Face/body painting guidelines
Before Starting
It is not advisable to paint a child’s face if they are younger than three years old.
If the client or child has sensitive skin, food allergies or reactions to soaps, creams, dyes, they should advise the artist who may perform a small patch test first, or may choose not to paint the child.
The client or child must have clean abrasion-free skin, and must not have conjunctivitis, lice, cold or flu, chicken pox or any other infection. Painting faces with acne should also be avoided.
The clients face (or other area to be painted – arm or leg) shall be cleaned with soap and warm water or a moist towelette prior to having their face painted, taking care around eyes, and wiping runny noses.
Parents / guardians are to supervise their child while being painted at all times.
Paint and supplies
Paints, crayons, inks, glitters and other cosmetic preparations must be safe and specifically designed for use on human skin. “Non-toxic” on the labels does not necessarily mean that it is safe to put on the skin. Some people are allergic to approved chemicals and colorants used in craft paints and other stationary products.
The bulk supplies should be stored and handled in a sanitary manner to avoid contamination. Paints, glitters should be taken from stocks using clean spatulas.
Cleaning & Disinfection of Brushes, Pens and Other Tools
Single-use disposable colour applicators (e.g. cotton swabs and sponges) are strongly recommended.
If reusable paint brushes are used, they should be washed thoroughly in warm water and soap and then soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol for at least two minutes, and dried before being used on a new client. The water used for cleaning the brushes should be changed for every client.
The tips of the face painting pens and markers should be wiped with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab after each use.
The eye and lip pencils must be resharpened after each use, and the sharpener cleaned regularly.
Reusable stencils should be made of non-porous and cleanable materials which can be wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol after each use.
Disposable paper towels should be used.
Artist and client hygiene
The artist should wash his or her hands prior to each face or body painting session.
Disposable hand wipes and hand sanitizer can be used as an alternative to hand washing between clients.
Careful attention should be paid when painting the areas near the eyes, especially on very young children and those unable to keep still.
If hair control is needed, single-use elastic should be used.
Warning
Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to even the most pure and nontoxic colours. If the client shows any type of allergic reaction during the painting procedure (e.g. paleness, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, undue swelling, puffiness around the eyes) the painting session should be discontinued and emergency medical attention should be obtained.
