Shading
The technique of creating tonal gradations in a tattoo — from dark to light — using diluted ink, dot spacing, or hatching techniques.
In detail
Shading creates depth and dimension. Black and grey shading uses diluted black ink to build gradations. Colour shading uses multiple hues. Dotwork shading uses dot density. Each approach creates a distinct aesthetic quality.
See also
Shader (needle)
A needle configuration used for filling and shading large areas. Includes round shaders (RS), curved magnums, and stacked magnums. Distributes ink more broadly than liner needles.
Wash
A diluted ink application technique creating soft, translucent tonal areas — like a watercolour wash. Used in black and grey shading and watercolour style tattoos.
Dotwork
A tattooing technique using individual dots rather than continuous lines to build shading, texture, and form — similar to pointillism in painting.