Body Painting Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Appointment

Whether it's your first body painting appointment or your tenth, a little preparation goes a long way. Here's everything you need to know to make your session run smoothly and your paint last all day and night.

Skin Preparation

Proper skin prep is the single most important factor in how well your body paint adheres and how long it lasts. On the day of your painting, keep your skin completely bare — no products of any kind on the areas being painted.

Do NOT apply any of the following on areas being painted:

• Lotions or moisturizers

• Sunscreen or sunblock

• Tanning oil, bronzers, or self-tanner

• Cocoa butter or baby oil

• Perfume or body spray

These products create a barrier that prevents paint from bonding to the skin, resulting in poor

adhesion and premature fading.

Agree on Your Design in Advance

Before your appointment, we need to have a clear, agreed-upon concept for your design. This includes any reference photos, themes, color directions, or specific elements you have in mind.

Please send reference images and ideas ahead of time so we can align on the vision, plan the time needed, and ensure the best possible result. Walk-in concept decisions slow down the process and may limit what's achievable in your session.

Underwear & Pasties

If your design extends below the waist, you'll need plain underwear or a thong to paint over. Here's what works best:

• Nude or white — colors appear most vibrant on a light base

• Plain, seamless fabric — no lace or textured materials

• Affordable options are available at most drugstores or big-box retailers

Avi carries a selection of underwear on-site as a backup option if needed.

You're welcome to bring your own pasties if you have a preferred style or fit. Avi also carries pasties

on-site, so don't worry if you don't have any — we've got you covered.

Arrive on Time

Punctuality is essential. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Late arrivals affect every client scheduled after you.

15-minute rule: If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will forfeit your appointment slot and your deposit — no exceptions, regardless of whether you are a returning client or have paid in full. Set your alarm and plan ahead.

How Long Does Body Painting Take?

Every design is different. Timing depends entirely on the complexity, size, and detail of your concept. Depending on the design, body painting can take anywhere from 30 minutes all the way up to 2 hours.

This is exactly why we agree on a concept in advance — so the right amount of time can be scheduled for your session. Please do not plan anything immediately after your appointment. Give yourself a buffer so the art can be done right without any time pressure.

Last-Minute Add-Ons

Requests for additions on the day of your appointment — extra face paint, extending a design to the back, added details, or painting a guest — are not always possible. Whether they can be accommodated depends entirely on the schedule and how it could impact the next client.

The best way to get everything you want is to know exactly what you're looking for before you book. That way, the right time is built into your appointment from the start — and nothing gets left out.

Paint Durability

Professional-grade, sweat- and water-resistant paints are used for every appointment. With reasonable care, your body paint should look great all day and into the night.

The main enemies of body paint are friction, moisture, and abrasion. Here's what to watch out for:

• Prolonged physical contact — hugging, posing with crowds

• Any liquids — water, rain, pools, ocean

• Excessive sweating

• Wearing clothing, costumes, or accessories over painted areas

• Sleeping in the paint

The more mindful you are with your paint, the sharper it will look from morning to midnight.

Touch-Up Policy

Touch-ups are available same-day only and subject to availability - they can only be performed when there is no active client or queue. Touch-ups are not guaranteed, so take care of your paint.

• Minor Touch-Up: $50 — Light smearing or paint beginning to rub off in small areas.

• Major Touch-Up: 50% of original price — Significant damage across the design.

• Full Redo: 100% of original price — Only possible if time allows due to a cancellation that day.

  

Removing Your Body Paint

Removal is easier than you'd think. Follow these steps and the paint comes right off:

1. Apply liquid soap generously over all painted areas - before getting wet.

2. Rub it in well and let it sit for a few minutes. Don't add water yet.

3. Rinse with warm water. Most of the paint should come right off.

4. For any stubborn residue, De-Solv-It is the go-to solution - it's specifically formulated to break down body paint and works like magic.

Avi provides a removal kit for every client at the end of the session.

Deposits & Cancellations

All deposits are non-refundable, including in cases of cancellation, no-show, or forfeited appointments due to late arrival.

The only exceptions: if the artist must cancel for personal reasons, a full refund will be issued. If an event is shut down by the city or organizers, your deposit will be applied to a future event or project - it will not be lost.

The right is reserved to refuse service or immediately end a session — without refund — to anyone who is rude, disruptive, intoxicated, or arrives past the appointment window. Please be respectful and on time.