.png)
Starter Face Painting Kit
Find everything you need to start your face painting journey here!
THIS PAGE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, NOT ALL LINKS WORK YET!
What's in the Box??
Starter Kit ESSENTIALS - Everything you need to get started!
All the most important items to check be sure you include in your kit!​
-
Cases, Tables & Chair(s)
-
Paint & Paint Supplies
-
Water Cups & Spray Bottles
-
Brushes & Cases/Holders
-
Sponges & Mesh Bags
-
Stencils
-
Glitter & Sparkly Supplies
-
Garbage Bin
-
Water Bin
-
Mirror
-
Towels and Wipes
-
Menu or Price Sheet
-
Signage and Banners
-
Apron
Supply Links
You’ll notice I link to Amazon and other websites under "Purchase Here". These are not affiliate links, just an easy way to point you toward the right products.
​
Any items that can and should be purchased from a professional face painting supplier will be listed without direct links, in order to prevent promoting one over another, because there are several great options. ​I personally use Jestpaint.com most often because it’s closest to me and carries some brands others don’t and they frequently have 10–15% off sales, but there are many more stores to check out!
​
Shop around and find what works best for you. I’m here to share information, not give you a sales pitch!
Face Paint Suppliers
-
Jest Paint - a professional online face paint store with over 5000 curated products, owned and operated by experienced face painters
-
Silly Farm - trusted since 1998, carrying paints, brushes, sponges, glitter, and stencils for every skill level
-
Art Factory - a leading face painting and glitter tattoo brand with fast nationwide shipping
-
Facepaint.com - Wide selection with low prices and same day shipping before 1pm EST
-
The Paint and Party Place - A one stop shop for face paints, brushes, stencils, and glitter, 100% USA, woman owned and operated
-
facepaintforumshop.com
Balloon Supplies
-
LaRock's - A B2B wholesale balloon, clown, and face paint distributor that's been selling to entertainers for over 40 years. We love these guys and they ship quick to the east coast!
​​​
Cases, Tables & Chairs
The foundation of your whole setup, and the good news is you don't need to spend a fortune to get it right. Here's everything you need to look professional from day one.
Standing Setup
Some painters prefer to stand, using a case with built in legs or paired with a tall table. It keeps you mobile, easy to lean in and adjust your angle, and means less furniture to haul and set up. A good number of painters actually work this way.
Sitting Setup
Other painters prefer a seated setup, with a table, a chair for themselves, and a second chair for their guest. It can feel more comfortable over a long event and creates a cozier, more personal feel, especially for younger kids. It just means a bit more gear to pack and set up.
Creative Case Options
Here are a few of my favorite starter cases! You really don't need anything fancy or expensive to look put together. Simple can absolutely still be sleek and professional, and honestly, a clean, organized case says just as much about you as anything you paint.
Terrific Table Options
A table might be offered at your event, but don't bank on it! Even when one shows up, it's not always clean, sturdy, or the right height for painting, and a wobbly table can throw your whole flow off. Bring your own and you'll always know exactly what you're working with.
Chill Chair Options
Comfort matters more than you'd think when you're sitting for hours at a stretch. A good chair keeps you steady, supports your back and makes those long events feel a whole lot more manageable. Here are a few of my favorites for staying comfortable without sacrificing that put together look.
​
If you're a stander rather than a sitter, don't forget your guest still needs a proper seat. Make sure it's tall enough to bring them up to a comfortable working height for you and consider a foam mat to stand on. Your feet will thank you after a few hours.
Paint & Paint Supplies
The most important investment you'll make, but that doesn't mean it has to be expensive. Here's what actually gets you started on the right foot.
Water Cups & Spray Bottles
Small and inexpensive, but you genuinely can't paint without them. Easy items to check off your list early. My one suggestoins, make sure there's no texture on the bottom of the cup or it can damage your bristles.
Brushes & Cases/Holders
You don't need forty brushes to start. Here's a, affordable lineup that will cover you for most designs. Always get a paint case to protect your brush investment (it adds up fast, even for a small set).
