Beginner Tattoo Gear Picks: What You Actually Need to Start Tattooing

Article author: Memphis Mori
Article published at: Aug 18, 2025
Article comments count: 0 comments
Article tag: advice Article tag: apprentice Article tag: business Article tag: clients Article tag: set up Article tag: supplies Article tag: tattoo artist Article tag: tattoo cartridges Article tag: tattoo ink Article tag: tattoo shop
Beginner Tattoo Gear Picks: What You Actually Need to Start Tattooing

A no-BS guide to getting your station together—without wasting money or pissing off your mentor.

If you’re just starting out as a tattoo apprentice (or prepping to go pro), the internet will try to convince you that you need a $2,000 machine, 48 ink bottles, and a ring light the size of the moon. But real ones know: the best artists start with clean fundamentals, not flashy extras.

So here’s your Electrum-approved list of starter gear that’s safe, smart, and shop-ready. No gimmicks, no Amazon knockoffs—just the basics that’ll carry you through your first year and earn your mentor’s respect.


1. A Way to Clean and Disinfect

You need:

  • A surface disinfectant that’s hospital-grade (like MadaCide, OPTIM, Cavicide)

  • Disposable towels (not rags)

  • A reliable skin cleanser (like chlorhexidine or alcohol-based prep)

  • Hand soap and hand sanitizer

Why it matters: You’re working with blood. That means pathogens. And health inspectors. Learn the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Learn how long contact time is. This isn’t optional.


🖤 2. Gloves (Lots of Them)

You need:

  • Nitrile gloves (black is standard)

  • More than you think

  • Two sizes if other people are using your space

Why it matters: Tattooing without gloves is illegal in most regions. Keep multiple boxes on hand. Change gloves when you touch anything unclean.


✍️ 3. Stencil Supplies

You need:

Why it matters: Your stencil is your map. If it slides off mid-session, it’s a nightmare. Use a solid primer and practice applying evenly. Your mentor will notice if you’re messy here.


🔪 4. Sharps Disposal + Trash

You need:

  • A real red sharps container (not a water bottle)

  • A lined, foot-pedal trash can

  • Biohazard bags if you’re disposing of contaminated materials

Why it matters: This is legal, health code, and basic respect for sanitation. You will not last in a shop if you treat needles like garbage.


💉 5. A Small Set of Reliable Cartridges

You need:

Why it matters: Focus on control, not variety. Learn your line weight. Learn your depth. Start small, then expand once you understand your technique.


🎨 6. A Few Bottles of Ink

You need:

Why it matters: Buy from a known brand. Avoid anything that’s not SDS-tracked, especially mystery inks online. You don’t need a rainbow. You need what your mentor tells you to learn with.


🧴 7. Barrier Supplies

You need:

  • Machine bags

  • Clipcord covers (or battery covers)

  • Armrest or furniture covers

  • Barrier film or drape sheets

  • Rinse cup covers or dental bibs

Why it matters: Bloodborne pathogens travel. If you’re touching it, wrapping it, or your client is resting on it—it needs to be barriered.


🪑 8. A Clean, Adjustable Setup

You need:

  • A stable surface to tattoo on (table, armrest, chair)

  • A comfortable stool or chair for yourself

  • Decent lighting

Why it matters: You’re not going to learn much if your back hurts, your client’s sliding off a barstool, and you can’t see the skin. Comfort helps you focus on tattooing—not just surviving the day.


🧠 9. A Notebook

You need:

  • A dedicated spot to take notes

  • A place to write what cartridges you used, what went wrong, how you fixed it

Why it matters: Your mentor may not repeat themselves. If you want to get better, document what you’re doing. Even the mistakes.


🧃 10. A Good Attitude + Shop Etiquette

You need:

  • To show up early

  • To clean more than you tattoo

  • To ask questions, but also shut up and observe

  • To admit when you don’t know something

Why it matters: Your attitude will take you further than your machine. Be humble. Be helpful. Be someone the artists want to teach.


💡 Pro Tip: You Don’t Need Everything at Once

Start small. Grab your daily-use items first—gloves, Cleanse, stencil gear—and build your setup around real client needs. Focus on learning clean technique, not hoarding supplies.


👇 Ready to build your starter station?

Shop Electrum's Tattoo Supplies with code TRYME20 for 20% off your first order

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