11 Steps How To Prepare For Your Tattoo Station

Are you an up-and-coming tattoo artist just starting your first few sessions? Well, as a newbie, things can seem daunting. With multiple machines, inks, and other equipment, you may be juggling things during your tattoo session, thus leaving a wrong impression on your clients (and, of course, clutter will get you rejected immediately!). Well, since Tattoo Pedia is a community for both clients and tattoo artists, here's a complete guide for our new tattoo artists to set up their tattoo stations the right way! We've jotted down every step you should do before your clients arrive to make sure your tattoo station is thoroughly sanitized, set up, and ready to start a session! There's no time to lose, so let's start preparing your tattoo station today!

Required equipment

• Gloves
• Alcohol/medical grade sanitizer
• Disposable paper towels
• Ink bottle jar
• Rubber band canister
• Ink tray trays
• Transparent cling film (cellophane)
• Clip wire

How to prepare the tattoo station?

Step 1: Cover the entire table with clear plastic Since tattoo artists deal with a lot of blood and bacteria in the tattoo studio, be sure to always use plastic over the entire table of the tattoo station to ensure that the plastic sheeting is changed each time a new client enters, resulting in more hygiene and cleanliness. Step 2: Place the dental bib on the table A dental bib can be very helpful for any liquid spills that occur during soaking tattoos. Step 3: Add the machine thread to the binder This will protect your machine cord and wires from any problematic situations during the tattoo. It will also make the wire completely tangle-free. Step 4: Place the machine and needle With the entire workstation thoroughly cleaned and covered, it is now finally time to place your tattoo machine and needles. Make sure to wear gloves when handling the machine and needles. Step 5: Set up benches, chairs, armrests, etc. Set up the environment of your tattoo station for the convenience of your customers. Don't forget to add a thin layer of clear plastic to these spaces to maximize hygiene. Step 6: Place 1-2 rubber bands around each machine Although the tattoo station may be small, it is best to maintain resistance when using multiple tattoo machines on the tattoo station. Rubber bands can help hold the tattoo machine. Step 7: Place the required number of pre-tear tissues A paper towel is necessary during the tattoo. It is best to keep it close at hand rather than running it during a session. Step 8: Cover the machine and any liquid bottles with a clear bag Again, take sanitary measures for your clients! Step 9: Place the ink caps on the ink cap tray and cover with cling film (cellophane) This will prevent any unwanted contamination, dust, or dirt from appearing on the ink while waiting for your client to arrive for the next tattoo! Step 10: Clean the area with alcohol While your tattoo station is clean enough, never forget to wipe down the area at least once with an alcohol solution to sanitize the space and prepare it for the tattoo!

Tips for optimizing your tattoo session

Let's take a look at some tips that can be very helpful in starting a tattoo session. Keep your sharps container nearby but away from handrails or any space that could hurt your client during the session.

Final Thoughts

Each tattoo station setup process is unique to different tattoo artists. However, this is just the foundation. As long as you maintain all hygiene and sanitation protocols during the tattooing process, you are free to make adjustments. Have your equipment ready to go at least 15 minutes before your client arrives, and then you're ready to start your tattoo session!