Cleaning your paints

Hi everyone,

So I have been trying to figure out the best method to clean my paints. I come from a makeup background and understand the science of it, e.g iso for disinfecting, don't use wet wipes because water vs' oil debate. This one is aimed at the more experienced painters on here like Forest Fairy, Fesspenter. I only really starting turning this into a business a few months ago and its snowballing into a real business rather fast and I am suddenly finding that I need a much better method for cleaning my paints (and brushes!) between clients and events. Any advice? what do you guys do? what is time efficient yet effective and hygienic?

I am in Alberta which is the only jurisdiction that we know of that has Health Regulations FOR Face Painting. Basically, work like a make-up artist. Clean tools for each person that have to be sanitized before being used again, and don't double dip. Hand sanitizer between people, nearby hand washing capability, etc. etc.

Here is the link to the regs:

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/EnvironmentalHealth/wf-eh-face-body-painting-.pdf

I use 70% isopropyl alcohol as my sanitizing agent (it is preferable to the other options of a bleach or iodine solution!)

I was a make-up artist prior to face painting so I've always just applied the same procedures.

So far I have been following those sort of procedures Shannon, but what about your actual paints? how do you clean them at the end of the day? with my makeup I sanitize my products with Beauty So Clean between clients because I can use it on my powders etc. But I have no idea what to about sanitizing/cleaning my paints without alcohol... It would dry them out Yes?

i rinse the surface of each cake under cool running water and swipe it quickly with a brush to remove a thin layer of paint. not disinfected, but clean, as water will wash away bacteria, etc. wastes a little paint, but it's quick and effective.

alcohol might dry the surface, but if you spritz or wipe the cakes with a paper towel, it probably wouldn't get down into the cake and dry the whole thing out.

Thanks jlirie