You've booked the venue, ordered the cake, and now there's a face painter on the to-do list. Here's the awkward truth: about half the face painters who advertise on local Facebook groups have no insurance and no DBS check.
I'm Shilpi at Shilpkar — I face-paint at parties, school fairs and corporate events across Kent. This is the honest guide I'd want my own family to read.
Why face painter quality matters more than you think
A bad face painter ruins photos, makes children cry, or — at worst — gives them an allergic reaction. A good one becomes a highlight of the party. The difference isn't experience or how many followers they have. It's four things:
1. Public liability insurance (£5m minimum)
If a child has a reaction to the paint, the venue insurance won't cover it. The face painter's policy will. Ask to see proof. A real pro will send a PDF without hesitation.
2. An enhanced DBS check
If your kid's party is in a school or community hall, the venue might require it. Even at home, you want it. Real pros have one online — they can show you a shareable code.
3. Hypoallergenic, brand-name paints
Look for Snazaroo, TAG, Diamond FX, or Mehron. These are the four brands certified for skin use. If they tell you they use "professional paints" without naming a brand, walk away.
4. A portfolio of recent work
Anyone can buy clip-art photos. Ask: "Can I see five photos from your last three events?" A real face painter has them.
Questions to ask before you book
- What's your minimum booking time? (One hour is fair. Two hours is more common for kids' parties.)
- How many faces can you paint per hour? (15–20 is honest. If they say "any number", they're rushing.)
- What happens if it rains? (For outdoor parties — they should have a contingency.)
- Do you have a deposit policy? (50% is standard. Anything more is unusual.)
- What designs can the kids choose from? (You want at least 20 options.)
Red flags
- Anyone who doesn't reply to your message within 24 hours
- Anyone refusing to share their portfolio or insurance docs
- Anyone vague about pricing
- Anyone whose Instagram is full of stock photos
What it costs in Kent
For Dartford, Ebbsfleet, Gravesend and the wider Kent area, expect £60–£90 per hour for a professional, insured, DBS-checked face painter. Below that, you're probably booking a hobbyist. Above it, you're paying for a celebrity name.
Booking us
If you'd like to book me for your party, get in touch via the contact form or WhatsApp +44 7448 304472. I cover Dartford, Ebbsfleet, Gravesend, Bluewater and beyond — see our face painting page for Dartford for service-area details.
I'm DBS-checked, fully insured, use Snazaroo + TAG paints exclusively, and have 81+ five-star Google reviews from past parties.
Whatever you choose, I hope your child's party is brilliant.
— Shilpi