When you are working on a medium to large-sized tattoo, you will come across certain areas that need to be filled in completely with black or a certain color. In order to do so, you will need needles that are able to do the job fast. Not all needles are suitable for this purpose because you need to choose the perfect size of needle that will neither go outside of the line nor will it leave gaps.
The two main types of needles that are used for filling in tattoos are magnum needles and round shader needles. The shape of the needle will depend upon the shape of the area that you are filling in. In this article, we will discuss all the different sizes and types of needles that you may use for filling in your tattoos.
Top 5 Tattoo Needles for Filling : By Best Feature
Buyer Guide: Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Tattoo Needle for Filling
1. Shape of Your Tattoo
The area that you are filling greatly determines which needle you should use. If it is a rounded area, then using a round shader needle is the best option. If it is an angular area then using a magnum needle is ideal. Flat needles are also commonly used for filling in between lines such as text tattoos.
If the area that needs to be filled is rounded or very small, then the rounded shape of the round shader will be able to fill in the empty space easily without overlapping or leaving a gap. On the other hand, when you have an angular area, a magnum needle will be able to fill it up and reach every corner.
2. Size of Your Tattoo
The area that you are filling in may be small or it could be quite large. You must choose your tattoo needle according to the area that you are covering.
If it is a large area then a wide magnum needle is the most ideal, however, if it is a small area or a thin area then the best needle to use will either be the smallest sized magnum needle or a round shader.
3. Size of Your Needle
As we have discussed, you should choose the size of your needle according to the size of the area that you are tattooing. There are two main types of needles, round shaders, and magnum needles.
Round shader needles are usually small in size even if the number of needles is quite high, but a magnum needle can be quite huge. There are two types of magnum needles that you can get for filling in a tattoo- a weaved magnum and a stacked magnum.
A weaved magnum needle has two rows of needles that are spread apart. Stacked magnum on the other hand has the same number of needles but they are stacked on top of each other without much space. A tattoo artist will prefer one or the other depending upon his technique
4. Technique
As mentioned above, a tattoo artist will choose his needle-type depending upon how he likes to fill in his tattoo. A weaved magnum needle covers more area at once but leaves some needle streaks, so a tattoo artist will use these needles when he is going in a back and forth filling motion, as it will ensure that the color is saturated and the needle streaks are not visible.
A tattoo artist may also use a cross-hatching technique with these needles. Stacked magnum needles, on the other hand, are very compact and cover less surface area than weaved magnums, however, they fill in the color more evenly and do not leave streaks or uneven edges.
These needles are used more commonly for packing the color into the skin and for more detailed areas where the tattoo artist may not be able to go back and forth. These needles really saturate the ink into the skin landfills in the tattoos as even as possible.
Top 5 Best Tattoo Needles for Filling
1. STIGMA #12(11RS) Standard Disposable Tattoo Needle Cartridges
Best For: Rounded and small areas
STIGMA #12 11 Round Shaders are the perfect size for filling in larger areas that requires a rounded edge. This size of this needle is quite large, so it is not for filling in any detailed spaces.
These needles are in a cartridge style that can fit into most types of modern tattoo machines. The needles are made from 304 surgical grade stainless steel to ensure the highest quality.
The needles are designed with a slope that allows for better ink flow, it helps make the tattoo more saturated. These needles are equipped with a membrane that prevents the ink from flowing back inside, making your work much neater.
Key Features and Specifications of STIGMA #12(11RS) Standard Disposable Tattoo Needle Cartridges:
- These cartridges are available in different sizes, which can be used for different sized tattoos.
- Each cartridge has a rubber band that keeps the needle elastic and helps it rebound faster.
- The narrow opening in the cartridge prevents ink splashing, which helps you maintain precision.
- STIGMA #1211RS Tattoo Needle Cartridges uses soft silica gel to improve the movement of the needles.
Pros and Cons of STIGMA #12(11RS) Standard Disposable Tattoo Needle Cartridges:
Pros:
- These cartridge needles help reduce skin trauma, which helps the skin heal faster.
- The cartridges have a clear tip that allows you to see the needle through it clearly.
- The needles are sterilized and packaged individually for safety.
