How to Add Paint Splatter on Your Face

Turn your face into a work of modern art with a few messy paint splatters.

Choosing a unique look for Halloween or any other occasion can be difficult -- you've used up all of your good ideas in the last several years, and there are sure to be many uninspired duplicate costumes out there. For a costume both fresh and fun, take a hint from Jackson Pollock (paint splatter extraordinaire) and make your face an exciting mess of color. With help from a friend and a few vibrant colors of your choice, you'll be the talk of the party.

Things You'll Need

• Large sheet of paper (optional)
• Thumbtacks (optional)
• Swimming goggles
• Hair tie
• Handkerchief
• Plastic dish
• medium-sized paint brushes
• Textile acrylic paint (in colors of your choice)
• Other skin-safe paint (optional)
• Assistant
• Facial cleanser
• Soft towel

Instructions

1. Prepare your work area. Working outdoors is best, but if you must work inside, hang a piece of large paper on a wall using thumbtacks.

2. Put on your pair of swimming goggles. These will help shield your eyes from the flying paint spatters. If you have long hair, wrap it up with a tie and cover your hairline with a handkerchief.

3. Pour several small pools of textile acrylic paint in a plastic dish. If you cannot find textile acrylic paint at your local crafts store, any other type of skin-safe paint is suitable. Have your assistant place one paint brush in each pool, allowing the fibers to become saturated.

4. Stand 2 to 3 feet away from your assistant (make sure you are directly in front of the paper if working indoors). Tell your assistant to gather up the brushes in her fist and shake them in the direction of your face. This will result in a colorful pattern of paint splatters.

5. Remove your goggles. Allow the paint to dry for 10 to 20 minutes before removing your handkerchief and hair tie.

6. When you have returned home and no longer need to be in costume, wash off the paint using a gentle facial cleanser and warm water. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more strategic or organized pattern of splatters, tell your assistant to shake one paint brush at a time.

• Always protect your eyes and mouth from stray paint splatters. Although the paint may be safe for your skin, it can be toxic if ingested or sting your eyes.

References

• US Department of Health & Human Services: Novelty Makeup
• Kids Art: Jackson Pollock