20 Top Kit Tips for Face Painters
As I write this, the sun is shining! Spring is sprouting again, which means one thing – Easter bookings are on their way!
Time to get your kit in order and start the season fresh. If you haven’t done it yet, do it NOW!
- Empty your kit bag
Tip everything out onto a table and only put back what you really need. Declutter and lighten the load!
- Check & clean your paints
Assess your paint levels – top them up and deep clean them. Get rid of any old, smelly, or cracked paints.
- Reorder wisely
Restock your must-have colours, but don’t get distracted by every new shiny one-stroke! Support proper face paint retailers.
- Refresh your sponges
Count your sponges and toss any that are disintegrating. Here in the UK, I grab mine from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Home Bargains. Check if your sponge bag needs replacing. (Psst… FAM Club sells smart, washable sponge bags!) Shop here
- Organise your brushes
Take all your brushes out—which ones do you actually use? Store extras in a backup kit in your car or at home. Clean the handles and bristles, then arrange them neatly.
(Need a high-quality brush set? We’ve got you covered!) Shop here
- Create a practice kit
Keep a mini kit with a few brushes, two paint pots, and a water container by your sink or workspace to encourage regular practice.
- Pack an emergency kit
Ever forgotten brushes or sponges at a gig? Prepare a backup kit with 5 brushes, 10 sponges, and a small paint palette in a compact box—leave it in your car. Future you will thank you!
- Upgrade your water pots
Ditch stained, ugly plastic ones – switch to unbreakable stainless steel for a sleek, professional look.
- Clean or replace spray bottles
If they’re clogging or looking grimy, soak them in a baby bottle cleaner or limescale remover.
- Use two collapsible buckets
One for clean water, one for dirty. Pro tip: Toss used sponges into the dirty water – they stain less that way!
- Tidy up with a tablecloth
A thin, black jersey-type material (about 2m long) keeps your setup looking clean and professional.
- Downsize your glitter
Do you really need all of it? Repot into smaller containers for easier transport.
- Invest in an unbreakable mirror
Choose acrylic, then decorate it to match your style.
- Replace wasteful wipes
Switch to reusable bamboo swipes instead of baby wipes! (We sell them!) Shop here
- Assess your kit bag
Are the wheels working? Is it clean and professional-looking? If it’s too heavy, streamline it to protect your back.
- Plan your wardrobe
Match your outfit to the event – sparkly for evenings, colourful for kids’ parties, black for corporate gigs.
- Refresh your promotional materials
Reprint and laminate price lists. Display them on a stand. Consider a small banner for gigs – support your local printer!
- Check your tables & chairs
If you use a high chair or table, inspect and repair anything worn. A carrying bag makes transport easier! (Fran Phizart makes sturdy bags – check them out here!)
- Make a gig checklist
Write down everything you need for a gig, laminate it, and attach it to your kit bag for quick reference.
- Take a kit photo & post it!
Lay everything out, get a photo of you smiling with your organised kit, and share it on your socials!
