Body Paint Types: The Complete Guide

There are hundreds of types of body paints, and every single one of them has particularities that make it more suitable for one type of skin than another, or that make them work better for a certain function. 

So what type of body paint should you use?

For this reason, in this article, we bring you a guide on the different types of body paint, and a final Q&A so that you completely free yourself from any type of doubt.

Body paint types

Here are the main body paint types that you can find pretty much anywhere:

• Latex
• Henna
• Water-based
• Alcohol-based
• Metallic 
• Body paint markers
• Body paint spray
• Temporary tatto paint

Depending on your budget, as well as the looks you are looking for, and your type of skin it is important to analyze in detail each one of these body paint types.

Latex body paint

As its name suggests, latex is one of the main components of this paint. Latex body paint is a water-based body paint that has gained popularity in the movie industry. 

What is latex body paint used for?

It is usually used for any type of art that you want to do on your body, especially those designs that require strong colours such as red, blue, orange, yellow, green, etc. When latex body paint dries it sticks together, similar to rubber, which makes it look like you have clothes on.

Since it is very easy to apply, and it can stay on the skin for some time. It is also very easy to work with, and you have seen it before in movies. Since it is a simple and effective way of creating scars, open wounds, and even wrinkles.

How long does latex body paint last?

Latex-based body paint can last a few hours to a day, depending on the temperature outside, how much you move, and how many coats of body paint you have. 

It can also vary depending on the quality of the paint. Higher quality body paints will often last longer. However, the maximum recommended time is 12 hours.

How long does latex body paint take to dry?

It can take anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes for latex-based body paint to dry. Latex-based paint tends to be easy to spread on the body since it adheres very easily. 

This is one of the reasons it is so used, especially in movies. It is also useful to paint several layers over because it dries faster than other body paint types.

Is latex body paint easy to apply?

Latex-based paint is very easy to apply, and it is one of the reasons many artists use it. You have to remember that it dries pretty quickly, so you must be nimble when it comes to using latex body paint.

How much does latex body paint cost?

The price of latex body paint can vary depending on the size of the pot and the brand you are buying, but the value of a 4oz pot ranges from $14 to $25. 

Is latex body paint easy to wash off or not?

Thanks to its composition, when the latex body paint dries it forms a kind of rubber that makes it easier to remove when you need it. This makes it very easy to remove latex body paint. 

Simply using any type of soap and warm water you can remove it in a matter of minutes. This works best if you use liquid soap since you won’t have to rub it into your skin as much, while if you use bar soap you will have to make an effort and you can end up with dry skin. 

Any type of moisturiser will help improve the condition of your skin after using this paint.

Does latex body paint rub off easily or not?

Latex body paint is durable, but you need to make sure you do not let it get into contact with water. This can end up smudging your body paint. It is also important to avoid high temperatures and direct contact with the sun.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this paint are: 

• It comes in a wide variety of colours
• The paint Lasts enough time 
• It is easy to apply to carry out any type of design (regardless of the complexity) 
• It is easy to remove 
• It doesn’t tend to stick to fabric or anywhere you lean

The disadvantages are that:

• People with some type of allergy to latex cannot use it
• It is harmful to the environment
• It is necessary to shave all the hair so that it can be used correctly
• It is likely to dry out your skin to a great extent
• Since it dries fast, you need to be fast while using it

Henna body paint

What surprises most people is that henna is actually a completely natural ink made of leaves of you guess it right – henna plant. Today, it comes in powder form, so then people must take care of giving it the right texture for the type of drawing they want to make.

What is henna paint used for?

In its origins when it was only used in the Arab world, henna was only red, since it was used for rituals or religious reasons. Over time this changed, but the main colours are still red, black, and dark green.

This makes it a good ink for dark designs but not for those colourful drawings you want to do on the skin. That is why it is used for temporary tattoos made in black and white or in dark tones.

