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Materials used in body painting
Body painting obviously means that can use the human body as canvas for your art. Traditionally, body painting takes about 12 hours to complete, but now, with superior body painting materials, it is becoming easier to use body paint for maximum effect. Here are some contemporarily used body painting materials that give the best results with the least fuss:
Markers: Though inexpensive and safe to use, they are time-consuming, so you need oodles of patience to use them. For safety, use Crayola markers because they are kid-friendly and washable, and can give a translucent effect too. Once the paint dries, it lasts until you wash it off, and it doesn’t peel off or wrinkle either.
However, it is not chosen because its point is too small and this means delaying completion of the full design. But its wider tip markers are better and if this is your first stab at body painting, use these markers.
Airbrush makeup: In terms of speed and safety, there’s no beating this one. It won’t crack or peel like airbrush acrylics.
MagicColor and Mehron face paints: Not very expensive and good and safe too, MagicColor and Mehron Face/Body Paints are opaque and easy to apply and dry quickly. They come in primary colors and glitter metallic. Refrain from using red, pink or orange in sensitive eye area.
Textile acrylics: Reasonably priced, they are good performers and safe to use. They are non-toxic and are meant for fabrics, and wash off easily with soap and water. When used as body paint, use a bristle brush.
Liquid latex: These have a variety of possibilities since there is a range of materials to work with, but use it only if you are an experienced body artist. It is available in several colors and is less messy than other kinds of body paint. It also sets in about 10 minutes and stays. Before you use this, ensure that the skin is shaved.
PAX Makeup Adhesive based paint: Use this if you want your artwork to last a long time.
Tempera: This is not the right choice for body painting, though it is inexpensive, safe and it looks good when wet, but when dry, it becomes powdery and flakes off easily.
Now that you have all the materials for body painting, where are you going to find the “canvas” for your artistic expression? Perhaps a friend or relative will volunteer to sit for you. But if you have a minor for a model, document his or her I.D., especially if he or she looks younger than the documented age.
Alternatively, check the local newspaper for models or those who might do it for a lark.
Make your models comfortable, and don’t work too long at a stretch or it might you’re your model out. Play some music, create a comfortable environment and, if you’re painting a female model, have another female around to put her at ease. Take snaps of your work and give a copy to your model.
Now, with adequate advice and tips on which materials to use and how, good luck in your creative endeavours.
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