Unlike outlining, shading isn't necessary for every tattoo. Color and shading simply provide more dimension than line work. Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo.
This may be because the process of applying color to the skin involves multiple passes with the tattoo needle, which can be more painful than applying black ink. Additionally, the vibrance and intensity of color tattoos may make them more noticeable and more painful for some people.
I think a mag (shader) works in a very similar fashion. Because of more even displacement of skin, many find it to hurt less than the outline. But again, this has a lot to do with the level of skill of the artist.
“Linework usually heals a lot faster than something fully colored because with full color there's a lot more damage to the skin and more surface area that needs to heal.” When you get a full-color tattoo, your artist has to go over the same area of your skin with their needle multiple times, leading to a more severe ...
A hard technique to master, brush shading takes a lot of practice but its' worth it – the effects are extraordinary. The technique uses a sweeping wrist movement with a low power machine – and it's the envy of all tattooists who aspire to be the best at what they do.
A soldering of up to fifteen needles will be used for colouring and shading. Magnums/flatshaders are soldered in layers. The larger the tattoo (for instance, a back tattoo with background), the larger the number of needles.
The outer layers have closed up and healed so nothing can get into the wound. But, the deeper layers of the skin, where the ink sits, are still healing. Those layers can take up to 3 or 4 months to heal. This means you can expect to see more accurate color and shading around 4 months after you get your tattoo.
Days 2 to 3
Over the next couple of days, you may notice that your tattoo looks dull and cloudy. No need to panic or start thinking about a touch-up. This happens as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin during this time.
Color and shading simply provide more dimension than line work. Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back.
White Ink Tattoos
Tattoos using white ink will hurt more than other types of tattoos. This is down to the fact that for the tattoo to show on the skin, and it to be fully saturated, the tattoo artist will need to go over the same area again and again.
Outlining and Shading
Tattoo artists should use a needle depth of 1 mm for solid tattoo outlining and lettering. This technique should usually be done with a round liner needle. Artists should use a round shading needle inserted to a depth of . 5 mm for tattoo shading.
Different colors of ink absorb color differently. Specifically, lighter colors like white, yellow, light blue, and pink are the most difficult to remove, as are green, red, and neon colors.
Your tattoo artist plays a role
Another factor that can influence how much pain you feel is who your tattooer is. Some artists are more heavy-handed than others, making for a more painful experience. If you're sensitive to pain, ask the studio for a recommendation on a “gentle” tattoo artist.
Tattoo artists may use numbing cream to reduce the discomfort that their clients may experience during the tattooing process. The use of numbing cream may also help the artist work on a larger area of the skin in one session, as the client may be more comfortable with less pain.
With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.
Do fine line tattoos hurt more? While you may experience less pain than getting a thicker tattoo, pain level varies based on the individual. Fine line tattoos may hurt less, given that smaller needles are used, and the groupings of needles are also smaller.
Expect about half an hour to an hour for a simple, small tattoo. Keep in mind, however, a small tattoo with lots of color, line work, details, or a tricky placement could take several hours. Small tattoos are great for people who don't want to go through a lengthy tattoo process, but still want some cool ink.
Palm-sized tattoo would take from one to three hours to make. Hand sized tattoo can take up to 5 hours to make. Full sleeve tattoo can take 6-10 hours to make. Very large tattoos, such as a back piece, can take up to 30 hours to make.