The way of preparation varies depending on the type of powder you buy. Usually, you only need to put a few teaspoons of henna in a bowl and mix it with some type of liquid, from water to tea or coffee. Then it is mixed and when the desired consistency and colour are obtained, it is ready to be applied to the body.

How long does henna paint last?

Natural henna designs last about three or four days, or a week at the most. Those of black henna can last up to two weeks. Being so durable henna paint is usually used as fake tattoos and not for other purposes like costumes. Otherwise, your Halloween costumes will last until thanksgiving.

How long does henna paint take to dry?

It usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes for henna paint to dry on the skin. During that time, you want to avoid moving with the part of the skin you painted.

Is henna paint easy to apply?

Since henna is completely made out of natural ingredients, it can sometimes be difficult to apply. Its consistency when mixed with water resembles mud, and therefore you might make a little mess. You should also moisturize your skin before applying henna paint.

How much does henna paint cost?

The price of henna paint can go up to $20, although it all depends on the brand, and the quantity you want. 

Is henna paint easy to wash off or not?

Henna paint is not easy to remove at all, since it tends to last over a week. Therefore if you are unsure whether you want your henna paint tattoo, remember that it will stay on your skin for a while. 

The henna painting will eventually go away with time and you can’t get them out just by washing them with soap and water. 

Does henna paint rub off easily or not?

No, henna paint tends to stay in the body for a long time. It is also very difficult to remove, and it is advisable not to try it, since it might end up damaging your skin.

Advantages:

• It’s natural
• Does not harm the environment
• It is not so aggressive against your skin
• Lasts a long time

Disadvantages:

• You need to mix it correctly to achieve the right texture
• It will stay in your body for a long time
• Only available in dark colours
• Not so easy to get good quality henna paint

Water-based body paint

Water-based body paint can be applied to any part of the body without any risk since they are non-toxic and without products that cause allergies. Of course, this can vary if you have a particular allergy so always check the ingredient list. However, since it is made water-based, it does not have as many toxic chemicals, and for this reason, it is also easier to remove.

What is water-based body paint used for?

Water-based body paint can be used for any kind of body art since they are easy to apply and remove. They are also non-toxic, which makes them extremely safe to use even for kids.

Water-based body paints are also very common to use as face paint.

How long does water-based body paint last?

Water-based body paint usually lasts a few hours, and by the end of the day, it will be gone. This is one of the major disadvantages of water-based body paint. If you want it to last longer it is better to go with latex body paint, which is also water-based but can last longer.

You should also avoid getting your paint in contact with water since it can smudge it.

How long does water-based body paint take to dry?

Water-based body paint can take up to 5 minutes to dry, so it is pretty fast. This is useful if you are trying to use different layers on top of each other.

Is water-based body paint easy to apply?

Water-based body paint is extremely easy to apply, and it is one of the reasons it is used for both body and face painting.

How much does water-based body paint cost?

This type of body paint is not usually sold in large quantities, and its price per 18g can range from $1 to $3. It is also one of the most affordable ways of painting your body or face, and that is also why it is so popular.

It is not sold on a large scale as it does not have much commercial use and is simply used recreationally, by those who like to paint their faces to support their favourite team, or to play with the children.

Is water-based body paint easy to wash off or not?

Once the paint touches the water or any liquid it will begin to run. This makes it easy to wash off and lasts less time than other types of body paint. 

Does water-based body paint rub off easily or not?

Water-based body paint is extremely easy to rub off, and it is one of the reasons some professional body painters choose other types of body paint.

If you want your body artwork to last a long time, you should avoid moving too much, or being outside with a hot temperature.

To prevent water-based paint from rubbing off, it is better to seal it. This ensures that your body artwork can last a few more hours, and it won’t be destroyed by sweating or rubbing off.

Advantages: 

• It is easy to remove
• It’s cheap 
• It’s perfect for playing with kids or rooting for your team 
• Does not harm the body 
• Does not leave your skin dry 

Disadvantages: 

• Can be removed even with perspiration
• It does not serve to do something lasting on the skin 
• Not good for complex designs
• Not sold in large quantities
• Easy to rub off

Alcohol-based body paint

Alcohol-based body paint is one of the best if you’re looking to give your skin vibrant tones, and want to use any type of colour you can think of. The bad thing is that being alcohol-based, it has a large number of chemicals. 

