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:
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A surface disinfectant that’s hospital-grade (like MadaCide, OPTIM, Cavicide)
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Disposable towels (not rags)
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A reliable skin cleanser (like chlorhexidine or alcohol-based prep)
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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:
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Nitrile gloves (black is standard)
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More than you think
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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:
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Thermal stencil paper (like Spirit or Gold Standard Thermal Paper)
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A stencil primer that actually works (no lotion or Vaseline hacks)
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Optional: disposable razor if prepping skin
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:
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A real red sharps container (not a water bottle)
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A lined, foot-pedal trash can
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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:
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3–5 types you’ll actually use (e.g., 3RL, 7RL, 9CM, 11M1)
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From a reputable brand with EO gas indicators
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Stored safely, unopened until needed
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:
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Maybe a greywash set, if you’re learning realism or black and grey
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Maybe 3–5 color bottles if your mentor approves
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:
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Machine bags
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Clipcord covers (or battery covers)
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Armrest or furniture covers
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Barrier film or drape sheets
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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:
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A stable surface to tattoo on (table, armrest, chair)
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A comfortable stool or chair for yourself
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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:
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A dedicated spot to take notes
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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:
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To show up early
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To clean more than you tattoo
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To ask questions, but also shut up and observe
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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?
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