D.I.Y. Paint Parties 

Want to be creative from the comfort of your own home? Search no more. Follow along with Melissa and create your chosen design.  You CAN learn how to paint using my step by step painting guides and techniques! 

​In this guide, I will detail some recommended supplies that are suitable for a paint party. I’ll also provide you with some pointers and tips that I’ve learned and may be helpful for you.

How does it work?

You purchase the materials and supplies. Once you get your kit, you create your project on your own time by following our step by step guide.

How Long Does it Take?

These paintings take longer than you think! Usually about 1.5-2 hours.

And when you are socializing, they take even longer.  If you are painting with our D.I.Y. paint party, make sure you start your party at a decent time (start painting at the latest by 7 p.m. is my recommendation) so that your guests don’t get too tired. Remember some designs can take up to 2 hours!!!

Materials

Setting Up For Your Paint Party

  1. Decide how many tables and chairs you’ll need based on how many people are attending.  You usually need about 2-3 feet per person to paint comfortably. For example: a 5’ x 3’ dining table could essentially fit 6 easels. You may need to rearrange your room to fit extra tables depending on the number of guests you’ll be having.
  2. Lay table cloths on the tables and set up the easels and the canvases.
  3. Fold up your paper towel. I like to place mine to the right with the water bucket at the top and the brushes placed on top of the paper towel.
  4. Set up an instructional area (if you are doing the teaching). You’ll need a standing easel and a place to set your palette, brushes and water.
  5. Hang up a sample painting or a print out to use as a visual.
  6. Set up your TV or laptop to cast a video or demonstrate steps (if you are doing the TV method).
  7. Set up an area as a paint station where all the paints and extra brushes and paper towels will be.
  8. Pre-pour the paint for your guests onto the palette or paper plate. A good rule of thumb is its better to under pour the paint and get more than throw paint away.

What Type Of Paint Do I Need?

Canvas
If you want to use higher quality paints, maybe because you’re just painting with a small group, then go for the student grade paints at Michael’s such as Liquitex BASICS or Artist’s Loft.

Glass
Folk Art Multi-surface paint is what you will want to use. It is the best brand when it comes to painting on glass and ceramics (plates, mugs that have all ready been fired in the kiln, not bisque-ware)

How much paint do I need?

I use the formula .25 oz per color per painter. The 4 oz bottles of paint can go for up to 8-10 people (in my experience). 
However, if there’s a lot of one color, I buy an extra bottle or tube of that color just in case. Some participants are a little bit heavier with their paint usage than others.
White and black is usually a staple color for my tutorials so I always make sure I have extra of those colors. 

Glassware
Dailyware Multi-purpose Wine Glasses are by far my favorite brand. First of all, they are made in the U.S.A! We are big fans of supporting businesses here in America! This style is a great size and they are durable. My cat has pushed so many of my classes off the table and most of the time they do survive the fall even though they are glass.

Drying Time

Acrylic paint dries fast. However, if the paint is applied too thick, the painting will take longer to dry. If you are painting on glass with the multi-purpose paint it also dries fast and will need multiple layers. Bounce back and forth between the set of glasses to give each layer enough time to dry. If the paint begins to peel, it is because it isn't quite dry yet or you are being a little too aggressive with reapplying the paint. Try waiting a little longer, painting a little softer or using a bigger brush to spread out the surface area.
**GREAT TIP**
Having a hair dryer available so your guests can quickly dry their paintings between steps or to make sure their paintings are dry enough to take home. 

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