This means that it can be harmful or even toxic for some types of skin. It is always indicated that you try on a little in a small area and wait half an hour to see if it gets irritated or not. If it doesn’t, you can continue using it.

What is alcohol-based body paint used for?

Alcohol-based body paint tends to be commonly used by make-up artists, either for full-body painting, or to cover a tattoo. One of its major advantages is that it is sweat and waterproof. This makes it the ideal body paint type for cosplay, or parties.

Alcohol-based body paint comes in either solid or liquid form. The liquid form is typically used for an airbrush body spray.

How long does alcohol-based body paint last?

It typically lasts a few hours, but it tends to be more durable than water-based body paint because it is sweat and waterproof.

How long does alcohol-based body paint take to dry?

Alcohol-based body paint takes just under 2 minutes to dry, and it adheres very well to the skin. Since it is made with alcohol, it dries the skin fast. This makes it easy to make complex designs, and use multiple layers.

Is alcohol-based body paint easy to apply?

Alcohol-based body paint is very easy to apply, especially if you use an airbrush. It makes it super easy to make complex and intricate designs, that will not be possible with any other type of body paint.

How much does alcohol-based body paint cost?

The price of this type of body paint depends on the brand and quantity, as well as the form. Typically the liquid alcohol-based body paint will be more expensive. A 1oz bottle can cost up to $30.

Is alcohol-based body paint easy to wash off or not?

No, alcohol-based body paint can be difficult to remove. Since it is made with alcohol, it dries the skin and makes the paint cling to it. It is also sweat and waterproof, which makes it difficult to totally remove it just with water.

You can try to remove it with warm water, and soap, but you need to be careful not to damage your skin. If this does not work you might have to use an exfoliant, makeup remover or even baby oil. Always apply cream after removing this type of body paint.

Does alcohol-based body paint rub off easily or not?

No, since alcohol-based body paint is sweat and waterproof it is very difficult to rub off or even sweat off. This makes it ideal if you want your body artwork to last a few hours and be immaculate.

This paint is recommended for parts such as the arms, the back, the belly, or the legs, but not the face. Since the vapour that emanates can be harmful to the eyes if it is so close. Although you can use it to paint your face, it is not recommended.

Advantages: 

• Vibrant colours 
• It is easy to apply 
• Perfect solution for airbrush
• It is resistant to water and sweating

Disadvantages 

• It can be harmful 
• You need a special oil or cream to remove it 
• It is expensive 
• It has components that can be toxic
• It may dry your skin

Metallic or glitter body paint 

Metallic body paint allows you to create fun designs or intricate works of art and is great for kids and adults alike. Although it lasts for a long time, it is easy to remove if necessary. 

Metallic body paint is also commonly used because it can be combined with glitters, and it can be a unique style of body paint. Most metallic body paints are actually water-based or oil-based but manufactured in a different way.

It is ideal if you plan to make a futuristic costume or a special character since it is a type of metal colour that is not easy to obtain otherwise.

What is metallic body paint used for?

Metallic body paint is usually used by makeup artists, to give a special glow, since it makes your body artwork shine. It is also used with other types of body paint, in more complex designs.

Metallic body paint is also the favourite type of body paint used by human statues. You can easily apply it to your hair, clothes, and skin.

How long does metallic body paint last?

Similarly to most water-based paints, metallic body paints last up to twelve hours, and no longer than a day. It is a durable type of body paint since it is so commonly used by human statues.

How long does metallic body paint take to dry?

Metallic body paint takes just 1 to 2 minutes to dry, but it depends if it is oil-based or water-based. Either way, it tends to dry nearly instantly, and it is great to use as a top layer.

Is metallic body paint easy to apply?

