How to Use Body Paint – Creating a Human Artwork!

You can use body paint to create a variety of different art works on the most amazing canvas – human skin. But body painting can take time and it is not uncommon for a session to last as long as 10 to 12 hours. Rough on both artist and model, I’m sure you will agree. These days body painting materials are becoming more user friendly, making it easy to learn how to use body paint with the minimum of fuss.

So practically anybody can use body paint with a little practice and experience. Old fashioned body paints were messy and time consuming to use, making the art of body painting popular with only the very dedicated. Some examples of modern body painting materials that are far easier and less time-consuming to use include:

Markers – These are inexpensive and safe to use but painting with them takes time. If you are learning how to use body paint and have patience go ahead and try them.

Airbrush Make Up – Excellent for speed and very safe, but you will pay the price for these features.

MagicColor and Mehron Face Paints – These aren’t too expensive, the quality is good and they are safe to use.

Textile Acrylics – A practical choice, textile acrylics are reasonably priced, work well and are safe.

Liquid Latex – Interesting materials to work with, and offer a variety of possibilities. Not recommended if you don’t know how to use body paint.

PAX MakeupAdhesive based paint – If you want your artwork to last a long time.

Tempera: Not recommended.

Using markers, like Crayola are a good idea if you want 100% safety. Markers are made for kids so they are fully washable. This makes them ideal for creating translucent effects which look like tattoos. After the paint dries it lasts until you wash it off and won’t peel off or wrinkle. Markers are a good idea if you’re not sure how to use body paint and need a bit of practice and experience.

The main problem with using markers is that the point of the marker is so small. This means it can take a long time to work up to the full design, especially if you are aiming at full bodywork. Try the wider tip markers that make a strip of about a third of an inch. If you don’t know how to use body paint, experiment with the markers first.

Airbrush make-up is a really safe, fast and the most flexible option for body painting. It won’t crack or peel like airbrush acrylics. It can be expensive but are the best choice if you work professionally. Try Kryolan, Dinair or Mehron. If you want to use body paint that’s a cut above the rest, this is your best option.

MagicColor and Mehron Face/Body Paints are made by Ben Nye. These body paints are opaque but are easy to apply and dry quickly. You can use them with an airbrush if you want to use body paint for all over coverage. You will find them in primary colors as well as glitter metallic. Never use body paint colors like red, pink or orange over or around the sensitive eye area. These paints have good staying power but will clean off with ease.

Airbrush textile acrylics are practical and affordable. They are non-toxic and are intended for use on fabric. They offer good staying power and dry quickly but are easy to wash off with soapy water. You can even use a bristle brush when you use body paint. Try Createx and Jurex. Createx is available in iridescent colors that shine when applied. You can use a Pasche airbrush for fine work or a production airbrush for bigger areas.

If you don’t know how to use body paint start with a very thin opaque coat to avoid peeling and flaking. You will find that the paint is a bit thick so thin it down before you use it. Read up on the brush techniques for obtaining different effects at your local library or on the Web.

AGPC makeup is non-toxic and comes off with soap and water. The great news is that is stays on for ages (possibly one to two days!). All you need is a little talc to set the paint. It comes off with a damp sponge. Ask for Airbrush Grade Prosthetic Cosmetic from Michael Davy Film & TV Make Up, in Orlando FL. If you don’t know how to use body paint, you’re probably not ready for an airbrush, yet.

The bad news is: it’s expensive. If you’re working professionally or need perfect staying power it’s an ideal choice. Again, if you don’t know how to use body paint, start with something cheaper and easier to use.

Liquid latex is available in several different colors these days but it’s not a good idea if you don’t know how to use body paint properly. It is less messy than some other kinds of body paint and once it sets (in about 10 minutes) it will stay on. Make sure the skin is shaved first for easier cleaning. If you already know how to use body paint, liquid latex is an option worth considering.

It’s possible to achieve some pretty nice effects using latex. For example, dimensional textures using beads or sand or together with metallic powders. Make sure your model isn’t allergic to latex before starting work. Liquid latex is not recommended if you don’t know how to use body paint properly.

Tempera is a bad choice for body painting, even if you know how to use body paint with panache! Why? Tempera is cheap and safe and it looks great wet BUT once dry it becomes powdery and flakes off quickly. This can be very messy and it looks bad. However if you are a pure beginner and don’t know how to use body paint and want some practice, it may be a cheap starter option.

So, you know how to use body paint and even have talent but where are you going to find a canvas? If you are (really lucky) you might find a friend or a relative willing to let you practice on them (such people are hard to find, so hold onto them if you find them). If you don’t know how to use body paint properly yet, be honest and tell them they will be guinea pigs for a fledgling artist. If your model is under 21 make sure to document their I.D., especially if they look younger.

Another option is to look for models in the personals in your local newspaper. You might scan the general columns. If you can’t afford to pay your model and they are still interested, chances are they’re doing it for fun. This means that you, as the artist, need to make it fun! If you already know how to use body paint it will probably be easier to find willing participants! If you don’t know how to use body paint be honest about it.

Don’t work for too long, make sure you feed your models and play some music in the background. Always make sure the room is heated! Again if you’re a novice and don’t know how to use body paint, make sure your model knows that your technique may not be perfect.

A word or two about males painting females: it may be a good idea to make sure that there are other women around to put your model at ease. If you choose to photograph your work make sure the model gets copies too and that your local photographic store is comfortable developing this kind of print. People who use body paint are generally recognized as artists so you probably won’t have too many problems getting the film developed (we hope!).

Bigger, professional labs might be a better bet than your local one hour photo where your pictures may be duplicated for…personal use! Now you have some basic advice on how to use body paint for your creative passions! Go out there and get painting!

Good luck!