can't get black/color in solid?

[angel138]

I've been having a lot of trouble getting good consistent results with my shader and was hoping someone here could tell me what I might be doing wrong. No matter what I do, I keep getting spotty results, and most of the time, you can see lines that each needle in the group leaves. I've experimented with adjustments, speed (machine AND hand), depth, needles and tubes, and more, and I just can't seem to eliminate this, and it seems like it should be something very simple. If you have any suggestions, they would be GREATLY appreciated.

[confused tattooed]

I would suggest, going in a circular motion, and slowing down your machine alittle. If you are trying to shade like you would line the outline with lets say a 4 flat or a 6 flat. The needles are not right next to each other, going in a circular motion this should elimanate the gaps.

I would also suggest investing in some mags, this are really good for shading.

I hope this helps, and if anyone agrees or objects please chime in.

[timmy]

Totally agree bro,and while you are doing the slow small circles,make sure you are paying good attention to the stretch you have on the skin,really important,take your time and dont rush it,and a good brand of ink is nice to have also.

[timmy]

Also,we dont really know how long you have been tattooing and all,but my shading didnt start really improving until i really started concentrating on the machine itself,different set-ups,swapping springs and all.I am still working on using mags also,have to be really careful with these and flats,doesnt take much at all to slice someone or even yourself up.

[papadurivage]

Slow machine, Mags, tiny circles.. patience angel-san.. wax on, wax off.

[angel138]

I have tried slowing the machine way down, going in circles and tiny, tiny circles. It is not so noticable with color, but with black ink it almost looks like hair.:sad: The individual lines are very weak, the needles on the flat shader are as close as they can be to each other. Also, I don't quite get the whole 'voltage' - 'current' adjustment on the power supply- are they supposed to be the same?

[tadt]

How much of an angle are you having the needles to the skin? You might want to try that also, if your going in at a 90 degree angle or straight down on the skin that might be your problem try 60 and see how that works.

[gremlin]

How are you holding the machine when shading? what voltage are you running your shader at?

[gremlin]

I have tried slowing the machine way down, going in circles and tiny, tiny circles. It is not so noticable with color, but with black ink it almost looks like hair.:sad: The individual lines are very weak, the needles on the flat shader are as close as they can be to each other. Also, I don't quite get the whole 'voltage' - 'current' adjustment on the power supply- are they supposed to be the same?

I dont know what power supply you have, but to answer your question Volts and current are not the same Volts and current by definition are :

Volt:
The electrical potential difference or pressure across a one ohm resistance carrying a current of one ampere. Named after Italian physicist Count Alessandro Volta 1745-1827.

Current:
The flow of electricity commonly measured in amperes.

[papadurivage]

This is strictly personal opinion.. but I think flats suck.. mags are def. the way to go... way more consistent results.

[the colorist]

flats are generally used,for me anyway,for shading and graywork

[timmy]

There is another thing i thought of that helped me out when my shading would look a little sketchy in the beggining of a tattoo,when putting your needle on the a-bar with grommet and all, you want to make sure that its really tight.Sometimes the loops on the needle bars are not always the same,every now and then i will take and use a small piece of paper towel,i also keep a pair of pliers near to snug up the loop also.If it isnt tight you will end up with the sketchiness,the needle will be dancing around on the skin causing alot of damage also.Just something to look out for,you never know.

[needles]

TAKE YOUR TIME!! best advice I was ever given

[lotsix]

could an extra rubber band help keep the movement stay more stable as well (along with the paper towel)...just wondering?

[xxxMDKxxx@Gmail.com]

could an extra rubber band help keep the movement stay more stable as well (along with the paper towel)...just wondering?

Probably would, but I dont think that it would be necessary.