Metallic body paint is very easy to apply since most of them are water or oil-based. This makes it the perfect choice to use in complex designs that involve different layers and different types of body paint.

How much does metallic body paint cost?

This is one of the most expensive types of body paint, costing as high as $70 an ounce. However, you can buy it in smaller quantities and use them to give some final details.

Is metallic body paint easy to wash off or not?

Yes, metallic body paint is fairly easy to remove because they are either water or oil-based. All it takes is just soap and water, or makeup remover wipes, and a little scrubbing.

Does metallic body paint rub off easily or not?

Yes, metallic body paint might rub or sweat off easily. If you want to preserve your paint for longer it is better to try to seal it.

Advantages:

• Gives a unique finish
• It works for futuristic designs
• It is easy to remove
• Lasts quite a few hours (up to 12)

Disadvantages:

• It May contain toxic elements
• It is one of the most expensive body paints on the market
• Not many colours available

Body paint spray

Body paint spray or commercial body paint is usually sold for both skin and hair and is one of the most common types of body paint on the market. 

It’s great for applying large amounts of colour to large areas, but it’s not very useful if you want to give clear details or definitions in your design. It is also extremely easy to apply.

The chemical components are similar to those of latex paint and metallic paint, so if you can use those types of paint you can use this one. Be aware that some types of spray paint are not meant to be used on the skin. It can cause rashes and other problems that you want to avoid.

Make sure you only choose spray paint that is adequate to use in the body. Body paint spray has become popular because it is a far cheaper alternative to airbrush body spray, which can be costly.

What is spray body paint used for?

Body paint spray is often used recreationally, as it is a simple way to paint your skin or hair. It is also one of the most affordable options, so it is the perfect solution for kids, especially for Halloween.

It is difficult to be precise when using body paint spray, so you want to make sure you use stencils to do exactly the type of design you want on your body.

How long does body paint spray last?

Body paint spray usually lasts about a few hours. Since it is one of the cheapest types of body paint, and it is one of the most available, it is perfect for kids’ parties. It is also easy to remove which makes it ideal for kids.

How long does body paint spray take to dry?

It is extremely fast to dry, and it will be almost instantly. This can be a good solution if you want multiple layers, or you want to combine different colours.

Is body paint spray easy to apply?

Body paint spray is one of the easiest types of body paint to apply. All you need is to spray it in the desired part of the body and you are good to go.

How much does body paint spray cost?

A medium spray bottle can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 depending on the brand or colour. Some bottles are coloured, and others are just glitter that is used to give a final touch.

Is body paint spray easy to wash off or not?

Yes, body paint spray is easily removed with water and soap. Unless you apply all over your body, it will fairly easy to remove just by washing and scrubbing lightly.

Does body paint spray rub off easily or not?

Yes, one of the disadvantages of body paint spray is that it can be rubbed off easily. It is meant to use at parties, or with a costume. However, body paint spray is not one of the types of body paint used by the most experienced artists.

Advantage:

• Can be applied quickly to a large part of the body
• They have a wide variety of colours or types of brightness
• It’s easy to use
• It’s cheap
• Easily available 

Disadvantages:

• It may have toxic or harmful components
• Not good for detailed designs
• Not the best solution for body painting art

Body paint markers

Body paint markers have been very popular lately. Similar to body paint spray, it is easy to apply, but it allows you to do more detailed designs. They are mainly alcohol-based and come in various colours and sizes, causing the thickness of the marker tip to change

They are perfect for those designs that need to be detailed since they work with the same precision as any type of common marker.

What are body paint markers used for?

Body paint markers are used to outline intricate designs because it allows you to be more precise than using a spray or brush. This makes it easy to make the contour of your design with a market and then fill in with your favourite body paint type.

How long does body paint markers last?

Since most body paint markers are alcohol-based they tend to last a long time, since alcohol dries the skin and makes it adhere easily to the skin.

How long do body paint markers take to dry?

