Frecher Franz
Most of Franz's lettering goes on the skin freehand, so his list starts with a marker. The rest is what he has used since day one and what he recommends beginners to buy first.
Translated from German.
Daily drivers
What's on the table every day, and why.
“Since day one. As far as I know, most black and grey artists worldwide use it. It's reliable, easy to mix, and heals well.”
Proton Professional Stencil Primer
€27,87 *
“A brutal game changer compared to Stencil Stuff and the like. Proton doesn't smear, because it's tacky rather than liquid. The stencil goes on much better and holds better and longer.”
Roll of Dermalize Pro - Protective Tattoo Film - 15 cm x 10 m - Second Skin
€34,99 *
Roll of Dermalize Pro - Protective Tattoo Film - 15 cm x 10 m - Second Skin
€34,99 *
“The hours right after the tattoo matter most for healing. Second skin seals it.”
Hustle Butter Deluxe Tub Tattoo Care
€26,39 *
“I use aftercare lotion during the tattoo, not just after. It helps reduce redness, and the skin benefits while you're still working on it.”
Barrier Film Roll
€9,79 *
“For wrapping the machine. Sits perfectly and keeps the work safe and hygienic. An absolute must.”
Coal Black - Black Finish
€20,81 *
“Closes the pores after tattooing and reduces bleeding afterwards. Healing is faster and easier.”
Smartphone ND Clip-On Focus Lens and Polarised Film Package - CPL Filter
€29,16 *
Smartphone ND Clip-On Focus Lens and Polarised Film Package - CPL Filter
€29,16 *
“The most important thing for us artists is to show our work properly. The filter takes the shine out of the photo, so the contrast comes through rich and saturated. An absolute must.”
Starting out
What to buy first, and what to skip.
Piranha Premium Stable Ink Caps (multiple sizes)
€4,96 *
“Beginners often dip the machine too deep into the ink. The needle tip goes blunt or bends into a hook that just tears the skin. The soft bottom prevents that.”
Tattoo Ink Mixer
€6,41 *
“If you mix your own greywash tones, the pigments have to be mixed properly. This little battery mixer does that.”
Skinz Practice Skin A3
€26,81 *
“Practising on fake skin is unavoidable for a beginner. Only good fake skin gives you an experience that's realistic enough to judge your work.”
Reelskin Reelpad Practice Skin Support
€81,62 *
“Makes practising feel more like tattooing a real body part. It's also easier on the machine.”
Dragonhawk - Fold Pro Wireless Tattoo Pen - Pro Grade
€279,88 *
Dragonhawk - Fold Pro Wireless Tattoo Pen - Pro Grade
€279,88 *
“Don't buy an expensive machine. It won't teach you to tattoo any faster. My recommendation is Dragonhawk.”
Reynard Antibacterial Hand Gel
€2,33 *
“Why gel of all things? Because it's easier to use for disinfecting your hands, and hygiene is everything.”
Advice for new artists
“Don't buy too many different ones. One or two liners and two magnums are enough at the start.”
Liners & magnums“It won't teach you to tattoo any faster. If in doubt, get one with a strong stroke. A shader machine is overrated at the beginning.”
Dragonhawk Fold Pro“Regular stencil fluid smears on fake skin. A stick helps a lot. A deodorant stick works in a pinch.”
Not in our range“I definitely advise against one at the start. Every design should be stencilled by hand, as preparation for tattooing it.”
In the studio
Hygiene first, and what the health inspector wants to see.
Black Line Elasticated Bed Covers
€8,81 *
“Bed covers, the plastic fitted ones.”
Barrier Film Roll
€9,79 *
“For wrapping the machine. Sits perfectly and keeps the work safe and hygienic. An absolute must.”
Medipal Alcohol Disinfectant Wipes
€9,32 *
“Pre-soaked disinfectant wipes are the only way surfaces get reliably disinfected. The health inspector wants to see them too.”
Tintenkillah Pure Power Cleaner
€30,90 *
“A dedicated floor cleaner that gets tattoo ink out.”
Reynard Antibacterial Hand Gel
€2,33 *
“Why gel of all things? Because it's easier to use for disinfecting your hands, and hygiene is everything.”
Smartphone ND Clip-On Focus Lens and Polarised Film Package - CPL Filter
€29,16 *
Smartphone ND Clip-On Focus Lens and Polarised Film Package - CPL Filter
€29,16 *
“The most important thing for us artists is to show our work properly. The filter takes the shine out of the photo, so the contrast comes through rich and saturated. An absolute must.”
Advice for studio owners
A dedicated floor cleaner that gets tattoo ink out. And the plastic fitted covers for the bed.
“Medical alcohol wipes: clean and disinfect in one step. The inspector wants to see that.”
Medical alcohol wipesWhy Mother Ink
Delivery & range
“Fast delivery. A large product range and a solid selection: not everything, but what is needed at the artist's table.”
Shipping & returnsBuy in person
“The option to buy in person. You can't feel the rest of the world's products through a screen.”
Book the counterAt conventions
“And you see Mother Ink at conventions. When you have a problem there, they're there.”