Sponges & Kabuki Brushes
Cheap, easy to find and something you'll go through often. No need to overthink this one starting out.
Stencils
A great shortcut for beginners still building speed and confidence, or just to add some quick texture! Here are a few solid options to ease you in.
-
Amazon is the easiest place to start. You'll find big variety packs at low prices, which is great for testing out different shapes and styles before you know what you actually reach for most.
-
Professional face paint supply sites (see list below) tend to cost more, but the stencils are usually made from thinner, more flexible material designed to actually contour to a face, and they hold up much better over repeated use and cleaning. My favorite brand is Tap because they are so compact, but there are countless good options out there!
-
Making your own on a cutting machine (like a Cricut or Silhouette) is a great option once you know what designs you use most. You'll want a stencil safe material like mylar or acetate sheets rather than regular paper or cardstock, since those hold their shape and clean easily between guests. This route takes a little more setup time, but gives you exactly the shapes you want, in whatever size you need.
Glitter & Sparkly Supplies
A little glitter goes a long way and it's an easy, affordable way to make your designs pop right from the start. Want to learn more? Check out our Face Painting Glitter Page.
Water Disposal & Garbage Bins
Not exciting, but essential. A simple bin keeps your setup looking tidy without any extra cost, and a dedicated water bin lets you rinse and reset as you go, so you're never stuck leaving your station just to change your water.
Tip Jars
A tip jar is a simple, welcoming way to let guests know tips are appreciated without ever having to ask outright. Keep it visible near your station, and a little signage never hurts either. Just remember, if you're working an event for another face painter or company, always check with them first before setting one out.
Mirrors
An affordable way to give your guests that fun reveal moment, even on a starter budget. Think of it as their own little admiration station. That moment when a kid finally gets to see their finished design is honestly one of the best parts of the job and a mirror makes it feel intentional rather than an afterthought.
​
You don't need anything elaborate. A simple handheld mirror works, but if you want to make it feel a bit more special, a small standing mirror or one propped up on your table lets guests admire their design hands free, maybe even strike a pose for a photo. It's a small touch, but it adds a nice finishing note to the whole experience and gives guests one more reason to walk away happy.
Towels, Wipes & Sponge for Brushes
Simple, cheap, and something you'll always want on hand. Stock up early. I like keeping a sponge on hand just to soak up excess water from brushes or kabukis between colors, and I use black wash cloths to do something similar, they hide stains well and dry quick. For wipes, I use Parents Choice, but honestly any brand works. Just make sure whatever you grab doesn't stick to your paint once it's dry.
_jfif.jpg)
Business Cards or QR Code Sign
Even starting out, giving people an easy way to find and book you again matters. A parent standing in line loves your work, wants to book you for their own kid's birthday, and then... has nothing to write your name down with and no way to remember it later. That's a booking lost simply because there was no easy way to follow up.
A simple business card or a small QR code sign linking straight to your website or booking page solves that instantly. It doesn't need to be fancy. Even a basic card with your business name, phone number, and a QR code is enough to turn an in-the-moment compliment into an actual booked event down the road. My first set of business cards was a run of 500 for less than $20 from Office Max and lasted me well over a year.
Signage and Banners
A little bit of branding helps you look established, even if you're brand new, and it doesn't have to cost a lot to make a big impact. A simple banner with your business name and logo instantly makes your booth look like a real, professional setup rather than a table someone threw together last minute.
​
For budget-friendly banners:
-
BannersOnTheCheap: Great for affordable vinyl banners.
-
Art Factory: Pre-designed banners made specifically for face painting and glitter tattoo booths.
-
Silly Farm: Face painting themed flag banner for festivals and booth setups.
Whichever route you go, keep it simple. Your name, your logo, and maybe a short tagline is plenty. You don't need to say everything on one banner.
Menu or Price Sheet
ou don't need a professionally printed sign to start. A clean, easy to read menu matters way more than a fancy one, and there are plenty of simple, affordable ways to put one together.
