The appropriate voltage setting for a tattoo machine ranges from 6 to 10 volts, depending on the type of machine, needle configuration, skin type, and ink color. For lining, the voltage should be between 5 and 10 volts, while shading requires a voltage of 8 to 10 volts.
However, the voltage setting can be adjusted depending on the type of tattoo and the desired effect. It is important to test the voltage on a small area of skin before starting the tattoo to ensure that it is appropriate for the client’s skin type and the desired effect.
Tattoo machine power supplies offer between 4 to 12 volts, and this is suitable for all kinds of tattoo machines and tattoo styles. There is no universal voltage for tattooing, and it always depends on many factors, such as the type of machine, the type of technique used, and personal preferences.
What voltage and speed for tattooing?
Getting the right voltage for your tattoo machine is important for achieving a smooth and effective tattooing process. The voltage affects how the needle moves in the tattoo machine and can impact the depth and precision of the tattoo. Here’s what you need to know about voltage for tattoo machines:
How does voltage affect the tattooing process?
- Higher voltage makes the needle move faster, allowing it to penetrate the skin more deeply. This can be good for filling in large areas of color.
- Lower voltage makes the needle oscillate slower, allowing for more precision and control. This is better for detail work and outlines.
- Too high of voltage can cause the needle to move too fast, creating unwanted damage and trauma to the skin.
- Too low of voltage won’t allow the needle to penetrate the skin fully or deposit enough ink.
What are the recommended voltage ranges for different types of tattoo machines?
- For coil machines:
- Lining: 4.5-6 volts
- Shading: 6-8 volts
- Color packing: 8-10 volts
- For rotary machines:
- Lining: 3-5 volts
- Shading: 5-7 volts
- Color packing: 7-9 volts
Rotary machines tend to require lower voltage settings than coil machines. Always start on the lower end of the range for your machine type and adjust from there.
How to determine the right voltage for your tattoo machine
- Start low and increase slowly – It’s best to start at a lower voltage around 3-4 volts and slowly increase until you find the optimal range. This prevents trauma from too high initial voltage.
- Listen and feel – The audible buzz and feel of the machine as it runs can indicate if the voltage is set right. You want a smooth, consistent buzz without the machine feeling too weak or too strong.
- Check the needle depth – Try tattooing a fake skin sample and examine the needle depth and ink dispersion. Adjust voltage until you achieve your desired effect.
- Consider the tattoo location – Areas with thicker skin like the shoulders require slightly higher voltage than thinner skin like wrists or ankles.
Tips for adjusting voltage during the tattooing process
- Increase voltage for filling large areas with solid color. This helps the needle penetrate deeply and fully saturate the skin with ink.
- Decrease voltage when doing detail work or outlines. The lower voltage allows greater precision and control.
- Make minor voltage tweaks if you notice the ink is not depositing well or you need better needle depth control. Don’t make drastic voltage changes during the tattoo.
- Some tattoo power supplies allow you to adjust voltage while running. Take advantage of this to make live adjustments.
- Let the client know if you plan to increase voltage significantly for certain parts of the tattoo so they can prepare.
Finding your machine’s optimal voltage takes some experimentation but makes a big difference in your tattooing results. Always focus on achieving the right balance of needle speed, ink saturation, and skin trauma for your particular tattoo. Adjust voltage thoughtfully through the process for best results.
Bottom line
The voltage you set your tattoo machine to can really impact the overall tattooing experience and results. I always tell new tattoo artists – start low and take it slow. For lining and detail work, try 3-5 volts to begin. This allows you precise control over the needle for crisp lines.
Slowly increase the voltage while listening to the machine’s audible buzz and feeling how it runs. You’ll find the sweet spot where the machine runs smoothly but not too fast. For shading and color packing you can bump the voltage up into the 6-9 volt range depending on if you’re using a coil or rotary machine.
But don’t crank it too high too fast or you risk trauma and blowouts! It takes some practice to get a feel for your machine’s ideal voltage but once you dial it in, you’ll gain much better command of the tattooing process. Let me know if you have any other questions!