Glossary15 January 2026 · 1 min read
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.
Why it matters: It is a usage indication, not a technical classification. It can be associated with different configurations, such as Round Shader and Magnum.
Related: Round Shader, Magnum, Grey Wash, Whip Shading.
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