The tattoo Process

The art of tattooing is done by placing small drops of ink into the skin. So exactly how does it get under your skin? This is done by using an electric powered tattoo gun that sounds much like an instrument your dentist might use.

Tattoo artists guns have a needle in them that propel the motion of up and down movements, there by placing the ink under your skin at a rate of 2,000 times per minute. This needle that is in the end of the gun pierces your skin and places minuscule amounts of ink into each piercing.

The tattoo guns that are in use today do consist of many fundamental components. The tubing system, the needle itself, which is sterilized, the foot pedal and the electric motor. The one of primary importance to the tattoo artist is the foot pedal since it controls the vertical motion of the needle itself. Are you familiar with sewing machines? The foot pedal on the tattoo gun much resembles that of a foot pedal on a sewing machine.

Tattoo processes starts with clean sterilized equipment

Tattoo artists are very concerned about your safety as well as their own and take great pains to make sure that everything is sterilized and disinfected. The injecting of the ink is done by the tattoo gun which punctures the skin at the location of the tattoo site. As with any type of puncture wound there is always the chance of an infection. With this in mind the tattoo artist is always careful of being safe. They use disposable materials, sterilized equipment and take the proper sanitation procedures.

In order to avoid infection almost all the materials used like needles, ink, ink cup and even the gloves are single use only items. As you may well know needles should never be used more than once, as this could easily cause an infection. All of the materials are delivered to the tattoo artist in sterile packaging that the artist will normally open while you are in the room with them.

Before ever starting to work on your tattoo the artist will wash their hands and arms in antibacterial soap using clean fresh water. They will also examine their hands for any abrasions or cuts. While doing this they will normally be explaining what they will be doing and how the sterilization and other processes work. After cleaning the area they will start opening the equipment they will use. After opening everything, he will then possibly shave the area in which the tattoo will be placed. This is always done using antibacterial soap and water as well.

What about the pain of getting a tattoo?

Now I bet your wondering about any pain? The pain that is caused from receiving a tattoo will depend largely upon your threshold for pain itself. Often it is described as feeling like a pinch or maybe even a slight prick of a needle. Besides your threshold for pain a lot depends as well upon the placement you have chosen for you tattoo. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others.

During the process of the tattooing the artist will be cleaning the area and will do so again once he is finished with your tattoo. After he has done this and is finished he will put some ointment over the tattoo and often cover it. As he does this he will be explaining to you how you will need to take care of it and what you shouldn’t do as well. Many artists provide a sheet of directions that will explain instructions on how to care for your tattoo. Of course if you have any questions now is the time to ask and they will be more than happy to answer those for you.

Follow your tattoo artist care instructions

After arriving home you should follow the instructions provided by your artist. The way in which you now take care of your new tattoo will greatly determine the chances of an infection happening. Tattoos are a beautiful work of art and will be so for many years to come but only if you have taken the time for proper care. Remember to keep in mind that it will be sore for a bit but should heal properly in a week or so. If not contact your Doctor.