Debate: To double dip or not?

What about quadruple dipping.... I just need a tutorial on how to load a brush to last 1 face

I think some of you are really missing the point. It's a public safety issue. Even restaurants are subject to inspections, no? I really would hope you really don't consider facepainting in the same category as using a public rest room? seriously????

I am not a germaphoe in the least! I am ALL for natural immunity but doing something that can possibly spread infectious diseases is truly beyond messed IMHO. Especially when there are folks out there with compromised immune systems. That's not very fair now is it? I will never knowingly use dirty implements to paint. No way.

Ok now this IS my last post on the subject!!!! lol.

The paints have chemicals in them to prevent the spread of germs. The instructions from the manufacturers specifically say not to add ANYTHING to your water. Unless you can be absolutely sure that ALL chemicals have been rinsed thoroughly from your brushes (including soaps), any of that could cause irritation. Unless you are NEVER going back to your paints with a brush whether you've rinsed it or not, it's the same thing as "double dipping." If it's on the brush, it's in the water... it's more likely to spread from the water than from the paint cake. And it's more likely still that they'll get something from standing in line than from having a brush touching their cheek.

With all the horrible articles around out there about reactions and heavy metals in face paints and so many people trying to say how incredibly dangerous the stuff is, don't you think they'd be jumping for joy if kids were getting sick from getting painted?

The only way to avoid transmitting stuff would be to

1. Wear new gloves with each kid.
2. Wear a surgical mask
3. Disposable brushes, that are sealed and opened immediate prior to use.
4. Disposable sponges, that are sealed.
5. Disposable, single use paints. Little pots that are opened and then disposed of after each kid.

And don't forget to have a sink next to you, scrubbing your hands and applying sanitizer before putting on the gloves.

And of course, you'd need chair covers that you'd remove between each child.

Did you guys read the infectious disease list for SKIN? I am thinking not as ya'll don't seem to be talking about those things. I don't need a mask to cut hair or do makeup or facepaint. Same rules should apply IMHO. You won't need gloves if your hands are clean. Disposable anything is not necessary if you clean your implements. I don't need single use paints if I don't use dirty brushes or use them between kids.

Here are some of those diseases as listed in the link up thread.


Bacterial Skin Infections (Pyoderma)
Impetigo
Folliculitis
Furunculosis (Furuncle or Skin Boil)
Ecthyma
Erysipelas
Cellulitis
Acute Paronychia
Felon
Necrotizing Fasciitis
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Infection
Nodular Lymphangitis
Preseptal Cellulitis and Periorbital Cellulitis
Intertrigo
Fungal Skin Infection
Cutaneous Candidiasis
Onychomycosis
Chronic Paronychia
Tinea Barbae
Tinea Capitis
Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)
Tinea Faciale
Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)
Tinea Versicolor
Intertrigo
Parasitic Skin Infection
Scabies
Lice
Viral Skin Infections
See Also Viral Exanthem
Herpetic Whitlow

I am not taking issue with heavy metals or the paint itself in this thread. It is more the sanitation practices of the painter. I also don't believe the paint is "antibacterial" anything. It may have preservatives in it but I guarantee it's not going to kill some things. Ringworm, scabies, etc.

I think I will have to agree to disagree on this one!! But truthfully this thread makes me want to go clean my brushes! lol.

The point is, that no matter what you do on a job, you will NOT have "clean" tools. Unless you plan on having a pot of boiling water sitting next to you, they will not be "clean".

Swishing it around in water, wiping it on soap, my clean them to a point, but it is not going to be completely sanitary. Even dipping them in alcohol doesn't get the stuff buried deep in the brush.

No the point is if you work with the public there are certain things you SHOULD do to keep the risk lower. I mean if we used this mind set, no one would have to wash their hands before preparing food!!! Or Dr's wash their hands between clients. Or Dentists use gloves.

I feel pretty confident in my brush cleaning though so YMMV. Alcohol does sanitize your brushes if you are cleaning them correctly beforehand. Not sure where you are getting your info.

I think you need to not be a face painter if you want complete sanitation. It's just not going to happen, no matter how much alcohol you use. Germs are going to be passed when they sit in your chair.

i never said "complete" sanitation but rather proper sanitation. my brushes ARE completely sanitized though as best as they could be and I am pretty confident with that. and reducing the risk of spreading skin diseases from client to client when you are working on the skin is not the same thing as worrying about every germ out there. apples and oranges and a little common sense! I have no idea why in the world anyone would even want to risk it but to each their own! Apparently you have never had scabies or another really annoying infection. not that I have had scabies but I have seen it go around like crazy in nursing homes and those who live in close quarters with alot of people. things like that is easily spread but you can also reduce your risk of spreading it by using proper sanitation techniques. I think I have just seen too much. but I really don't want to be the one spreading ringworm or conjunctivitis,etc.

Could you quit yelling at everyone. (!!!!!!) It's not necessary, and actually not conductive to supporting your points.

And quit treating people on here that have different opinions as idiots.

