How To Make Body Paint Waterproof? [On Face & On Body]
Are you heading out for a cosplay? Or are you just feeling creative enough to paint your own body? Or are you influenced by your creative friends and want to give it a shot? Having such friends is a blessing, really. Whatever be the case, body painting definitely sounds fun.
The prospect of having your body covered in paint while enacting some character or to show off your creative self is amazing. You’d find a range of body paints in the market like those from the brand Kryon and others.
However, when it comes to body paints, there are a few issues associated with them. Allergic reaction, color fading away, rubbing off are to name a few.
Today, I’ll be sharing with you some of the ways in which you can waterproof your body paint. But before that, let us understand the different types of body paints. This would add to the process of understanding the waterproofing methods.
So here we go!
Types of Body Paints
There are different kinds of paints available for body painting. These can be classified as follows:
1. Water based
Water-based body paints are usually non-toxic, definitely require touch-ups, and contain no allergens. As the name suggests, these are water based hence water can wash them away easily.
2. Cream based character body paint and makeup
Some of the cream-based body paints are waterproof, others are not. These might be a hassle while removing and never fully dry up.
3. Alcohol based
Alcohol based body paints are fortunately both sweat and waterproof. But with great abilities come little nuances.
Similarly, alcohol-based body paints rub off easily, yet ironically, it’s very difficult to remove them completely. Also, it’s advised to wear a mask while getting the paint on oneself and ensure proper ventilation.
4. Latex based
Latex-based body paints become a popular choice for body painting. They really render that almost professional look.
However, it’s got a bad name for causing allergies. Just a thin layer is required for it, so test it out on a small portion of your skin to test your skin reaction. If you feel anything weird, drop that paint then and there.
5. Grease based
Greasepaint should be the go-to option if you’re new to all of these, have a tight budget and aren’t going for intense detailing. They, too, rub off and transfer easily.
Other types of body paints include silicon-based, metallic, glitter and others. And, you should absolutely not apply acrylic paint on yourself. Though acrylic paints are labeled as “non-toxic”, these cannot be claimed to be skin-friendly too.
Let’s see how we can make these body paints waterproof.
How To Make Face Body Paints Waterproof?
Out of the different types mentioned above, water-based and cream-based need the most protection. I’ll be giving away a few tips and tricks to help you get that waterproof body paint.
Face being a delicate spot definitely deserves some special care. So, I’ve come up with a few fixes to waterproof the paint on your face.
How To Make Face Body Paints Waterproof Using Primer?
Primer is a base, which you apply before applying makeup or any other thing on your face. It gives this smooth fine surface, blurs the pores; helps set the makeup/paint and lets it sit on your face for a longer period of time.
The primer keeps your skin hydrated, preventing your skin from secreting its own oils to moisturize your face.
Tip: This is also the reason why you should always use a moisturizer after cleansing your face. This keeps your facial oil secretion under control.
Thus, primer makes it waterproof, smudge-proof and sweatproof.
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Face Primer Makeup Base, Blur + Smooth, 1 Count | Check Price On Amazon |
The duration for which a primer would help you out, depends heavily upon the brand and/or the product you’re using. On average, it should work for 4-5 hours without much touch-ups.
Required:
Steps:
- Cleanse your face with a good cleanser.
- Moisturize your face with your favorite moisturizer.
- Let the moisturizer sit in for 1-2 minutes.
- Then, apply the primer on to your face.
- Next, go creative with your face paint!
How To Make Face Body Paint Waterproof Using Makeup Setting Spray?
Setting spray is another method for waterproofing your face paint. Makeup setting spray is applied on top of face paint. It would set the paint on your face like it would have done to makeup.
Setting sprays make the makeup/paint stay for longer hours, preventing it from smudging, moisture and might also add a bit of glam to your makeup, by making it professional. Setting sprays can last for really long hours. A good spray can last you easily for a day or so.
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Makeup Setting Spray - Matte Finish, Long-Lasting Face Mist for up to 16HR Wear, Vegan Formula | Check Price On Amazon |
Required:
Steps:
- Apply your face paint
- Spray the setting spray on your face. Keep your hands at least 12-14 inches away from your face and spray it on.
- You’re set to go.
Tip: Don’t use hair spray on your face. It might be harmful to your thin delicate facial skin.
How To Make Face Body Paint Waterproof Using Baby Powder?
Here comes the easiest and the most inexpensive method. Also, baby powders are the least harmful products out there.
So, you need not worry about its reaction with the face paint. This method comes handy when you’ve run out of setting sprays or powders and need to manage the cosplay urgently.
