You can make cheap face paint more opaque by combining it with a highly opaque white paint.
Here's how to improve the opacity of your face paint:
Understanding Opacity in Face Paint
Opacity refers to how much a paint covers the surface underneath, rather than letting it show through. Cheap face paints often lack the pigment density to achieve good opacity. This means they might appear sheer or require multiple layers for adequate coverage.
The Solution: Mixing with Opaque White
One of the most effective ways to make cheap face paint more opaque is by mixing it with a highly opaque white paint.
- Choose a Highly Opaque White: Look for professional-grade white face paints known for their strong coverage. Diamond FX white and Wolfe white are popular choices among face painters.
- Combine Colors Carefully: Start by adding a small amount of the white paint to your colored face paint. Gradually increase the amount of white until you achieve the desired opacity.
- Example: If you are using a light yellow cheap face paint that is very sheer, mix in a bit of Diamond FX white. This will make the yellow softer but also more opaque.
Why This Works:
- Pigment Density: High-quality white paints, like Diamond FX or Wolfe, have a high concentration of pigment. This extra pigment boosts the overall opacity of the mixture when combined with a weaker, cheap paint.
- Light Diffusion: White pigment helps scatter and diffuse light, reducing the transparency of the color and creating a more solid and opaque finish.
Practical Tips
- Start Small: When mixing, begin with a small amount of white and add more as needed to avoid making your color too light.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure you mix the two paints completely for an even color distribution.
- Test: Always test the mixed paint on a small area of skin first to ensure it has the desired opacity and consistency.
- Consider the Effect: Be aware that adding white will always lighten the original color. Adjust accordingly to achieve your desired shade.
Summary Table: Making Face Paint Opaque
| Method | How to | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mix with White Paint | Add a highly opaque white paint (e.g. Diamond FX white) to the cheap color in small amounts and mix well. | Increases opacity, creates more of a solid color look, may lighten shade |
By following these steps, you can significantly improve the opacity of cheap face paints and achieve a more professional-looking result.