Cons:
- These cartridges do not have a good grip, so you may feel uncomfortable after a while.
- They do not fit all machines.
Why are these best tattoo needles for filling?
Round Shader needles are used for color packing and filling in rounded edges and small spaces. This round shader is in the size 12 11 RS, which is a relatively bigger size and it can be used for filling in a medium-sized tattoo easily. The cartridge-style needle holds more ink and so you would not have to dip your needle back in again and again.
2. Solong Tattoo Cartridges Needles 20PCS (1215M1)
Best For: Large areas, angular spaces
Solong Tattoo Cartridges Needles in the size 12 15 M1 is a weaved magnum needle that is ideal for filling in large areas. A magnum needle is a flat needle so it will cover a larger surface area than a rounded needle. The flat shape of the needle also helps it reach angular corners and crevices in a tattoo.
These Tattoo Cartridges Needles are made with stainless steel and medical-grade materials to give you the best quality possible. These needles have low profile housing and are shaped on the inside to provide a better ink flow. They are compatible with most machines.
Key Features and Specifications of Solong Tattoo Cartridges Needles :
- Solong Tattoo Cartridges Needles are available in multiple sizes so you may choose a size that you require specifically.
- These cartridges come with a membrane inside which prevents the ink from leaking or spitting.
- The box contains 20 pieces of needles, so you will not run out easily.
- They are completely sterilized using E.O gas and have been packed individually for your safety.
Pros and Cons of Solong Tattoo Cartridges Needles:
Pros:
- The cartridges are equipped with a soft silica gel which helps keep the needle steady.
- These cartridges are designed with a special tip that allows the ink to flow better.
- These weaved magnum needles cover a large surface area at once, so you can work fast.
Cons:
- The tips are not transparent, so you cannot see the needle through it.
Why are these best tattoo needles for filling?
The Solong Tattoo Cartridges Needles in the size 12 15 M1 is a weaved magnum needle, which means that there is an amount of space between the two rows of needles. This allows them to cover a larger surface area at once, this is why these needles are great for grey shading and filling in large spaces.
3. Needlehouse Professional Needles Cartridges 11 Flat Needle (1211F)
Best For: Covering large areas, gray filling
Needlehouse Professional Needles Cartridges in the size 12 11 Flat is ideal for filling in large spaces that require an even color. Flat needles are usually used for linework and grey shading. These needle cartridges come with a closed tip which helps keep the needle more precise and helps the ink flow better.
These needles are made from medical grade stainless steel and the cartridges are made from high-quality plastic. Needlehouse Professional Needles Cartridges are perfect for all types of tattoo filling and they fit most machines.
Key Features and Specifications of Needlehouse Professional Needles Cartridges:
- Needlehouse Professional Needles Cartridges come in many different sizes. Even the flat needles are available in multiple sizes.
- These cartridges are very easy to switch out from your machine.
- The cartridges contain a membrane that prevents ink from flowing back or from spitting.
- The closed tips help retain more ink inside the cartridge.
Pros and Cons of Needlehouse Professional Needles Cartridges:
Pros:
- Flat needles are multipurpose, they can be used for line work as well as for shading.
- The package contains 20 needles, so you will not run out easily.
- These needles have level soldering so that your pigment is even.
Cons:
- Semi-transparent tips are not clear enough to see the needles through it.
- These cartridges do not have any high-quality material to support the needle inside.
Why are these best tattoo needles for filling?
Flat needles are commonly used by tattoo artists when they want to cover a large area but do not need to color pack. These flat needles, therefore, are great for grey shading.
They are also commonly used for making filling in linework as they can be tilted to get a thin line. These needles are multipurpose and that is the best reason to use them.
4. Knight Tattoo Ultra Premium Professional Cartridge Needles Magnum M1
Best For: Small areas, color packing
Knight Tattoo Ultra Premium Professional Cartridge Needles in the size 1207M1 is a stacked magnum needle, which means the rows of the needle are packed closely together. Due to its structure, it covers less surface area but it also helps saturate the ink into the skin without leaving any streaks or marks.
These tattoo needles are made from 316 surgical-grade steel and they go through rigorous checking to ensure maximum sharpness. The cartridges are made from medical grade polycarbonate with low profile housing to improve the ink flow.
