As a member of FACE (The Face Painting Association) I am actively involved in trying to improve the standards of face painting in general.

I recently read an excellent article by friend and fellow FACE member Glyn Goodwin, who is currently the Deputy Chairman of FACE, offering advice to event organisers regarding the benefits of hiring a professional face painter.  Here are the main points raised by Glyn, plus some of my own –

Face Painting has been steadily growing in popularity over the past few years, so much so that no event is complete without the addition of a face painter, but where do you start when trying to find the right person for the job……

When thinking of hiring a face painter for your private party or event it is always advisable to use a painter who knows what they are doing, has clean equipment and uses professional face paints.

Don’t book a painter just because they are the cheapest.  Cheapest is not always best.  Don’t be afraid to ask to see samples of their work.  Find out if they have a website so you can look at their work, this will give you an idea of their standard and experience.

TOP TIPS FOR HIRING A FACE PAINTER

1. Make sure the face painter only uses materials which have been tested and are safe to use on skin.  All professional face painters use well established and approved brands of water-based face paint.  Never hire a painter who uses acrylic paint or metallic glitter.
2. Make sure the face painter has full public liability insurance up to 5 million in coverage.  Ask if they are CRB checked.
3. Is the painter’s equipment clean and tidy?  Do they follow a strict safety and hygiene policy?  Are their water containers clean and do they have plenty of clean water for rinsing their brushes?  Most painters will use a clean sponge for each child to avoid spreading bacteria.
4. You should be advised that the best way to remove face paints from this skin is with soap and water.  It is not advisable to use baby wipes.  Some wipes contain lanolin and other ingredients which may trigger problems with children that suffer from sensitive skin.
5. A professional face painter will know when it is not advisable to paint a child.  They will look out for children with skin conditions, colds, conjunctivitis etc.  They will also advise over what age they will paint a face.  The Jolly Good Production team of face painters will only paint 3 years and over, but will offer hand and arm paintings for 2 years and above.
6. A professional face painter will have the ability to work from memory and not have to keep referring to books and pictures.
7. The face painter should have a few years experience of painting children of all ages and at lots of different events, from small birthday parties to huge corporate events.  A professional face painter will be able to paint quickly yet still maintain a very high standard.
8. If you are hiring an adventure play venue ask if they allow you to provide a face painter of your own choice.  Sometimes they will only allow you to use their own staff.  Very often this involves a young person who has had no form of training and has been given the title of ‘Face Painter’ because they were good at art at school.

I hope you will find the above information of use.

If you would like to book a face painter or would like to train to become a face painter, please contact me on  – 01748 821621

Best Wishes, Hazel Wood

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