| Tattoo kits are a terrific way of preparing yourself for | | | | No scrubbing and sterilization of the tattoo grip is ever |
| your first tattoo. Most people start by locating a | | | | needed - just throw it away. |
| company that sells tattoo supplies and purchasing the | | | | Some apprentice tattoo artists know what they need, |
| extreme basics - a tattoo machine, power supply (with | | | | perhaps having tattooed at a previous shop, or under |
| foot pedal and clipcord) and a few needles/grips. They | | | | the 'purchasing guidance' of their mentor. In some |
| soon come to realize that there is so much more | | | | cases, the professional tattoo artist needs to purchase |
| required for tattooing. Even an apprentice tattoo artist | | | | a kit - whether it's simply upgrading their shop |
| makes mistakes though. Usually, by discussing the | | | | equipment or opening a new station for tattooing at |
| apprentice's needs for beginning a tattoo, a competent | | | | the shop. Other times, a tattoo kit can offer such a |
| tattoo supply company can recommend a variety of | | | | good deal on basic tattoo equipment it simply makes |
| apprentice tattoo kits depending on the requirements | | | | more sense to purchase the whole kit than just a few |
| and technical needs of the apprentice. | | | | items. |
| Even at a basic level, a good tattoo kit will contain | | | | Perhaps one of the most important factors in |
| proper medical and safety supplies. Nitrile gloves, | | | | purchasing a starter tattoo kit is not the initial purchase |
| sharps collector (for storage of used tattoo needles or | | | | price, but the overall quality of the company you are |
| disposable grips before proper disposal), a surface | | | | purchasing from. Sure, it looks like a good deal now, |
| disinfectant such as cavicide (hospital grade cleaner | | | | but what about later, when it's time to buy more |
| for killing hepatitis, TB, HIV and herpes), good quality | | | | supplies? Was the tattoo machine good or did you |
| tattoo ink (many tattoo kits get sold with OEM brand | | | | have a lot of problems with the cheap one you |
| inks that are far inferior to a good name brand tattoo | | | | received? Was the tattoo ink worth purchasing again, |
| ink) and some kits even go as far as offering barrier | | | | or did you find you had to redo all the tattoos because |
| plastic for protecting clipcords and tattoo machines | | | | the ink never stayed in the skin? Did everything rust? |
| from blood born pathogens during the tattoo process. | | | | More importantly, does the company sell the same |
| Something to consider when purchasing a tattoo kit is | | | | items to keep you supplied with your tattooing |
| whether or not an autoclave will be available at the | | | | business or do you now have to locate another |
| shop - believe it or not, some shops no longer utilize an | | | | company to buy from? Repeat business is often |
| autoclave sterilizer. With the growing use of disposable | | | | rewarded by the better tattoo companies. How do |
| tattoo grips and premade, single use tattoo needles, | | | | you find out? Call them. They usually have a toll free |
| some shops are opting to NOT own an autoclave and | | | | number. Introduce yourself, mention you purchased a |
| simply dispose of their presterilized tattoo grips and | | | | kit from them (an approximate date is helpful) and |
| needles after tattooing - further removing the risk of | | | | provide any feedback on the kit (are you happy with |
| cross contamination between customers. That being | | | | it? let them know!). Tell them you're interested in |
| said, before purchasing a tattoo kit, the decision to use | | | | restocking some supplies and ask them what kind of |
| disposable tattoo grips vs steel tattoo grips needs to | | | | deals they have going - you can often get a better |
| be well considered. The advantage of purchasing steel | | | | price from a happy salesperson than you would |
| grips - better balance, vibration dampening, and | | | | normally receive online through their website. |
| re-usability, the downside being you'll always need to | | | | Purchasing a tattoo kit is not just about the kit itself - |
| scrub, soak and sterilize (autoclave) your equipment. | | | | it's about the business relationship you develop with the |
| With disposables the main advantage is safety and | | | | company you buy your tattoo supplies from. Get to |
| convenience - you can always guarantee the grip has | | | | know your supplier (or at least a sales rep) let them |
| been sterilized, never used before and you simply | | | | keep you informed of new products, materials and |
| dispose of it immediately after the tattoo is complete. | | | | sales throughout the season. |