Water Resistant Face Painting for Summer Events: Pro Tips from Elisa Griffith

Summer face painting is a favorite at pools, water parks, and outdoor festivals, but it comes with a unique challenge: keeping designs intact in water. During a recent Facepaint.com webinar, professional artists Blake Cabot and Elisa Griffith shared their expert techniques for water resistant and waterproof face painting — from product selection to pricing strategies — so you can offer durable, stunning designs that last through slides, splash zones, and pool parties.

Whether you’re a professional face painter or just looking to expand your services for summer events, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about water-resistant face paints, brush techniques, client education, and product recommendations.

Watch the Full Tutorial:

Video Title: Elisa Griffith (Water-resistant Face Painting) Webinar

Why Water Resistant Face Painting is Essential for Summer

Water-resistant face paints are a game-changer for summer events. Unlike traditional paints, which can smudge or wash off within seconds of water contact, water-resistant paints hold up for 10–15 minutes in pools or about 8 water slides, giving kids a magical experience without ruined designs.

Blake and Alexa’s webinar poll revealed that 58% of attendees already knew the difference between waterproof and water resistant paints, while 42% did not — highlighting the need for professional guidance on this important technique.

Waterproof vs Water Resistant Paints

Understanding the difference between waterproof and water-resistant paints is key to setting client expectations and choosing the right materials:

Waterproof Paint

• Durability: Stays on even in pools, slides, or water rides.

• Removal: Requires baby oil or special makeup wipes.

• Key Products:

  • Pro Air Dips (alcohol-based)

  • Body Color Cosmetics by Tiffany Beckler (silicone-based)

  • Pro Air Ink (non-hybrid version)

• Use Case: Ideal for clients who want maximum durability for full-day water events.

Water Resistant Paint

• Durability: Lasts 10–15 minutes in water, good for quick pool fun or slides.

• Removal: Standard soap and water usually suffice.

• Best For: Short-term water exposure or high-volume events where quick touch-ups are easier.

Recommended Water Resistant Paint Options

GTX Line

• Comes in pump containers, requiring multiple pumps for mixing.

• Functions like acrylic paint, providing vibrant color that dries quickly.

• Ideal for stencil work and designs that require rapid application.

Color Me Pro Palette

• Developed by Elisa and optimized for water resistance.

• Uses a powder system with ultimate primer, which ensures powders adhere to the skin.

• Available in build-your-own palettes or 18-color sets for versatility.

ProAir Prolong Setting Spray

• Can be applied to any pigment, making it temporarily water resistant.

• Excellent for finishing touches and ensuring longevity in humid or wet conditions.

Pricing Your Water Resistant Face Painting Services

Offering water-resistant or waterproof face painting is not only about technique — it’s also about pricing your services appropriately. Blake and Alexa recommend:

• Increase rates by $25/hour for water resistant or waterproof services.

  • Example: Standard rate $125/hour → Water-resistant rate $150/hour.

• Alternative pricing: Offer regular face painting during the final hour if clients decline waterproof rates.

• Clear communication ensures clients understand the durability limitations of water-resistant paints.

Essential Brushes and Equipment

Proper tools are critical when working with water-resistant paints:

• Dedicated brush sets for water-resistant paints.

• Essential brushes:

  • 3/4 inch flat brush

  • Round brushes (size 3 and 4)

  • Flower brush

  • Half-inch and 3/4-inch slanted brushes

• Palettes: Dollar Tree plastic containers are great for GTX paint storage and transport.

• Cleaning materials:

  • Dawn dish soap for sponges

  • 99% alcohol for brushes

Tip: GTX paints dry within 2 seconds, so brushes must be cleaned immediately to prevent staining or buildup.

Powder Application Techniques for Water Resistance

Powder-based techniques enhance both color vibrancy and water resistance:

1. Apply Ultimate Primer first to create a tacky surface.

2. Use lollipop blenders instead of finger daubers for even powder application.

3. Double-loading technique: Combine two colors (e.g., yellow and pink) in one stroke to create a blended effect.

These methods allow for rapid application, making it possible to complete mermaid or monster designs in under a minute using GTX and Color Me Pro powders.

Demonstration Highlights

During the live webinar, Blake and Alexa showcased a few quick designs perfect for summer events:

Mermaid Design

• Completed in approximately one minute using primarily Color Me Pro powders.

• GTX paint used for stencil work.

• Drying time: 2 seconds, no water activation needed.

Monster/Dinosaur Eye Design

• Base applied with GTX paint.

• Powder stencils used for shading.

• Pro Air Dips line work for added dimension.

• Perfect for birthday parties and high-energy pool events.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

• Sponges: Clean with Dawn dish soap after each session.

• Brushes: Clean with 99% alcohol between uses to maintain quality.

• GTX Paint: Cannot be reactivated once dry — unlike Pro Air Dips, which can be reactivated with alcohol.

Proper cleaning ensures long-lasting brushes and consistent performance for each client.

Client Communication and Education

Educating clients about waterproof and water-resistant face paint is crucial:

• Provide written removal instructions on business cards or visible signage.

• Explain expected durability — 10–15 minutes for water-resistant paints, longer for waterproof options.

• Setting expectations reduces complaints and ensures happy, returning customers.

Product Availability

All the products demonstrated in the webinar are available through Facepaint.com, including:

• Color Me Pro Palettes – build-your-own or 18-color sets.

• GTX Water Resistant Paints – vibrant, fast-drying, and reliable.

• Pro Air Dips – alcohol-based line work and stenciling.

Note: Body Color Cosmetics by Tiffany Beckler is only available directly from Tiffany Beckler.

Pro Tips for Summer Face Painting

1. Separate Brush Sets: Avoid cross-contamination when switching between water-resistant and regular paints.

2. Use Lollipop Blenders: Better powder coverage than finger daubers.

3. Quick Designs: Mermaid tails, monster eyes, and simple summer icons are perfect for high-volume events.

4. Communicate With Parents: Clear instructions prevent missteps with water removal and extend customer satisfaction.

5. Price Appropriately: Charge for the specialized water-resistant technique — it’s a premium service.

Conclusion

Water-resistant and waterproof face painting is an essential skill for professional face painters during summer events. Using the right paints, brushes, and application techniques can ensure that your designs last through slides, pools, and splash zones, keeping kids happy and clients impressed.

Thanks to experts like Blake Cabot and Alexa Griffith, face painters now have clear guidance on:

• Paint selection (GTX, Color Me Pro, Pro Air Dips)

• Water-resistant techniques and powder application

• Pricing strategies for premium services

• Client education and expectations

• Efficient cleaning and maintenance

With these tips, your summer face painting services can be both fun and professional, helping you stand out in the competitive market.

Ready to get started? Shop Facepaint.com for KrazeFX, GTX, Color Me Pro, and other professional-quality face paints to elevate your summer face painting game!