A face painter with some experience and knowledge who is still acquiring skills may have painted a few faces for fun, applied make-up for a Halloween costume, or painted designs on their own face.
There is more involved in arranging to paint for a party or event than is for painting for one or two individuals. Advance planning is important to a fun and successful activity for each guest.
It will be helpful for beginners to read the article Face Painting Ideas for Beginners if there are any doubts about paint types needed and other basics. More tips can be found in the article How to Start a Face Painting Business for Money.
Preparation for Doing Face Painting for Multiple Faces
If painting at a child’s birthday party, for example, having specific supplies on hand and decisions made ahead of time is helpful and necessary.
- If guests will be painted to coordinate with a party theme, more of certain paint colors may need to be purchased (i.e. orange for tigers, blue for butterflies), as well as face glitter or self-adhesive jewels.
- A location for the activity should be decided upon. An outdoor location during warm weather should be a shady and cool, such as under a canopy cover or tree.
- Indoors, a tarp or old sheet can be under the area for easy clean-up.
- If various face designs will be offered, making a poster board with samples of available designs keeps things simple.
- Chairs will be required for painters and those being painted.
- Tables for setting out supplies will be needed.
- Baby wipes are handy for cleaning up smudges and getting paint off hands. Paper towels help with drying messes.
- Full aprons are useful for painters to wear to protect clothing (even when face paints are water-based).
The Day of a Party or Event
- The day of a party or event, face painting supplies should be organized set out to be easy to access on a table or in a portable caddy.
- Plastic cups of water are good for cleaning face paint off brushes, between color changes and after use.
- All other supplies can be arranged in a workable fashion.
- Guests should be kept away from the painting area until the painters are prepared and ready to begin painting.
How to Paint Faces of Fidgety Children
Some tips for keeping children still while working on their face decorations include asking them to close their eyes to keep them from looking around; using one hand on top of the child’s head to gently, but firmly, turn and manipulate the face; and wearing a piece of interesting jewelry on which children can be asked to focus. Another idea is to have one's own face painted in a way that will keep kids looking at the design.
For more ideas and products, see the website How to Start a Face Painting Business.
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
