6 Essential Supplies for a Professional Tattoo Kit
Are you looking to put together a tattoo kit? Aside from stocking up on gloves, ink, and aftercare products, the tattooing tools themselves are extremely important. From the machine you trust to the containers that keep your workspace clean, invest in the following six essential supplies for a professional tattoo kit.
1. Tattoo Machine
First things first: you need a tattoo machine that fits your style. Coil machines offer power and precision to create bold lines and solid shading. Rotary machines are quiet, light, and versatile machines that are ideal for new artists or those doing detailed work. Pen-style machines feel more like holding a marker than a traditional tattoo machine.
Whichever option you settle on, this will be the most personal, and often the most expensive, tool in your kit. Be sure to take your time and choose this tool wisely.
2. Power Supply
The tattoo machine is nothing without a solid power supply. Look for one that offers voltage consistency, footswitch compatibility, and easy digital controls. A power supply that fluctuates can mess with your stroke depth and throw off your entire session.
Portability matters, too. If you’re traveling between shops or guest spots, invest in a compact unit that still packs performance.
3. Grips, Tubes, and Tips
Comfort equals control. Reusable grips and tubes are great for artists looking to reduce waste and personalize their setups. Artists can sterilize and reuse stainless steel options, while silicone and rubber options help reduce hand fatigue.
The tips guide the needles and affect how the pigment flows. Having a range of sizes and shapes in durable materials means you’re ready for whatever the session demands.
4. Needles
Needles come in all shapes: round liners, shaders, mags, curved mags, and more. What matters the most is quality and consistency. Sterile, single-use needles are the industry standard. Just remember that you must store the needles properly.
As your skill grows, so will your preferences for certain groupings and configurations. Your needle setup becomes a signature part of your style.
5. Ink Containers
The goal is to offer clients a sanitary and efficient experience. As a new artist, a beginner’s guide to ink containers can be extremely helpful.
Durable plastic ink cups with lipped edges are the standard. They are available in several sizes to accommodate the tattoo artist’s technique. Paired with reusable cup holders, these containers keep everything in place, especially during longer sessions.
6. Finishing Touches
Stencils and aftercare tools round out a professional’s setup. A thermal printer for stencils, plus reliable applicators, supports consistent transfers every time.
For aftercare, stock portable ointments and wraps to send home with clients. They’re small items, but ones that keep your work looking good long after the session ends.
For session preparation you are going to need antibacterial cleaner to prepare the skin before you tattoo, as well as paper towels. Many tattoo artists will opt for tattoo soap, which has been developed specifically for this kind of work.
Dial In Your Kit
The six supplies for a professional tattoo kit aren’t flashy investments, but they’re an essential part of delivering a superb experience to clients. Whether you’re tattooing out of a studio or a mobile setup, create a toolkit that helps you work hygienically and confidently.