About Starter Tattoo Kits

Tattoo starter kits are an affordable option for new tattoo artists to begin working on their craft. They are also a good choice as a backup or travel kit for established artists. Every starter kit should include the essentials for applying a tattoo.  

Needles

A good starter kit should include an assortment of individually packaged, pre-sterilized needles. At minimum, there should be liner needles to produce detail and fine lines, and shading needles for shading in large areas or creating shadows. Higher quality kits may contain curved needles used for rounded lines as well.

Disposable Tubes

Tattoo shops use stainless steel tattoo tubes. These tubes are reusable once sterilized in an autoclave. Most starter kits come with disposable tubes. While these tubes are not as cost efficient, they are very helpful to the artist that does not have an autoclave or that may be using the kit as a travel set.

Ink

Tattoo artists develop favorite inks as they become more experienced. A starter kit will contain a variety of colored and black ink. These inks are usually of average quality and many artists prefer to purchase alternative ink for their kits.

Machine

Tattoo machines are the heart of a tattoo. Many have settings that allow them to be set for shading or line work, and allow for a range of needles sizes. Machines that come with starter kits are lightweight to allow a new artist to become used to experience of tattooing. The lightweight also makes them more suitable for travel than the higher power machines.

Power Supply

Power supplies for tattoo machines are separate from the machine itself. The starter kit should include a power supply suitable for the machine included.