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The Daily Insight

What's the difference between M1 and M2 tattoo needles?

Author

Daniel Martin

Updated on March 01, 2026

M1 are the needles that are soldered in one row at the base, but at the end they are divided into 2 rows in staggered order. Such needles are used for different shading density. M2 are the needles soldered in 2 rows tightly to each other at the base. They are designed for dense coloring.

Moreover, what is a M1 tattoo needle?

M1 are the needles that are soldered in one row at the base, but at the end they are divided into 2 rows in staggered order. Such needles are used for different shading density. M2 are the needles soldered in 2 rows tightly to each other at the base.

Furthermore, what size needle is best for tattoo lining? #12 is one of the larger-diameter needle sizes available and the most commonly used size. By comparison, #10, or 0.30mm, is the size tattoo artists most often like to use when doing lining work.

Furthermore, what's the difference between tattoo needles?

Standard needles are generally between 0.30mm and 0.35mm thick; bugpin needles are usually between 0.20mm and 0.25mm. Some artists swear by bugpins for their shading work, others can't stand them; it's a matter of preference, and you'll have to try them to see if they work for you or not.

What do the numbers and letters mean on tattoo needles?

#12 Standard Round Liner Premade Sterilized Tattoo Needles on Bar – Box of 50), the leading number always refers to the diameter of the needle. That means that 1204RL tattoo needles have a #12, or . 35mm, diameter. By comparison, #10, or 0.30mm, is the size tattoo artists most often like to use when doing lining work.

Related Question Answers

What is a textured tattoo needle?

Textured needles are needles that have not been polished on the tapers (ends). This means that these needles hold the ink better.

What voltage should a tattoo liner run at?

Six volts is appropriate for lining. Most tattoo artists adjust voltage by listening carefully to the sound of the gun--it should produce a steady buzz or a hum.

What does 1rl mean?

The number of needle points clustered together is indicated by the number before the needle type. For example, a 3RL would be 3 needle points, and a 9MS would be 9 needle points. The smaller the number, the smaller the mark. A 1rl is the smallest needle available, but can be hard to work with.

What tattoo ink is best?

Besides our top pick, Intenze Ink, here are the other leading brands that made the cut:
  1. World Famous Tattoo Ink. Know More Details on Amazon.
  2. Bloodline Tattoo Ink. Know More Details on Amazon.
  3. Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink. Know More Details on Amazon.
  4. Radiant Colors.
  5. Panthera Ink.
  6. Mom's Millennium Ink.
  7. Starbrite Colors.

How do you use a tattoo needle shader?

Dip the flat shader needle in the ink cup and press the foot pedal to work the machine. Press the foot pedal to work the needle, then place the needle against the skin in a shading area to begin using the flat shader needle. Continue to re-ink the needle and shade the area until finished.

What needle do you use to blackout a tattoo?

When trying to put in solid black and saturate large areas, it can be daunting sometimes. My preferred method using Dynamic Ink ( Talens is good too, its been packing in black for many years) is to use a standard #12 True needle or envy.

How do I know which tattoo needle to use?

Choosing the size of a needle is all about what kind of tattoo you're doing.
  1. Round and low for lining small tattoos.
  2. Thick lines, large canvas designs (think back work), or shading, you'll want a needle that's more round.
  3. Mags are versatile and are the best thing for working with color.

What are 1207m1 tattoo needles used for?

M1 are the needles that are soldered in one row at the base, but at the end they are divided into 2 rows in staggered order. Such needles are used for different shading density and coloring. Intended for shader tattoo machine.

What does getting a tattoo feel like?

Some people describe the pain as a pricking sensation. Others say it feels like bee stings or being scratched. A thin needle is piercing your skin, so you can expect at least a little pricking sensation. As the needle moves closer to the bone, it may feel like a painful vibration.

What is a power liner tattoo needle?

PRODUCT NO. hawk-powerliner. Cheyenne Cartridge gives you artistic freedom without any limits. This is one-way needle cartridge that cones in a sterile package and has a hygiene membrane that will keep and ink or bodily fluids away from the machine and hand piece.

How deep do you go when tattooing?

So, how deep, to be exact, should a needle go into the skin? The answer is – approximately 1/16th inch deep into the skin. This means that the ink will be placed exactly between the 2mm of the dermis layer.

What are 9RL tattoo needles used for?

Tattoo Needle Sizes and Uses Chart
Needle Grouping Tube Size Common uses
1RL, 3RL 1 – 3 round Lines, intricate shading, and fill-in
4RL, 5RL 4 – 5 round Outlines, shading, and fill-in
7RL 7 round Shading and color fill
8RL, 9RL 8 – 9 round Shading, thick outlines, and color fill

What is the difference between Bugpin and standard tattoo needles?

Bugpin needles are available in every type of needle layout, but are much thinner needles in the grouping. Bugpin needles are normally between 0.20 mm and 0.25 mm versus a standard needle sizing of 0.30 mm and 0.35 mm.

What tattoo needle is best for filling?

Flat needles

What is a 1205m2 tattoo needle used for?

Original T-Tech Magnums are great to color pack large areas for tattooing, shading medium and large areas, as well as blending and are used a lot for traditional tattoos.