Face painting: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What face painting is

A face painter applies designs to guests, mostly children, using safe cosmetic paints and a menu of ready designs. People book one for birthday parties, school fairs and festivals when they want a fun, quick activity that keeps kids happy.

Signs you need it

  • You are hosting a children's party and want an activity that keeps kids busy
  • You want a line of kids at a festival or school event to get designs
  • You want a themed look that matches a party, such as animals, superheroes or princesses
  • The event runs for several hours and needs steady activity for a crowd
  • You want an activity that works for both young children and older kids
  • You want designs that are quick and can be done in a short time per child

What the pro does

  • Asks about the number of guests, the ages, the theme and the length of the booth
  • Chooses a menu of designs that fit the event and the time available
  • Sets up a clean station with chairs, a mirror and paint kept at a safe temperature
  • Paints each guest with the design they picked, checking for any skin sensitivity
  • Adjusts the design time to keep the line moving
  • Packs up paints and cleans the station

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of time the painter works and the number of guests expected
  • Complexity of the designs on the menu, such as full face or small designs
  • Whether the painter works with a line or a small group at a time
  • Whether you want simple cheek designs or full face work for each child
  • Whether the painter needs a shaded or indoor space
  • Whether the painter adds glitter, stencils or themed extras
  • Whether a second painter is needed for a larger crowd

What a written quote should spell out

  • Length of time the painter works and the expected number of guests
  • The design menu and whether full-face designs are included
  • The type of paint used and any skin-safety checks
  • Setup needs, such as a table, chairs, a mirror and a shaded area
  • Arrival, setup and teardown times
  • What happens if the painter cannot attend

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What paints do you use, and are they tested for use on children's skin?
  • How do you check for skin sensitivity or allergies before painting?
  • How long does a typical design take, and how many guests can you paint in an hour?
  • Can I see photos of your menu and a sample of a finished design?
  • What space and setup do you need from the host?
  • Which paints do you use, and do you ask about allergies before painting?
  • Do you carry liability insurance that covers your work on guests?

Red flags

  • They use paints they will not name or show the labels for
  • They do not ask about allergies or skin sensitivity
  • They say they can paint any design with no menu or timing plan
  • They plan to paint in a crowded or unsafe spot with no clean setup
  • They will not confirm the setup space or the time needed in writing

What you can do yourself

You can choose a theme, a short menu of designs and the length of your event. You can also set up a clean table, a mirror and a shaded space for the painter. Hire a face painter for the paints, the designs and the line handling, since the paints need to be applied safely and quickly to keep children happy.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for face painting, so ask for proof of liability insurance and the paint brands used instead. Some schools, fairs and parks have their own rules for vendors, so check those with the site and your state or local licensing agency before booking.

Face painting questions

Does a face painter need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance, the paint brand and any skin-safety practices, and check whether the site has rules for vendors.

How many kids can a face painter do in an hour?

It depends on the designs. Simple designs move faster than full face work. Ask the painter for a time estimate for the menu you choose.

What if a child has sensitive skin?

Tell the painter ahead of time. A good painter will check the paint and skip designs on any area that is irritated or where a child says it hurts.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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