Baby powder can absorb sweat; protect you from moisture for a decent time period. However, if you decide to go with this baby powder technique, be sure to carry some handy puff with you around. This would let you do some touch up as and when required.
Required:
- Baby Powder
- Puff
Steps:
- Apply the paint
- Apply the baby powder using a puff: This would require a bit of skill. You want to apply the powder in such a way that it doesn’t accumulate at a place and become a white patch. You might have to re-do the paint, if anything goes wrong. So, lightly brush it on top of your paint.
You can have combinations of primer, hairspray and baby powder. It all comes down to how comfortable you’re while using it and how it eventually pays off. After one or two applications you’d recognize the perfect match/blend for your face.
How To Make Paints Applied on Body Waterproof?
Now that we are done with a quick overview of face paint sealing solutions, let’s head on to our main topic, i.e., waterproofing body paints.
How To Waterproof Body Paints Using Setting Sprays?
Just like face paints, body paints can be waterproofed using setting sprays too. You’d get a number of setting sprays from Brands like Kryon, PAX, Neo for setting and sealing your body paint waterproof.
Setting sprays are, mostly, a combination of alcohol and water. It also prevents the paint’s transfer from one surface to the other. It can support you for anywhere between 4 hours to 1 day. It’ll also largely depend on the quality of paint and setting spray you’re using.
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Mehron Makeup Barrier Spray | Makeup Setting Spray for Face 2 fl oz (60 ml) | Made in the USA | Check Price On Amazon |
You’d want to use the setting sprays on water-based body paints. When these body paints dry, they become a bit powdery in nature. Hence, something would be required to keep them in place. In such a situation, setting spray works the best.
Required:
Steps:
- Paint: Daintily, paint your body.
- Apply spray: Now, apply the setting spray on the painted areas. Carefully, keeping the bottle at the same 12-13 inches distance from your body, spray it.
- Repeat: After that, wait for some 2-3 minutes before proceeding with the next coat. Each coat must be allowed to set for at least 2-3 minutes. Since, in all probability, you’ll be wearing the paint all day long, put 3-4 coats of the setting spray. This would ensure extra safety.
How to waterproof body paints using Setting powder?
Setting powder, as the name suggests, sets the paint on your body. These powders can be used over cream-based or grease-based body paints.
As mentioned earlier, cream-based body paints never really dry out completely.
Hence, it becomes extremely necessary to apply the setting powder on top of such paints to make them transfer, smudge and waterproof. Several setting powders are available which work wonders with body paint.
Setting powder would require a touch-up every 2-4 hours to maintain its usability.
Required:
- Setting powder
- Brush/puff
Steps:
- Paint: Put on the beautiful colors on your body.
- Dust it: Setting powder need to be dusted lightly on the painted area. Applying too much at a place would completely ruin the design requiring a redo. You wouldn’t want it, would you? Take a puff or a brush, take some powder and put it on. These setting powders would absorb the excess oil, sweat and prevent you from moisture.
Whenever you feel like it’s losing its effect, do not hesitate to put on some powder at that spot.
How To Waterproof Body Paints Using Hairspray and Baby Powder?
This is kind of the perfect DIY to waterproof your body paint. Hair spray lets the paint sit and the cover of baby powder adds to its strength. Both form a layer that absorbs the moisture as well as keeps the paint in its place.
This solution should help you out when you’ve run out of your usual setting sprays or powders and someone just informed you about the event. Just get your hair spray and baby powder. It should suffice you for a day.
Though it isn’t the best solution to waterproof, something’s better than nothing. It’ll keep you somewhat waterproof or water-resistant the paint for 2-3 hours or more depending upon the weather and your body activity level.
Required:
Steps:
- Paint: Apply the body paint as you’d like to.
- Hair spray: Now, put on the hair spray on top of the paint and wait for a couple of minutes. This layer would make the layer smudge proof.
- Baby powder: Next, dust the baby powder on yourself. This layer would prevent moisture from ruining your creativity.
Tip: Keep a puff immersed in baby powder with you, in case you require some touch-up anywhere.
Final Words:
Cosplays, body paints are really amazing. Once you get into it, it offers you a completely new world. Waterproofing solutions help you stay a bit stress-free.
However, you should always carry a set of disposable gloves, extra covers (to cover the places you’d sit, to prevent even the slightest transfer of colors) and a puff.
Though the above methods are useful, try to stay away from water as much as possible. You wouldn’t want to take the slightest chance before putting your act across to the audience. All the best!
