Polarized Glasses
As a tattoo artist, precision is everything. But achieving that perfect line or shade can sometimes be hindered by an unexpected enemy—glare. The bright lights essential to our work can also create reflections that obscure our view, causing eye strain and making it harder to focus on the intricate details of a design. To combat this issue, I embarked on a journey to create custom CPL (Circular Polarizing Lens) glasses specifically for tattooing. In this blog, I’ll share the process and the benefits of these glasses, which have become an indispensable tool in my studio.
Understanding the Problem: Glare
In a well-lit studio, the lights that help us see can also reflect off surfaces like the client’s skin, creating harsh glare. This not only strains our eyes but also compromises our ability to see the tattoo design clearly. Over time, this can lead to fatigue and even mistakes, which is something no tattoo artist wants. Realizing the impact glare was having on my work, I decided to explore solutions.
What Are CPL Glasses?
CPL stands for Circular Polarizing Lens, a type of lens commonly used in photography to reduce glare and enhance contrast. These lenses work by filtering out light that has been polarized—essentially light that is reflecting off surfaces at certain angles. By blocking this polarized light, CPL lenses allow for clearer vision with reduced glare, making them ideal for situations where precise visual clarity is needed.
Why Custom CPL Glasses for Tattooing?
While CPL lenses are widely used in photography, the idea of applying this technology to tattooing is relatively new. I realized that by customizing CPL glasses for tattooing, I could significantly reduce glare, improve my visibility, and make long sessions more comfortable. The result is a pair of glasses that not only enhances my focus but also ensures that every detail of the tattoo is as sharp and clear as possible.
What now?
Simply purchase any size CPL filter and round frame glasses. Take the clear lens out from the glasses and attach the CPL. The two items I listed above should fit perfectly together. If necessary, use super glue for a snug fit.