Key Features and Specifications of Knight Tattoo Ultra Premium Professional Cartridge Needles:
- These needles are compatible with most modern tattoo machines.
- These cartridges have a soft silicone membrane that prevents ink from flowing back and harming your machine.
- 20 needles are available per box.
- Weaved Magnum Needles are great for color blending.
Pros and Cons of Knight Tattoo Ultra Premium Professional Cartridge Needles:
Pros:
- These needles are available in multiple sizes.
- Knight Tattoo Ultra Premium Professional Cartridge Needles have been checked thrice under a microscope to ensure there is no irregularity.
- They provide a better ink flow.
- These needles have a transparent tip so you can see through them.
Cons:
- They do not have a very good grip.
Why are these best tattoo needles for filling?
This type of needle is great for shading in small areas that require an angular edge. These needles are also great for color blending, which is a common method used for filling in tattoos. They are great for color packing as well, so if you need to fill in your tattoo with color, these are the best needles to buy.
5. Autdor Assorted Professional Disposable Tattoo Cartridge Needles Curved Magnum
Best For: All types of tattoo filling. Value for money.
Autdor Tattoo Needle Cartridges contains an assortment of 60 curved magnum needles of different sizes. There are six different sizes – 5RM 7RM 9RM 11RM 13RM 15RM, all of which are excellent for tattoo filling.
Magnum needles of all kinds are generally useful for filling in your tattoos, however, the different sizes allow you to fill in different sizes of tattoos. This box is great for beginners as it helps them practice with them. These needles are from high-quality materials, such as medical grade stainless steel.
Key Features and Specifications of Autdor Tattoo Needle Cartridges:
- These needles come in sets of 10 with 6 different types of needles.
- They are made from 316 surgical-grade stainless steel.
- Autdor Tattoo Needle Cartridges have low profile housing and they are shaped on the inside for better ink flow.
- These cartridges are completely transparent so you could see the needle through them.
Pros and Cons of Autdor Tattoo Needle Cartridges:
Pros:
- These cartridges have closed tips that help control the ink flow.
- They reduce trauma to the skin.
- Clear tattoo tips allow better for more precision.
- Inside the cartridge, there is a silicone membrane that keeps the needle stable
Cons:
- They do not have very good plastic shells.
- You only get 10 pieces of each needle.
Why are these best tattoo needles for filling?
Having a huge assortment of needles is really beneficial for someone who needs to do tattoo fillings regularly. These needles are multipurpose, they can be used for shading and also for color packing. You can use the different sizes of needles for filling in tattoos of different sizes. Overall it is a value for money box of needles, which will last you a good amount of time.
Comparison of Top 5 Tattoo Needles for Filling
| Needle Size | Ink Flow | Skin Trauma | Best For | |
| STIGMA #12(11RS) Standard Disposable Tattoo Needle Cartridges | 12 Gauge 11 Round Shader | High | Low | Small areas, Rounded edges |
| Solong Tattoo Cartridges Needles 20PCS (1215M1) | 12 Gauge 15 Magnum (Weaved) | High | Medium | Large areas and straight edges |
| Needlehouse Professional Needles Cartridges 11 Flat Needle (1211F) | 12 Gauge 11 Flat Needle | Medium | Medium | Large areas, grey filling |
| Knight Tattoo Ultra Premium Professional Cartridge Needles Magnum M1(1207M1) | 12 Gauge 7 Magnum (Stacked) | High | Medium | Color blending and small areas |
| Autdor Tattoo Needle Cartridges – 60Pcs Assorted | 12 Gauge 5RM 7RM 9RM 11RM 13RM 15RM | High | Low | All types of tattoo filling |
Final Words:
A lot of tattoos require a color filling or grey filling, so learning how to fill in your tattoos is an integral part of learning how to tattoo. To properly fill in your tattoos, you must use the right needles. We have already discussed which needle you should you and how to use them. However, the most important part of filling in a tattoo is not the needles, but how you decide to do the tattoo. If you could master the techniques then you do not have to worry anymore. So now that you know which needles to pick, are you ready to get started?