​​
A few options:
-
Design one yourself for free using Canva (I use Canva & Procreate for nearly everything I design), print it at home, and slip it into a clear sign holder or frame
-
Use a chalkboard or whiteboard easel and write your menu out by hand, which also gives you an easy way to update pricing or designs on the fly
-
Get a simple sheet printed inexpensively at a place like Walgreens, Staples, or Office Depot and pop it into a clipboard or frame
-
Laminate a printed sheet at home or at a print shop so it holds up to wind, spills, and repeated events
​
Pictures work best for pay per face, vendor style events, since guests are deciding quickly at a glance. For hourly events, icons or simple cartoon versions of your designs work great too, giving guests a sense of the design while letting you adjust the size and detail based on how long your line is.
Whatever you choose, keep the wording short and the pricing easy to scan. Guests are often deciding quickly, so simple beats fancy every time.
Don't know where to begin with menus?
No problem, we've got you covered! Dive into our library of free menu designs, use them, share them, go wild!
Weather Ready Supplies
Nature has a mind of its own, so you should always be prepared for the most extreme version of the day's weather. From sunscreen, bug spray, and a fan hot days to a warm jacket, beanie, gloves, and a portable space heater, these are the extras that keep you comfortable no matter what the sky decides to do. Remember to take care of yourself so you can give your best that day!
Line Work Paint
The brands below are MY favorites, but you can choose any brand you wish! Using high-quality face paint is so important, especially when you’re starting out. You can practice all you want, but if you’re using low-quality paint, your work just won’t look as clean, bold, or professional. In the beginning, your paint and brushes really do make the artist. They make a huge difference in how your designs turn out.
Cheap Amazon kits are not the same and are not safe for work use. They don’t perform well and can actually hold you back. You could spend hours practicing teardrops with a bad brush, then pick up a good quality one and—boom—beautiful teardrops. The right tools make all the difference.
Black & White Linework Paint
Black and white liner paints are some of the most important in your kit. Most brands offer a wax-based “liner” made for crisp, clean lines—perfect for outlines, teardrops, and details. This is what really pulls your designs together, so a good one matters. I personally love Wolfe for its bold color and clean lines, but there are plenty of great options—it just comes down to what feels best and gives you consistent results.
One of each, shoot for at least a 45 gram container, because you will use A LOT of these two when practicing and working.
Starter Cases: Affordable beginner options!
Popular Cases: What's everyone actually buying?
Wolfe FX Face Paint - Essential White
$12.00
Wolfe FX Face Paint - Essential Black
$12.00
Basic Colors Cakes - Option 1 - Full Palette
If you’re looking to spend a little less up front, a solid color palette with a good range of bright primary colors is a great option. You don’t need a separate black since you can use your liner black, but you do want a good white wax-based liner white can feel a bit crunchy when used for base work. For that reason, I like to stick with glycerin-based paints for white and base colors. There are lots of great brands out there, but these are some of my favorites.
Basic Colors Cakes - Option 2 - Individual Color Cakes
One of each color, ideally one of each color in a dark tone as well. Shoot for at least a 45 gram container, smaller containers are just a waste of money. I love Superstar and these are my favorite primary colors they offer!
Awesome Extras
Not essential, but these little additions can take your setup from good to great. Think of this as your "when you're ready to level up" list.
-
Apron: Protect your clothes and look the part, without spending much at all.
-
Extension Cord: if you ever use anything electric, like a fan, light, or speaker, some venues have outlets far from your setup
-
First Aid Basics: bandaids, hand sanitizer, something simple in case a guest has a minor scrape before you even touch them
-
Paint Removal Supplies: something to send guests home with instructions, or offer at your station for anyone who needs a touch up removed
And that's a wrap on your starter kit! Once you're feeling settled in and ready to grow, swing by My Face Painting Kit to see what I personally use these days, or check out our Face Painter Etiquette and Pre-Event Checklist pages so you're fully prepared, not just fully packed.