Lining is the finishing touches that are applied on a tattoo when you are done drawing it, in order to make it have a bolder, better, and more precise look.
And for you to draw lines properly, you need to use a good cartridge with the right features for it.
However, because many cartridges are available in the market for this same purpose, you would have to select from a very large number of options, and take it from someone who has gone through that process before — it is a very stressful one.
That is why I am writing this article to narrow down the options for you by reviewing some of the best tattoo cartridges I have been using for lining over the years as a professional tattoo artist.
So, let’s get right into it and look at my favorite lining cartridges that are available on the market.
The 6 Best Tattoo Cartridges For Lining
• Mast Pro Tattoo Cartridge
My number 1 favorite tattoo cartridge for lining a tattoo is the Mast Pro Tattoo Cartridge. Let me tell you why.
To be able to properly outline a tattoo, you need your cartridge to stay in place consistently and firmly, and with this cartridge, you can be assured of that.
It has a very strong stability that ensures that the needle stays on course after being used for a long time.
Its strong stability is coupled with a very impressive interface that allows ink to flow smoothly and quickly out of it to your skin or that of your customers.
This equipment also has very nice and sharp needles that make the lines very crisp and fine.
This durable cartridge also has a rebound force of 200, which is one of the major reasons why I love it so much.
This rebound force ensures that the right amount of tension is applied and less stress is placed on your tattoo machine.
Another feature I love about this equipment is its versatility. Not all is it great for lining, but it also works well for shading.
With how good it is and how well it is built, it comes as no surprise that it is the best-selling tattoo needle cartridge on Amazon, currently.
Pros
• It has great stability.
• It is multi-purpose.
• It is well-built.
• It is durable.
Key Features
• Sharp Needles.
• Durable Structure
• Easy-To-Clean Body.
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• Cheyenne Capillary Tattoo Cartridge
Have you ever wondered why you always find a cat from the Cheyenne brand on every list talking about the best tattoo cartridge?
It is because they are one of the very best and they have maintained that consistency over the years without giving us a reason to doubt how good their products are.
read also: The 7 Best Red Tattoo Ink For Dark Skin [Reviewed and Tested by Us]
The Cheyenne capillary tattoo cartridge is the total package.
It is built with all the right features needed to do anything when tattooing not just outlining hence its versatility.
It releases ink to the skin at a very fast rate but still maintains its precision all through the process.
It is also very safe and has a membrane that ensures no blood enters the tattoo grip while carrying out outlining or any other tattoo procedure.
Whenever I use this cartridge, I enjoy the luxury of focusing fully on the task in front of me without worrying about replenishing the ink after a short time and this is all thanks to its capillary design and in-built reservoir that holds ink 10 times more than other normal cartridges.
Pros
• It is safe
• It is precise
• It has a longer ink flow, as compared to other cartridges
Key Features
• Ink Reservoir Technology
• Patented Safety Membrane
• Long Taper
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• Dragonhawk 20Pcs Extreme Cartridges
What makes this cartridge stand out for me is how well-built it is and how its unique features enable it to carry out flawless outlining.
One of those features is its stainless steel nib that is built in the same shape as its sharp one-piece needles to make it very stable and give you total control over how it moves in and out of the skin.
It is also built with a membrane mechanism that ensures that ink doesn’t spit back hence making the tattooing and outlining process smoother.
It also has an indentation at its tip that ensures the flow and saturation of ink on your skin and that of your customer is inch-perfect.
Aside from this equipment’s prowess in lining tattoos, another reason why I love it is that it is a universal cartridge, and I use it on any pen style, coiled/rotary tattoo machine and it would be compatible with all of them and still maintain top performance.
Not to forget how perfect it works with Dragonhawk tattoo machines as well, the two are like a perfect match made in heaven.
Pros
• It is universal.
• It is easy to use.
• It is versatile.
• It is smooth.
Cons
• It doesn’t hold ink very well, as compared to other cartridges used for lining.