Body paint markers dry nearly instantly, and this is another reason why they are commonly used to outline intricate and complex body artwork.

Are body paint markers easy to apply?

Body paint markers are extremely easy to use and apply to the skin. It is very similar to using a pen or a pencil, but instead of writing on paper, you are using your own body.

How much do body paint markers cost?

The price of a pack of 6 markers, which can come in different colours or in the same colour, ranges from $10 to $50 depending on the quality and brand of the product.

Are body paint markers easy to wash off or not?

Body paint markers can be somewhat difficult to remove because they are mostly alcohol-based. This makes it dry on the skin, and it can be difficult to remove just with water and soap.

They are also sweating and waterproof, which is another reason why removing them with water might not be so easy. Try to remove with water and soap initially, if you can’t do it with that try to clean with an exfoliant and then apply some cream.

Do body paint markers rub off easily or not?

No, since most body paint markers are similar to alcohol-based body paint it is very difficult to rub off or sweat off. 

Advantages:

• Used for detailed drawings
• Comes in many colours
• A good way to introduce yourself in the world of body painting
• They are easy to find

Disadvantages:

• They can dry out if you don’t close them well
• To remove it you need a special cream
• It can be expensive if you want to use several colours

Temporary tattoo paint

Temporary tattoo paint has become extremely popular lately, because it lasts a long time, and it can be used for very complex designs. Both temporary tattoo paint and henna are the types of body paint that last the longest time. However, temporary tattoo paint tends to be easier to use than henna, since it is ready out of the box.

What is temporary tattoo paint used for?

Temporary tattoo paint is used for designs that are meant to stay on the skin for a long time. They are the perfect solution for movies, where one of the characters has tattoos. In order to replicate it, professional tattoo artists use temporary tattoo paint.

How long does temporary tattoo paint last?

Temporary tattoos can last up to two weeks, depending on the quality of the paint used.

How long does temporary tattoo paint take to dry?

It usually takes about 10 minutes to dry, and during that time you want to make sure you do not move constantly.

Is temporary tattoo paint easy to apply?

Temporary tattoos can be difficult to apply if you do not have a lot of experience. You also need to prepare the skin prior to applying the paint, and that part of the process is extremely important.

How much does temporary tattoo paint cost?

It is usually found in all colours, and the price varies depending on the brand and size, although it ranges from $15 to $80 for a medium-sized jar.

This is certainly one of the most expensive types of body paint.

Is temporary tattoo paint easy to wash off or not?

No, temporary tattoos will last at least a week before they start losing their shape and colour. Keep that in mind before you commit to a temporary tattoo.

Does temporary tattoo paint rub off easily or not?

No, temporary tattoos are meant to last a long time, so it will very difficult to smudge or rub them off entirely. Only after one week, you will start to see the paint, and the colours fade.

Advantages:

• It lasts a long time
• It is used to make detailed designs
• Perfect for black designs
• Perfect if you want temporary tattoos

Disadvantages:

• It won’t go away with water or creams, so you just have to wait even if you don’t like it
• It is more expensive than others
• It is also just as harmful as the others, leaving the skin quite dry

What is the cheapest body paint?

If you take into account the quantity and quality, latex paint is the cheapest. It is also one of the most versatile types of body paint, and there is a good reason why Hollywood uses it on pretty much every movie you watch.

Which body paint type will last longer?

Henna and temporary tattoo paint last the longest, lasting up to 2 weeks depending on paint exposure, and the quality of the paint. If you want your design to last a long time, these two types are by far the best.

What is the easiest body paint to remove?

Water-based paint is easier to remove since it is easily diluted with water. This is also one of the most affordable types of body paint, that is used a lot in parties and other gatherings by kids and grown-ups.

What is the easiest body paint to apply?

Spray body paint is easier to apply on a large amount of skin. If you need to be more precise, then latex paint or alcohol-based paint will work. 

What is the best body paint?

That depends on you and what you need it for, but there is nothing like the classic latex body paint that has been used for just about anything.