THE DIFFERENCES in paint

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your journey, understanding the diverse array of face paint options available can make all the difference in your creations. Gone are the days of thick, gloopy grease paints lurking in the back of your childhood memories. In this guide, we'll delve into the various types of face paints, from water-based to alcohol-activated, exploring their unique qualities and why there's such a wide variety to choose from. So, let's uncover the differences between each type of face paint.

Water-activated face paints utilise various base ingredients, including paraffin wax, glycerin, or sengal gum. So what do the different base ingredients mean and how do the ingredients influence the characteristics and application of the paint? Lets look more closely at each of these three base ingredients, starting with PARAFFIN WAX.

PARAFFIN WAX

Paraffin wax, serves as a stabilizing agent, ensuring the paint maintains its shape and adheres well to the skin. However, paraffin wax's solid state at room temperature coupled with a low melting point can present challenges, particularly in warmer climates where it may become too soft or even melt. Despite this, paraffin wax-based paints offer excellent coverage and dry quickly. Additionally, they are less likely to bleed, making them ideal for creating intricate and detailed designs. Notable face paint brands such as Diamond FX, Face Paints Australia, and Tag rely on paraffin wax as a base ingredient, ensuring their products deliver crisp results.

GLYCERIN

As a humectant, glycerin attracts moisture from the air, helping to keep the paint creamy and easy to apply. Its moisturising properties also benefit the skin, preventing dryness and discomfort during and after application. Face paints containing glycerin are known for their smooth texture, allowing artists to effortlessly blend colours and create seamless transitions. Moreover, glycerin-based paints tend to have a longer shelf life compared to other formulations, ensuring they remain usable for extended periods without drying out. Renowned face paint brands often incorporate glycerin into their products to provide users with high-quality, long-lasting paints that offer vibrant colours and comfortable wear. Brands such as Superstar, Global Blenders and Paradise by Mehron use glycerine as their base ingredient.

SENGAL GUM

Sengal gum is a versatile ingredient commonly found in water-activated face paints, offering unique advantages for both artists and wearers. As a natural thickening agent derived from the sap of the Acacia Senegal tree, it provides the paint with a smooth and creamy consistency, making it easy to apply and blend on the skin. Sengal gum also acts as a binder, helping the paint adhere effectively without smudging or flaking throughout the day. Its hypoallergenic properties make it suitable for sensitive skin types, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for all users. Additionally, face paints formulated with Sengal gum tend to have a slightly longer drying time, allowing artists more flexibility to work on intricate designs without the paint drying too quickly. Renowned face paint brands often incorporate Sengal gum into their products, ensuring quality and reliability for face painters of all skill levels. Brands such as Fusion, Global and Cameleon use Sengal Gum in their range of Face Paints.