | | | non-disposable items. Spray bottles, Machine, Clip |
| Ultrasonic: The ultrasonic is a device that emits high | | | | cord, and ink bottles. |
| frequency vibrations to remove deposits of ink | | | | Plastic wrap: The plastic wrap should be placed on |
| throughout the tattoo. It should also be used before | | | | any surfaces that the tattoo will be on. Such as chair |
| changing ink pigments. It is also used prior to the | | | | arms, and tattoo beds. This also prevents |
| sterilization of grips, and tubes to break up dried ink. | | | | cross-contamination from one client to the next. |
| Tattoo machine: This of course is one of the most | | | | Ink: You may find that you will have to go through |
| important items in a tattoo artist's arsenal. The | | | | several brands of ink to find the ones you like. Look |
| machine utilizes electromagnetic coils in alternation to | | | | for an ink that stays vibrant in the skin after |
| move the needle bar up, and down which drives the | | | | completion of the tattoo, ease of application, and |
| pigment into the skin. You will also need a power | | | | make sure you don't have to turn your client's skin |
| supply, clip cord, and foot pedal. | | | | into hamburger for it to properly penetrate the skin. |
| Tubes and grips: The back tube is inserted into the | | | | Ink caps, and holder: The ink caps are small plastic |
| machine, and is used to align the needles properly in | | | | cups that are used to hold the ink. You should always |
| the machine. The grips, are a vital part in making sure | | | | fill the cups prior to tattooing. If you need to re-fill |
| your hands don't get cramped during the tattoo | | | | the caps, remove your gloves and do so. Keep the |
| process. Most male artists find that 1 ½ inch | | | | tip of the ink bottle away from the ink caps! As they |
| grips are the most comfortable fit, as a female artist | | | | will become contaminated throughout the tattooing |
| I prefer the 1 inch, or ½ inch grips depending | | | | process. |
| on what I am doing. | | | | Gloves: The gloves are self explanatory, you should |
| Needles: Tattoo needles come in a variety of sizes, | | | | always try to use latex free gloves as some clients |
| your standard needles for lining are 3 round liners, or | | | | may have allergies. Gloves that are powdered can |
| 5 round liners. Common shading needles are the flats, | | | | irritate the skin. |
| or mags. Flat needles stack the needles on two , or | | | | Sharps, or hazard bin: This is a bin that you will |
| three rows depending on the size. Mags have a | | | | deposit needles, and ink cups into as they are |
| staggered stack of needles which allows a more | | | | one-time use items and become contaminated |
| even flow of pigment. | | | | through the tattooing process. The hazards bin should |
| Green soap: This is a liquid soap made of vegetable | | | | be disposed of properly after it is full. You will need |
| oils, it is used in cleaning the skin in preparation for | | | | to look up your local laws on hazardous waste |
| the tattoo. It serves as an ideal way to clean excess | | | | disposal. |
| ink from the work in progress, and also upon | | | | |