Key Features
• Sharp and smooth needles.
• Tube that is shaped exactly like the needles.
• Great membrane mechanism.
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• Kwadron Cartridge Tattoo Needle Cartridges
Is it possible to make a list of cartridges for lining and not include a product from Kwadron in it?
I don’t think so. The brand has made a new for itself by making great cartridges and this product is one of them.
This product comes with very sharp needles that make fine line work more precise and prevent the skin from damaging during the process.
When these needles are fitted into the tip of the cartridge, it grips it well and ensures that it remains stable and precise all through the outlining process and make sure that the outlined tattoo looks great when it is done and after it heals.
Another unsung feature of this product is the interior of its tip which makes sure that the ink is evenly distributed and the work is the same on all sides.
In addition, this cartridge has three types of arrangements that you can use for lining, so you have various options to choose from depending on the type of outlining that you want to do.
Pros
• It is multi-purpose.
• It is well-built.
• It is precise and stable.
Key Features
• Great Needles
• Medical-grade Plastic Body
• Expertly-Designed Tips
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• Poseidon Tattoo Cartridge
If you are on a budget and are looking for a top-quality cartridge that can deliver great lining for your tattoos then this is the product you should go for.
This cartridge has a one-of-a-kind design that enables the smoother flow of ink and great sharp needles that deliver the ink safely and properly to the skin.
These needles are held firmly by a metal welding which makes them more stable and hence makes the fine lines more precise.
The good news is, this cartridge is universal so you can use it on any of your tattoo machines and cartridge grips, it doesn’t necessarily need to be one from the Poseidon brand.
Based on how easy it is to use, it can be used by both experts and beginners.
If you notice any issues while using it, the brand offers a replacement or refund policy that you make use of to make a better one or get your money back.
Pros
• It is universal.
• It has a good ink flow rate
• It is easy to use
• It is stable.
• It is refundable.
Cons
• It has questionable durability.
Key Features
• Great Needles
• Silicone Rebound Ring
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• Wormhole Tattoo Cartridge
This cartridge is one of the most well-built and well-packaged cartridges I have seen.
Every feature on it contributes to making it draw outlines effectively.
It has very sharp and strong needles in different sizes which you can choose from based on the specific type of lining work you are doing.
These needles are provided with enough space in the cartridge that ensure that the needle doesn’t move out of how it is supposed to.
With its light grey tubes, you can see the situation inside it while working and hence be able to easily correct an issue, if any arises.
Another thing that I love about this cartridge is that I can use it on different tattoo machines and it is compatible with most of them.
Plus, despite being one of the most well-packaged tattoo cartridges I have ever used, the brand still has a policy that ensures that they change it to a new one for you in case you get delivered a broken package.
Pros
• It is well made.
• It is well packaged.
• It is safe.
• It is durable.
• It is beginner-friendly and easy to use.
• If broken, it is refundable.
Cons
• It doesn’t fit into all tattoo pens.
Key Features
• Strong and Sharp Needles
• Transparent Tattoo Tube
• Round Liner
• Cartridge Tip
• High-Quality Elastic Silicone Ring
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Conclusion
In this article, I have reviewed my best and favorite tattoo cartridges that I use for outlining the tattoos that I draw for my customers.
All these cartridges are well-built and of high quality, so choose the one that best appeals to you and suits your budget.
You can also check their features and pick the one that best suits what you are looking for. It all draws done to personal preference.
I’m Tommy Hanks, a professional tattoo artist with over a decade of experience under my belt.
I’ve always had a passion for art, and tattooing has become my favorite medium for expressing creativity.
I own and operate a successful tattoo studio, where I get to create intricate designs and connect with a diverse range of clients.
In addition to my work in the studio, I run a blog called taggrs.com.
Through my blog, I share my experiences, insights into the latest tattoo trends, and tips for both aspiring tattoo artists and enthusiasts.
Tattooing is more than just a job for me; it’s a lifelong journey, and I love being able to share that journey with others.