Glossary
Original editorial content, made for people who want to understand before they buy.
Carrier
The carrier is the liquid that carries the pigment in the ink. Its composition varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and is not always declared in detail. It influences the ink's viscosity and behaviour.
REACH
REACH is the European regulation on chemical substances. For tattoo inks it restricts, from 2022, the use of certain substances in products sold in the European Union. «REACH compliant» in product sheets means the manufacturer declares compliance with the requirements.
Stencil
The stencil is the design transferred onto the skin as a guide before tattooing. It can be obtained with stencil paper and a thermal printer, with carbon paper, or made by hand. The term indicates both the transfer and the sheet that carries it.
Stencil Paper
Stencil paper is a multi-layer sheet designed to transfer a design onto the skin. Versions exist for thermal printers, for inkjet or laser printers (with a carrier sheet) and for hand copying. The number of layers and the compatibility vary by product.
Thermal Printer
The thermal stencil printer produces the design by applying heat to a dedicated paper, without ink or toner. The specifications in product sheets concern paper format, resolution, connectivity and print speed.
Transfer Solution
Transfer solution is a liquid or gel applied to the skin before placing the stencil, to help the design transfer. The composition varies from product to product, as do the usage instructions given by the manufacturer.
Green Soap
Green soap is a concentrated cleanser traditionally used in the industry to clean skin and work surfaces, generally diluted. The dilutions and permitted uses are those indicated by the manufacturer and by local regulations.
Skin Prep
Skin prep refers to preparing the skin's surface before work and, by extension, the products used for that purpose (wipes, cleansers, solutions). The procedures and products required depend on the regulations of one's country and the manufacturer's instructions.
Barrier Film
Barrier film is a transparent, adhesive, single-use film used to cover surfaces and components such as the machine, cords or work surfaces. It comes in rolls or sheets of different sizes and formats.
Lining
Lining is the making of a tattoo's lines and outlines. In products the term appears to indicate needle configurations, machines or inks designed or described for this type of work.
Shading
Shading is the making of shadows and gradients in a tattoo, that is, the gradual passage between tones. In products the term indicates needle configurations or inks described by the manufacturer as suited to this type of work.
Packing
Packing is filling an area with colour or black in a solid, even way. In products the term appears to indicate needle configurations and inks described as suited to filling surfaces.