The stroke length of a tattoo machine refers to how far the needle moves up and down with each cycle. The difference between a 3.5mm stroke and a 4.0mm stroke significantly impacts how the machine performs and what it’s best suited for.
3.5mm Stroke
Medium Stroke Length: This is a versatile stroke length that is ideal for a range of tattooing styles.
Best For:
Shading: Smooth gradients in black and grey or color.
Soft Lining: Delicate linework with minimal trauma to the skin.
Versatility: Can handle light color packing but may not be as powerful for heavy saturation.
Skin Impact: Creates less trauma, making it more suitable for areas with thinner skin or detailed work.
4.0mm Stroke
Longer Stroke Length: This is more aggressive and delivers more power with each cycle.
Best For:
• Color Packing: Ideal for solid fills, bold color saturation, and heavy shading.
• Lining: Strong, consistent lines, especially for bold outlines or large pieces.
• Thick Skin: Works well on tougher skin areas like backs or legs.
• Skin Impact: Can cause more trauma, so it requires a skilled hand to avoid overworking the skin.
Key Differences
1. Power:
4.0mm delivers more force per stroke, making it better for high-saturation work.
3.5mm is less aggressive, offering smoother control for detailed or soft work.
2. Healing:
3.5mm causes less trauma and generally heals faster.
4.0mm can take longer to heal due to its stronger impact.
3. Style Suitability:
3.5mm is a great all-rounder for versatile tattooing styles.
4.0mm is specialized for bold, saturated, or large-scale pieces.
Choosing between the two depends on your tattooing style and the type of work you’re focusing on. Since you’re experienced in black and grey and color work, a 3.5mm might suit your versatility, while a 4.0mm could enhance your bold surrealist designs.
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