What Are Tattoo Essentials?

Tattoo essentials are the consumables and station supplies that keep your setup running between sessions. They're not the headline items like machines, needles, or ink — but without them, you can't work cleanly, efficiently, or safely. Stencil paper, transfer solution, gloves, razors, skin prep, wash bottles, protective film, and bed covers all fall into this category. These are the things you go through constantly, so consistency and reliability matter more than anything else.

Stencil Supplies — Getting the Design on Skin

A clean stencil is the foundation of a clean tattoo. We stock two types of stencil paper — standard thermal and Dynamic stencil paper — along with transfer solutions from Good Hand, Hard Stuff, and Dynamic Stencil Magic.

The transfer solution you use affects how long the stencil holds during the session. Good Hand is a reliable all-rounder that works on most skin types. Hard Stuff gives a darker, longer-lasting transfer — useful for longer sessions or areas where the stencil gets wiped frequently. Dynamic Stencil Magic is a newer option with strong hold and clean lines. The right choice depends on how you work and how the client's skin holds a stencil.

Skin markers are useful for freehand work, reference points, and marking guidelines before applying the stencil.

Obake Sumi — Japanese-style black ink. Rich, deep tones suited to heavy blackwork and bold shading.

Chroma Quality Colors — Full colour range including reds, blues, yellows, greens, oranges, purples, browns, greys, and grey wash sets. Reliable consistency across the entire spectrum.

Skin Prep & Barrier Products

Proper skin prep makes a noticeable difference to ink take, stencil hold, and overall comfort for the client.

Beast Vaseline (Good Hand) — Standard barrier product for protecting the skin during tattooing. Keeps the area lubricated for smooth needle movement and easier ink wiping.

Good Hand Double Butter — A thicker, richer barrier alternative. Some artists prefer this for longer sessions or on dryer skin where standard vaseline dries out too quickly.

Razors — Single-blade razors for prepping the skin before stencil application. Clean, close shave without the bulk of multi-blade cartridges.

Gloves — Latex gloves for grip and dexterity during sessions. Available in multiple sizes.

Station Setup & Hygiene

A clean station is non-negotiable. These products protect your surfaces, your equipment, and your client.

Bed sheet covers — Disposable covers that keep your tattoo bed clean between clients.

Protective film — Adhesive barrier film for wrapping machines, clip cords, power supplies, and any surface that needs protection during the session.

Wash bottles — For rinsing the tattoo area during work. Consistent flow, easy to squeeze, designed for one-handed use while tattooing.

Empty ink bottles — For mixing custom ink batches or decanting from larger bottles into smaller working containers.



Frequently Asked Questions

At minimum: gloves, stencil paper, transfer solution, razors, barrier product (vaseline or butter), wash bottle, bed covers, protective film, and ink caps. These are the consumables you'll go through every session. Everything else — machines, needles, ink — sits on top of a properly set up and hygienic station.

It depends on how you work. Good Hand is a solid all-rounder — clean transfer, holds well on most skin types. Hard Stuff gives a darker stencil with longer hold, which suits extended sessions or heavy-wipe areas. Dynamic Stencil Magic is a strong option with sharp lines and reliable adhesion. Try a few and see what suits your workflow and your clients' skin.

Change gloves any time you touch something outside your clean field — phone, reference image, supplies not in your immediate setup. At a minimum, change between any break in tattooing. Cross-contamination is the main risk, and fresh gloves are the simplest way to prevent it.

Vaseline (like Beast Vaseline) is the standard barrier product — it lubricates the skin and makes wiping easier. Tattoo butter (like Good Hand Double Butter) is thicker and richer, which some artists prefer for longer sessions or on dryer skin where standard vaseline wears off. Both do the same job — the choice comes down to personal preference and the client's skin type.


Need help stocking your studio?

Blake and the Speedy Needle team have over a decade of hands-on tattooing experience — not just selling supplies, but using them in a working studio every day. Get in touch for recommendations on what to stock, what to try, or bulk ordering for your studio.

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