Here are a few of our more frequently asked questions on the subject of
airbrush and body paint, and the answers to go
along with them.
What sort of paint do you use?
WE DO NOT USE PAINT! No face painter should use paint if any alternative is
available (and it is). We use only makeup made with FDA approved ingredients. Dinair
is a great source for makeup, as well as supplies and everything else you might
need. For regular face painting without an airbrush or for hand painted details
we recommend Snazaroo.
What sort of equipment do you use?
- Airbrush
- Vega2000 (they are cheap and easy) May be switching to Iwata Eclipse for
higher quality and reliability
- Air Source
- Badger Cyclone II, Medea Sil-Air, CO2 (depending on venue)
- Stencils
- Most are hand made by ourselves. Hand made stencils can be made from
paper, thin cardboard, acetate, plastic, or brass. We also use some store
bought stencils made of brass. These are available on the web or at most
craft stores.
-
What air pressure do you use?
For finer makeup, use about 8-12 P.S.I. (pounds of air pressure per square
inch). For thicker makeup use 15-25 P.S.I. For safety reasons NEVER SET AIR
PRESSURE ABOVE 30-35 P.S.I. when applying makeup. Most people are uncomfortable
with pressures over about 25 P.S.I. on their face. Kids are most comfortable at
lower pressure.
What about the spray, what if I breathe it in?
It is very unlikely that any of our guests could breathe more than a few
particles of makeup when we paint them. We use very low pressure. This is no
aerosol can so we have excellent control of where the makeup goes and where it
doesn't. Again, all the ingredients used in our makeup are FDA approved and not
harmful.
What about allergies?
In the years we have been painting, we have only been made aware of two allergic
reactions. Both reactions were quite mild and resulted in nothing more than a
red rash that went away within 20 minutes or so. As with any process, those with
sensitive skin should not participate, or should ask for a small test patch.
How do I take it off?
The makeup removes easily with any mild soap, or most brands of baby wipes. For
full face designs we recommend using baby shampoo so you can wash around the
eyes with minimal irritation. Our makeup is much easier to remove than most
paints or Halloween type makeup.
Can you cover the whole body? I heard that the skin needs to breathe.
The idea that skin needs to "breathe" is a myth. Frogs use skin to
breathe, people use their lungs. As long as you are using a makeup with FDA
approved ingredients on a model who is not allergic, you should be perfectly
safe.
Have any more questions just email Rich mailto:dreamers@slip.net
if possible mention body painting in the subject.
