If you’re a new tattoo artist venturing out on your own, welcome to the world of endless creativity and detail. While supplies, artistry, and technique are essential, there's another critical factor that can make or break your tattoos: voltage. The voltage you use while tattooing doesn’t just determine how smoothly your machine runs – it directly impacts the outcome of your work and your client’s satisfaction. So, mastering tattoo voltage is one of the first big steps in your solo tattooing journey.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tattoo voltage, why it matters, and how to choose the appropriate settings for different machines and techniques. We’ll also provide a handy tattoo voltage chart to use as a reference, so you can confidently approach each session with the perfect setup for your work. Let’s get into it!

Why Is Voltage Essential in Tattooing?

Tattoo voltage plays a vital role in how your machine operates. It controls the needle's speed and depth as it penetrates the skin, directly affecting the quality of the tattoo. Too little voltage and the needle might not be powerful enough to properly deposit ink, leading to uneven lines or shading. Too much voltage, and you risk damaging the skin, which could result in scarring or causing unnecessary discomfort to your client. Neither situation is ideal, especially when you’re building a reputation as a professional tattoo artist.

The voltage setting is like the gas pedal for your tattoo machine. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car at full throttle in a parking lot, you wouldn’t set your machine to a high voltage for fine linework or delicate shading. Controlling voltage gives you the precision you need to adapt to different tattoo styles, from bold outlines to soft gradients.

Understanding and getting the hang of tattoo voltage is key to achieving professional results. It’s not only about making your life easier – it’s about ensuring your clients walk away with a high-quality tattoo and a positive experience.

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Tattoo Voltage Chart for Different Types of Machines

Different tattoo machines require different voltage ranges to operate optimally. Whether you’re using a rotary, coil, or pen machine, each has its own sweet spot that ensures smooth operation and the best tattoo results. Selecting the right voltage not only affects the quality of the tattoo but also the comfort of your client and the durability of your machine. Below is a general tattoo voltage chart you can use to guide your settings.

Rotary Machines

Rotary machines are known for their consistency and smoother operation, which makes them popular among artists who do a lot of shading or color work. They typically require lower voltage than coil machines due to their efficient, continuous needle movement.

• Lining: 6-8 volts
• Shading: 7-9 volts
• Color packing: 8-10 volts

Rotary machines are ideal for longer sessions because they tend to be quieter and cause less hand fatigue. Their lightweight design also helps reduce strain on the artist during intricate or time-consuming work. For those new to tattooing, rotary machines can offer an easier learning curve when it comes to adjusting voltage.

Coil Machines

Coil machines are more powerful and are often preferred for bold linework. However, they do require a bit more finesse in terms of voltage control, especially for shading and color packing. The coils use electromagnetic currents to drive the needle, resulting in a more aggressive impact on the skin.

• Lining: 7-10 volts
• Shading: 8-10 volts
• Color packing: 9-11 volts

Coil machines can be harder on the skin, so it’s important to fine-tune the voltage to avoid overworking the area. Although they require more skill to master, coil machines are favored by experienced artists for their precision and control, particularly in creating traditional tattoo styles with bold, defined outlines.

Note: These voltage ranges are guidelines, not hard rules. You’ll need to adjust based on the specific machine, needle size and configuration, and your client’s skin type. As you gain more experience, you’ll develop a better understanding of how to make these adjustments on the fly for different situations.

How To Set Voltage for Each Tattoo Technique

Tattoo techniques vary greatly, from bold lines to soft shading and vibrant color packing. Your voltage setting should reflect the technique you’re using, as each demands a different needle speed and penetration depth. Here’s how to fine-tune your voltage for some of the most common tattooing techniques.

Linework 

When it comes to linework, using the right tattoo voltage for lining and shading is important in achieving clean, crisp lines that don’t blow out or look fuzzy. For that, you’ll typically use higher voltage than for shading.

Recommended voltage: 7-10 volts for coil machines, 6-8 volts for rotary machines.

Higher voltage guarantees that the needle moves quickly and penetrates the skin with enough force to create solid lines. However, be careful not to go too high, as this could damage the skin or cause blowouts (where ink spreads beyond the intended lines).

Shading 

Shading requires a gentler touch compared to linework. You’ll want to lower your voltage to create soft gradients without overworking the skin.

Recommended voltage: 7-9 volts for rotary machines, 8-10 volts for coil machines.

Shading at a lower voltage allows the needle to move more slowly, depositing less ink per stroke and creating a softer, more subtle effect.

Color-packing 

Color-packing is where you fill large areas with solid color. You’ll need more power to confirm the ink is deposited evenly and saturates the skin properly.

Recommended voltage: 8-10 volts for rotary machines, 9-11 volts for coil machines.

Since you’re working in larger areas, higher voltage helps get the job done more efficiently without causing patchiness in the color.

Watercolor 

The watercolor technique is all about soft, delicate transitions and light washes of color. This style often requires a very gentle hand and low voltage to create the desired effect.

Recommended voltage: 5-7 volts for rotary machines, 6-8 volts for coil machines.

This low voltage makes sure that you’re layering the ink in a way that mimics the soft, flowing look of watercolor paintings.

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Which Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Voltage?

Every tattoo is different, and the ideal voltage setting can change depending on several factors. Let’s explore a few key elements you should consider when adjusting your tattoo machine voltage.

Type of needle

The type of needle you’re using will directly affect the voltage. For instance, round shaders are designed to create a more diffused effect, which means they’ll typically require less voltage than magnum needles, which are meant for solid color packing.

• Round shader needles: Lower voltage (typically 7-9 volts)
• Magnum needles: Higher voltage (9-11 volts)

Take into account what the needle is designed to do, and adjust accordingly.

Skin type of your client

Skin type can play a big role in determining your voltage. Thicker skin, like that on the back or chest, may require higher voltage to penetrate properly. On the other hand, thinner or more sensitive areas, like the wrist or ankle, call for a lower voltage to avoid unnecessary trauma.

• Thicker skin: Higher voltage
• Thinner skin: Lower voltage

Pay attention to your client’s skin type and adjust as needed to ensure the best results without compromising their comfort.

Tattoo style

The style of tattoo you’re doing also affects your voltage. Bold, traditional tattoos with thick outlines will need more power than delicate, fine-line designs. Make sure to adjust your settings based on the overall look and feel of the tattoo you’re aiming for.

Thrive as a Tattoo Artist with GlossGenius

Mastering tattoo voltage for beginners is a major step in growing your business as a tattoo artist, helping you start with precision and control. It directly impacts the quality of your work and your client’s experience. When you get it right, you’re setting yourself up for success – whether you’re creating sharp, bold outlines or delicate, soft shading.

As you fine-tune your voltage settings and grow your business, let GlossGenius help you thrive. GlossGenius offers tattoo artists an all-in-one platform to manage every aspect of their business, from online booking and payments to marketing tools and even loans to help grow your studio. Start your free trial today, and see how GlossGenius can help you elevate your tattoo career.