Here's the answers to some questions we get asked quite often. If you have a question or concern and it's not addressed here, please feel free to contact us at: info@tradingfacesvt.com or by phone 802-316-2562. We're very friendly and would love to answer any question you may have.
What type of paint do you use?
-We use only FDA-cmpliant makeups in our work. The face and body paints are water-based and hypo allergenic. They are applied with a sponge or brush, and sometimes with the airbrush. These are high-quality theatrical makeups with incredible pigmentation and durability. They wear light, we sometimes forget our faces are even painted as we work through our day. Our glitters are polyester cosmetic-grade glitters. The difference in glitter is the cut. Craft glitter is typically larger in size than cosmetic grade glitter and cut into squares with sharp edges, not something you would want near your eyes. Our glitter is super fine and cut into octagons with rounded edges to protect you from any injury and create the dazzle that accents our designs.
Yes, but what type of paint do you use?!
-The brand names are: Wolfe FX, Diamond FX, Paradise AQ, Snazaroo and Mehron products. Each are acclaimed theatrical makeup products used as a standard in the very large international face and body painting industry. When we do glitter tattoos we use "body glue" which is a latex based surgical adhesive (the same kind they use in hospitals). This makes the glitter tattoos waterproof and allows them to stay on for days! We also use a product called "liquid bling" which is our super fine cosmetic glitter mixed with aloe vera gel, its actually good for your skin. For airbrush tattoos and in body painting where the airbrush is used. We utilize Mehron's "LUX" line, a water based airbrush makeup and sometimes use "F.A.B." an alcohol based airbrush tattoo ink which lasts longer. All these products can be looked up on the net to put any safety concerns you may have at ease. We've listed the companies that provide these products on our LINKS page.
How long does the paint stay on?
- The makeups we use are very robust. They are water resistant and will stay on until you wash them off with a baby wipe or soap and water. Some colors are more robust than others, and you may find that using baby shampoo helps. All products we use wash clean and do not stain. Airbrush/glitter tattoos need to be removed with alcohol if you wish to take them off before they start to fade or wash out.
Does it itch?
-Our makeup is cosmetic-grade. You don't even know you have it on. There have been times where we have forgotten that we had our makeup on and walked into the grocery store, painted as a skull, vampire, tiger etc. Unfortunately some institutions use acrylic or craft paint when they face paint. This is dangerous. Neither product is meant for the skin. Non-toxic does not mean skin-safe. If you have ever been painted and afterwards had small red bumps, flaking paint, irritated skin or a real problem getting the paint off, this could have been the result of being painted with craft paint.
So if you paint me on Saturday, I won't be painted still on Monday?! 
- We hope that you will have taken a shower by then. Call it job security, Face and body art is not meant to be a permament change, by design. Do you really want to stay a tiger for a week? If so, we can be hired to come to your place every morning, just ask. In the end, we appreciate that you love our artistry and would want to keep it on to show off.
How long has face and body art been around?
-We painted the caves....then we got bored and painted each other. This art form is as ancient as hiding from saber toothed tigers. It's just that in the past 5-10 years the products have vastly improved and, with the internet, the ability to share ideas and concepts between fellow face and body artists has grown by leaps and bounds. Here at Trading Faces, we're at the forefront of the industry on an international scale. Our work can be found in magazines, books on how to face paint, and other critically acclaimed media.
How long have you been doing this?
-We have been artists all of our lives, we have over 12 years experience in the field of face and body art. You're in good hands.
Can you paint simpler designs so we can book you for a shorter amount of time and you can paint more than 12-15 people?
- We will do everything we can to meet your needs and make your event a success. We, however, do pride ourselves on our high quality. This is what sets us aside from other face painters. Our dedication to our artistic integrity is part of what brought you to this website, thus, we believe that it is working. If you have a lot of people you need painted in a short amount of time there are two options. One, you can hire a second or third painter. Two, we can do airbrush tattoos instead. These are simple designs that can be applied extremely fast, we can handle 60-100 people per hour and if it's something simple you're looking for that might be the best solution for you.
Is there any risk of cross contamination or transferring germs from one person to another through the paints, sponges or brushes?
-All make up that we use include various agents to destroy microbial life. In the case of Snazaroo paint, it has been documented that the facepaint actually works as an anti-bacterial agent. The act of being facepainted after someone else, is on the same risk as shaking that person's hand. That being said however, we will never paint anyone that is showing any signs of illness such as rattling, chesty coughs, running nose or any open sores on the skin we are about to paint.
Am I too old to be painted?
-So far the oldest person we have painted was 94. She had her face painted with her great, great grand children and then came back to have her neck and shoulders painted. Odds are you're younger than 94, if you are older, please let us know, we'll paint you for free so we can raise that number.
Why won't you paint my 3 month old baby, it would be so cute?!
We hold ourselves to a code of ethics that we take very seriously. All in all, only the willing and the conscious can be painted. We're not going to paint a moustache on your brother's girlfriend as she's passed out. We' also won't paint any child that does not want to be painted! 18 months and younger, the child does not care to be painted, this would be an act solely for the grown ups. Holding the child down or placing the poor kid in a head lock is also far too cruel an act for the joyous and whimsical nature of our craft. How would you like it if we put you in a head lock and forced you to do something you didn't want to do? Your baby will get older, we'll still be painting and would love to paint your child then. However, if your three month old baby can vocally request facepainting and sit still for it, we would be happy to append our policy for you.
So do you do REAL art?
-Yes, we're doing it now. If you mean do we also paint other things besides people, yes we do! Check out www.seanavram.com for our information on the amazing world of airbrushing and what it can do for your world. Murals, guitars, motorcycles, cars, license plates, mailboxes, t-shirts, canvases, photo backdrops, hockey helmets, and more! Sean is a master airbrush artist and would love the opportunity to paint something for you.
Who painted you?
-We paint ourselves at live events to show you we mean business. If we can paint that great design backwards and in a mirror on ourselves, imagine what we can do with you!
Corporate events
Body Painting
Airbrush / Glitter Tattoos