How to Airbrush on the Human Body

Airbrushing can produce a beautiful piece of art, even on a human body.

For those who love the look of tattoos but hate their permanance, airbrushing on the human body creates the same effect, although it can be washed off at any point in time. This artform uses the human body as a canvas for paint, rather than any other stationary material. This can be useful for costumes, movies, or even just for art itself.

Things You'll Need

• Residue free soap
• Rubbing alcohol
• Soft coth
• Paper stencil (optional)
• Non-toxic body paint
• Airbrush
• Reference photo (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the area that will be painted with wam water and soap. Rinse the soap thoroughly to completely remove it. If there is still residue left, wipe it off using the alcohol and soft cloth.

2. Place the paper stencil on the body and have the individual who is being sprayed hold it in place, if desired. This is an alternative to free-hand painting and is a good means for beginners to become used to the airbrush.

3. Situate the nozzle of the sprayer closer to the body if wanting a distinct line. As you pull the nozzle further from the body, the fuzzier the edges of the lines will be, as well as more faint.

4. Begin by spraying the darkest color on to the skin in an outline. Fill it in as desired. Allow for a five to ten minute drying time of this base coat.

5. Layer on the middle tones of color and those more neutral, according to the reference photo. Allow for a five minute drying time in between each color.

6. Spray on the light colors last. Touch up highlights as the final parts of the painting. Allow it to fully dry for 30 minutes to one hour before allowing anything else to touch the skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove the paint simply with warm water, soap and a cloth.

• Never spray in to a model's eyes and if working on the face, ensure they keep them closed for the entirity of the painting process.

• Ensure that the model is not allergic to acrylic paint, as this is the most common body paint.

References

• Olive Branch Skin Care: Airbrush Tattoo Body Painting

Resources

• Olive Branch Skin Care: Questions