What is the best kind of paint for use on a human canvas? What can I protect the persons skin with?

Question

My friends and I are going to use a person as a human canvas to paint on for an art exhibition. I was wondering if anyone knew what the best kind of paint to use on human skin is. Something that is safe and that will wash off easily. Face paint seems like a good candidate, but I would like to know if I have any other options. Also, is there any sort of protective "goo" or lotion that can be rubbed on before we start painting him?

Answer 1

There is such a thing as body paint. Indeed Kryolan is great stuff but a bit expensive if you are only using it one time.

Any water base paint will do. Acrylic will stay on best even when sweating or buming into someone. No need to worry about your skin needing to breath. That is a busted urban myth.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters_(season_2)#Goldfinger

Use a water base lotion before painting so hair is stuck to the skin and the paint comes of easy.

Answer 2

This my friend could also be dangerous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check with a doctor first.....You can only cover so much skin surface before you start to cause problems...The skin is porous and meant to breath for a reason....I read about a prank where a guy was tied up and painted and this killed him......REALY....Also you will need to check the person first to make sure they don't have a bad reaction to whatever kind of paint you use....Think this through a little more and cover all your bases....Its to late once somethings gone wrong.....I cant find the info on the % of body that can be covered by paint before there is a problem, but i know the potential exist for problems....

Answer 3

Try purchasing Kryolan theatrical paints
Yes they are cosmetics but they are designed for the theatre so are suitable for a long time and they come in a varierty of colours and aren't too expensive.

Answer 4

Use Acrylic, it's plastic based, although if you sweat it begins to bubble up some. Good Luck...Sounds Fun!