We all know it can be a challenge to keep paint, water, glitter, and dirt out of your Craft-n-Go case. When you are at a face painting event, how do you keep your brushes and paints clean? We have you covered with tips and tricks to keep your case and supplies clean and hygienic. Hygiene in face painting begins with a clean and neat space.
Keep Your Case Clean
Your case is a large surface that serves multiple purposes. It not only carries your supplies to and from events, but it also serves as your workstation. It is important to keep it pristine and in good condition for current and future use. A clean case is vital because it helps your appearance look professional and shows that you care about who you are serving. One way to keep your case clean is to use microfiber towels/cloths.
They are great to place under a cup of water or have on the side to wipe up a spill. They are ultra-absorbent. Another way to keep your kit clean is to use baby wipes or dawn dish soap to wipe up paint or glitter that could get on areas of your case; we do not recommend using that on a face to avoid any chance of an allergic reaction or irritation. Cover the metal on your case with vinyl to help with easy cleanup. Lastly, schedule a deep clean every once in a while. Take everything out of your case and wipe down every square inch. You would be surprised at how much dirt builds up over time, even with regular cleanings.
Keep Your Brushes and Sponges Clean
Having a clean kit is especially important when it involves brushes and sponges. You want to avoid allergic reactions and passing bacteria from one client to another. To do this, you need to keep your brushes and sponges clean. Never use the same brush or sponge on more than one face - unless you cleaned it between uses.
Some painters have enough brushes or sponges to use only once per face. If you cannot use a new brush, we recommend using a Rinse Well or similar product that provides you with clean water to rinse your brushes in. It is also great to add face painting brush cleaner to your water. The cleaner will help clean the brush thoroughly and sanitize it. Make sure you use a brush cleaner specific for face painting so that the cleaner does not cause agitation to the skin.
At events, cleaning sponges can be challenging. We recommend having a lot of sponges on hand so you can use a new sponge for each face. When you have finished using the sponge, have a mesh bag where you can put the dirty sponge. After the event, remove the entire bag of used sponges and wash them at home. If you use a mesh bag, toss the whole bag in a washer and then air dry.
Keep Your Paints Clean
As important as it is to have clean brushes and sponges, it is equally important to have clean paints. If your paints have water pooling up, take a microfiber cloth and dab up some of the water from your paints. Avoid double dipping brushes and sponges in your paint - if you need more paint, use a clean side of your sponge or a new brush. If you apply lipstick to a customer, use a cotton swab or a disposable brush!
If someone is visibly sick, do not paint on them. If there is an open wound or sore on them, do not paint over that area - choose a different spot or paint on the arm or hand. Implement these easy tips to help keep your paint as clean as possible.
Keep Your Hands Clean
Cleaning your hands might be the first thing you think to do, but it is still vital. Washing your hands before painting on any person can help spread germs. Sometimes, finding a place to wash your hands with soap and water is not always readily available. In those situations, keep hand sanitizer in your case to use when you need it.
Keep your case and supplies clean because it helps keep your case looking professional and helps avoid spreading germs and bacteria. Implement a good hygiene routine following every face painting event. There are a lot of great articles and videos from fellow face painters who share their tips and tricks on how to keep their cases clean. Find a good routine that works for your case and supplies.
After any event, it’s hard for your face painting case not to get a little dirty. If you implement these tips and tricks you will be sure to have a hygienic and clean case. Making your customers happy and easing any worry or concern. The cleaner the case, the more professional-looking it will be. What are some tips you implement to help keep your case clean?