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The Daily Insight

How fast is a tattoo gun per second

Author

Sarah Richards

Published Feb 11, 2026

How fast do tattoo guns move?

Tattoo needles move up and down at a speed of between 50 and 3,000 times per minute. The rate can vary depending on the needs and preferences of the tattoo artist. Artists can control speed, angle of the needle, ink colors and other aspects of the process with their tattoo machine.

How fast is a tattoo needle per second?

around 100 times per second The tattoo needle punctures your skin around 100 times per second, with the aim of depositing the ink in a region of 1.5 to 2 millimeters below the surface of the skin.

How many times does a tattoo gun stab you?

Skin Gets Stabbed A Lot

But the tattoo needle punctures skin at a rate of 50 to 3,000 times per minute, according to The International Dermal Institute. That’s a lot of tiny stabs.

How fast should my tattoo machine be running?

Set the speed of the tattoo machine for line work. Some machines display a readout of voltage. 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.

How many times does a tattoo needle go in per minute?

When receiving a tattoo, your skin is pricked between 50 and 3,000 times per minute by a needle in the tattoo machine.

How deep do tattoo needles go?

approximately 1/16th inch 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.

How far should tattoo needle stick out?

The tip of the needle should not be sticking out anymore than 2mm and no less than 1mm. Keep in mind that every person’s skin type is different and there is no exact measure. If during your tattoo there are excessive amounts of blood, it is obviously going in too deep.

How many volts should my tattoo shader be?

You should take time with your machine to find out which voltage is the right for you and the machine. Generally most artists use voltages around 7v-9v for lining (8 should be a good start) and 8-10v for shading.

What angle do you hold a tattoo gun?

Use a standard angle between 45 and 60? to put color into the skin. Most people work in small tight circles, but with mags, I have found that a Box Motion works better than circles.

What causes tattoo blowout?

Tattoo blowouts occur when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin. The ink is sent below the top layers of skin where tattoos belong. Below the skin’s surface, the ink spreads out in a layer of fat. This creates the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout.

How do you shade when tattooing?

Is Sharpie safe to tattoo over?

Sharpies, although permanent, are easily erased with tattoo soaps or alcohol. … The tattooing will lightly go over the on-skin drawing. As we tattoo the sharpie will gently wipe away leaving the client with a beautiful original new tattoo.

How do you sleep with a new tattoo?

Many artists will recommend sleeping with your tattoo wrapped for the first few nights (up to 3-4). This protects it from bacteria, your sheets, and accidental picking or ripping of the scabs. Use only a good wrap developed specifically for tattoo healing, which should be breathable, anti-bacterial, and waterproof.

Can you ice a tattoo?

Icing your tattoo is an excellent way to speed up the healing process. If your tattooed area is swollen, applying a bag of ice can work wonders. Make sure to wrap it with a clean cloth and apply it to the skin for 30 minutes.

Why is my tattoo shiny?

Yes, it’s normal for your new tattoo to be shiny. This is a completely normal part of the healing process, though. The color of your tattoo will be more vibrant at this point. Your skin is building itself back up again, so it’s new skin that you’re seeing.

Can I wear clothes over a new tattoo?

So, What Kind Of Clothes Should I Wear Over a New Tattoo? … You can wear loose clothes over the wrap and not really worry about it. However, when you remove the wrap, loose clothes are essential, because you cannot simply keep the tattoo wrapped forever. It needs air to breathe and dry out, clot, and form scabs.

Do tattoos peel off when healing?

However, some peeling in the early stages of healing is completely normal. The tattoo process creates a wound in your skin, and peeling is your body’s way of getting rid of dry skin cells that have been affected as your skin heals.

Why am I so tired after getting a tattoo?

Thanks to the fast work of your white blood cells, your adrenaline increases, which can increase your heart rate. This alone can make you feel dizzy and weak since your body is in a ‘fight or flight’ mode; it is being attacked by a tattoo needle thousands of times, so the reaction is pretty normal.

Can I shower after getting a tattoo?

Showering with a new tattoo isn’t only fine; it’s necessary for the sake of good hygiene. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist gives you, and you’re careful not to rub or soak your tattoo, showering shouldn’t interfere with the healing process of your new ink.

When can you shower normally after a tattoo?

If you are looking to shower without washing your tattoo, you can do it 3-4 hours after the artist has wrapped the tattoo. It’s important to avoid soaking the area for at least 2 weeks, and remove any soap immediately.

Can I wear a hoodie after getting a tattoo?

Ensure that you wear hoodies and sweatshirts with light material during the healing period. Organic cotton is one of the best materials for making hoodies for people with tattoos. The material should not stick on your fresh wound, or else you end up with an infection.

Can I put Vaseline on my tattoo?

Vaseline isn’t the best choice for tattoo aftercare. Petroleum jelly traps moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring if your tattoo doesn’t get enough air while it’s healing. You may be able to use Vaseline on old tattoos if your skin is dry.

Can you put paw paw on a tattoo?

You should apply your ointment at least 3 times a day until your tattoo is healed. … After a few days your tattoo may start flaking (It will look like peeling after a sunburn) this is normal. At this point you may start to use lotion such as Paw Paw cream. Do Not pick or scratch off any flaking skin or scabs if present.

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

2 to 3 weeks How long does it take for a tattoo to heal? After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin (the part you can see) will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. While it may look and feel healed, and you may be tempted to slow down on the aftercare, it can take as long as 6 months for the skin below a tattoo to truly heal.