I am not yelling at anyone nor calling anyone an idiot (or oh telling them they shouldn't be face painters for wanting to use clean tools!) I am simply just putting the info out there. apparently you don't agree and now are offended for whatever reason. I am allowed to state my opinion though just as you are. it is a debate thread, no? If you want to challenge every thought I have expressed that is not my problem.

further more shouldn't face painters be subjected to using the same protocol and held to the same standards as makeup artists?

Multiple exclamation points and ALL CAPS are considered yelling in forum etiquette.

And the way you are phrasing things are not just stating your opinion, it is stating that anyone without your opinion has no common sense.

sorry that was not my intention! (plus I don't see anywhere on this thread i have used multiple exclamation points and caps??) I have been respectful unlike yourself who is insulting others! I mean seriously I shouldn't be a face painter because I am diligent about sanitation? really? I DO have very strong views on sanitation issues like I said upthread but I think there are worse things to get all up in arms about. I just hope face painting never is regulated in your state or you might be in for a world of hurt.

So tell me then, how you know your brushes are clean? Do you carry enough that you don't have to clean them on the job? You'd need running water, because rinsing it in a cup of water wouldn't cut it. Once you dunked your brush in in once, you'd only be contaminating the brush again. You'd have to really work out the paint with soap--because the paint is pretty ingrained in the bristles-- rinse it thoroughly in running water, then dunk it in alcohol and let it dry completely.

So how do you know that your brushes are completely sanitized? (as you stated that your brushes are)

And for the one sponge per person campaign...

Apart from any germs, there are a lot of life threatening allergies out there. Say if kid #1 had a PB&J, then kid # 2 comes up, severe peanut allergy. What would happen to kid #2? Maybe nothing. Maybe something terrible.

I've heard of stories of people dying after kissing someone that ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Something like this concerns me a lot more than germs or skin diseases.

Painted Dragon wrote:And for the one sponge per person campaign...

Apart from any germs, there are a lot of life threatening allergies out there. Say if kid #1 had a PB&J, then kid # 2 comes up, severe peanut allergy. What would happen to kid #2? Maybe nothing. Maybe something terrible.

I've heard of stories of people dying after kissing someone that ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Something like this concerns me a lot more than germs or skin diseases.

I really hate to get in the middle of a throw-down here... but didn't you just make the case for "properly" cleaning your brushes too?

Look, it's not about eliminating all risk of exposure. That is impossible without an autoclave and hazmat suits. We're talking about reducing the risk of exposure, and why wouldn't we, as responsible citizens of the world, want to do that?

How bad would you feel if you gave the neighborhood ringworm because kid # 4 at your really busy festival gig had it, but no physical sign yet? Could you explain to a little kid that he is sick because you wanted to save paint and you were too busy to even try to clean your brush? These are the things I think about and would rather try to do my best to provide some protection against instead of adopting "in for a penny, in for a pound" attitude.

No one has to defend their position to me, and I am unlikely to change my mind. I believe I mentioned it in another thread. It's not that it will happen, but it can happen. Would you be okay with being the one responsible for it? I wouldn't.

actually I change my water after each person. you can bring a 5 gal jug and an empty bucket if you have a gig without running water.

for me the following are essential to me when painting;

-clean hands
-clean face
-clean brushes
-clean water

I know my brushes are clean because I am super diligent in cleaning them. I also use salon protocol when cleaning them. I rinse them thouroughly (or soak them until they can be washed) then wash them with soap, then sanitize them with alcohol. It doesn't take long for them to airdry. I have enough brushes and sponges per person thus far. (not sure how many but alot) if I was running low at a gig I would stop and wash my brushes. no one is going to complain I am certain of it! I also clean off my paint cakes between peeps with a clean sponge. maybe that is going overboard but whatevs. I'd rather not have anything growing in my paint!

Painted Dragon wrote:So tell me then, how you know your brushes are clean? Do you carry enough that you don't have to clean them on the job? You'd need running water, because rinsing it in a cup of water wouldn't cut it. Once you dunked your brush in in once, you'd only be contaminating the brush again. You'd have to really work out the paint with soap--because the paint is pretty ingrained in the bristles-- rinse it thoroughly in running water, then dunk it in alcohol and let it dry completely.

So how do you know that your brushes are completely sanitized? (as you stated that your brushes are)

oops double post!

In the end........." to each his or in this case her own" Let us remember as in all things "nothing is foolproof" not even the possibility of spreading germs..... they can be annoying litle buggers. So no matter how intense the measure prevent, there is still and will remain some degree of risk.

OK????? Can we all be friends now???? Group hug anyone?

ChangingFaceDesigns wrote:In the end........." to each his or in this case her own" Let us remember as in all things "nothing is foolproof" not even the possibility of spreading germs..... they can be annoying litle buggers. So no matter how intense the measure prevent, there is still and will remain some degree of risk.

OK????? Can we all be friends now???? Group hug anyone?

Sounds good to me.

hugging the comupter now

JBax wrote:hugging the comupter now

Did you sanitize it after??

Sorry...couldn't resist. (grin)

LOL @ painted...... I love it!!!