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How to Blend a Tattoo: Best Practices and Techniques You Need to Know About

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Proper and well-executed shading can make or break a tattoo, let's be perfectly honest. That's why it's so important to master the art of tattoo shading and make your tattoos come alive. Shading, however, not only makes the tattoo more three-dimensional, but also helps hide any mistakes made during the stroke process.

Now, given that you're reading this article, we're assuming you're either learning how to tattoo or you're just curious to see how tattoo shading works. Either way, you are in the right place. In the following paragraphs, we will talk about the best practices and techniques used for tattoo blending. So, without further ado, let's get started!

How to shade a tattoo

Practice makes perfect - Practice tattoo shading

You might have thought that we would start by explaining the tattoo shading techniques performed during the tattoo itself, but that will have to wait. First, you need to practice shading the tattoo on media other than your client's skin (it's quite inconvenient to realize that you can't properly blend a tattoo in the middle of a tattoo). So here are some ways you can practice the art of shading without any ill effects;

  • Start simple with paper and pencil – Did you know that most tattoo artists received some kind of art education (at art courses or in college)? This is because making tattoos is really an artistic pursuit, just like shading a tattoo. Shading of any kind in art is considered a masterful technique and takes a lot of practice. So, take a piece of paper, draw some drawing and start shading.
  • Check out online art classes, courses, or even video tutorials. - If you find it difficult to study on your own, use the Internet. Just like you found this article, you can easily find online classes and art courses specifically created to explain shading.

Of course, most of these classes and courses require payment, so if you're on a budget, search YouTube; there are many very cool, intricate, explainer shading videos provided by real, experienced (tattoo) artists.

  • Use training "skins" and synthetic "body parts" The best way to update your shading practice is to switch from paper to faux leather. This will give you a realistic feel of what it means to shade a tattoo on real skin.

Now, to do this, you will need access to a real tattoo gun (since you probably have one as a tattoo apprentice) and fake skin. You can buy fake leather and synthetic body parts from Amazon, or you can just buy pork belly for less. Pork belly provides a sensation as close to human skin as possible, plus it's very affordable.

  • Pay attention to speed, type of needle and desired effect. - these are the main aspects that distinguish a good and bad shade of a tattoo. Moving at the right speed, using the right needle, and keeping in mind the effect you're trying to achieve is critical to doing the shading part perfectly.

That's why you need to learn the types of shader needles, when and how they are used, the rate at which shading gets lighter or darker, and how you can achieve certain shading effects. You can then continue your practice and turn it into a master technique.

Tattoo Shading Techniques

Given that you have yet to learn about tattoo shading, we have decided to also explain the main tattoo shading techniques responsible for almost every known shading effect when it comes to tattoos. From creating 3D effects to making a tattoo look like it was done in watercolor, here are 4 basic tattoo shading techniques you need to know;

  • Brush shading is a shading technique used primarily for portrait tattoos, but also for those types of tattoos that require shading. To perform this feathering technique, you need to use a long tapered needle that you will swing back and forth like a pendulum, applying the ink at an angle.

Gradually, the shade will darken as more ink is distributed over the skin. During shading, the tattoo gun remains in place; only the handle pumps the needle back and forth.

  • Whip shading is a shading technique suitable for many different tattoo styles. However, it is considered ideal for sketching and coloring due to its pencil drawing effect. You will need a 3 thread needle for this blending technique, but you can also use the needle you like best.

To achieve whiplash shading, you need to make a quick curved motion, releasing needle pressure as the motion reaches its end. This will ensure that more pigment is released on the curve and the tip will appear lighter.

  • dot hatching - This shading technique is used specifically to create dotted lines (of course, for different tattoo styles). For this blending technique, you will use a 3-round needle with a long taper. Now the way to do this shading technique is to use whip shading or brush shading motion. Either way, your movement should be fast if you want the dots to be further away, or slow if you want to pack the dots close together.
TATTOOING TECHNIQUES || How to Make Smooth Solid Shading

Other Things Important for Tattoo Shading

Tattoo Shading Needles

In order to perform any of the above tattoo shading techniques, you will need to become familiar with the correct shading needles. Of course, round shader needles are best for blending tattoos. These needles have specific code names like other needles that refer to the type of needle, the number of needles in a group, etc. The common code for round shaders is RS.

We also have to mention Magnum needles which are also very useful for shading effects. Magnum needles are arranged in two rows and can be placed between 7 and 11 needles for a standard shading effect.

For denser shading, you will use stacked Magnum needles, but if you want a looser shading effect, you will use Magnum braided needles. Folded Magnum needles are great not only for blending, but also for stuffing color. But, if you need to shade or color large areas, we recommend using Magnum braided needles.

Setting up a tattoo gun for shading

You cannot start shading a tattoo without setting up your tattoo gun specifically for the shading technique. Here's what you need to do;

Knowing when to shade

Many aspiring tattooists make one major mistake when it comes to shading a tattoo; they start shading immediately after completing the outline of the tattoo. This is a huge mistake that can lead to line blending and a messy tattoo. It is best to complete the outline of the tattoo, wait 15 to 30 minutes for the ink to set and dry, and then proceed with shading and coloring. This will make shading much easier and leave the tattoo clean and clutter-free.

Knowledge of shading duration

Another common mistake when it comes to shading is leaving the needle in the same place for too long. Beginning tattoo artists believe that the longer the needle stays in one place, the better the color rendition and overall effect will be. This is completely wrong.

By doing this, you create unnecessary trauma to the skin, plus the client will experience more pain during the session, and the tattoo will not look as good as you imagined. This often happens in techniques where the needle must move back and forth; if you are unsure about this movement, you can always make circular motions to minimize trauma and damage to the skin.

Final thoughts

That's all! Now you know how to correctly and effectively shade a tattoo. All you have to do is start practicing. Without practice, you will not be able to develop a sense of feathering, how the needle should work, at what angle, and how to distribute ink differently for different feathering effects. Be sure to practice, use all the help available, and of course always consult your mentor if you are a student. The mentor is always there to help you and guide you through all the stages of the tattoo.