Artist Protection Guide: Aprons, Gloves, Sun Hats & Sunscreen for Painters
Whether you're painting in the comfort of your studio or venturing outdoors for plein air work, staying clean and protected should be part of your creative routine. The right protective gear not only keeps your clothes paint-free but also safeguards your health and comfort, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your art.
Note: This post contains affiliate links to products I recommend. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I believe will genuinely help fellow artists stay protected and paint with confidence!
Studio Essentials: Keeping Clean Indoors
The Indispensable Artist's Apron
A quality apron is your first line of defense against paint splatters, drips, and smudges. Look for aprons that are easy to get on and take off, and are a sensible thickness for the climate you live in. I live in a tropical zone, so thick aprons are not practical. I have at least 4 aprons that I use, depending on what mood I am in.
What to look for in a studio apron:
- Fabric thickness to resist paint penetration
- Apron length, as some can be just too short or not wrap around your clothes enough to be useful
- Multiple pockets for brushes, palette knives, and rags
- Adjustable straps for comfortable fit during long painting sessions
- Cross-back or full-coverage design to protect your clothing
- Machine washable material (because let's face it, it will get messy!)
Many artists prefer bib-style aprons that cover the chest and lap, while others opt for smock-style aprons with sleeves for maximum protection. Choose what works best for your painting style and movements. I actually have both of these styles, so here are a couple of links below for you to check out what suits you:
2 pack of economical and fun floral aprons: https://amzn.to/3LlZnl2
The Japanese style cross back pinafore: https://amzn.to/4pbgIef
Gloves: Protecting Your Hands
While some artists prefer the tactile connection of bare hands, protective gloves can be essential, especially when working with solvents, mediums, or cleaning materials.
Glove options for artists:
- Nitrile gloves: Excellent for protection against oils, solvents, and chemicals. They're disposable, affordable, and provide good dexterity.
- Latex gloves: Similar protection to nitrile but may cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Barrier cream: Not a glove, but worth mentioning—apply before painting to make cleanup easier and protect skin from paint absorption.
Even if you don't wear gloves while painting, keep a box handy for cleanup tasks, varnishing, or working with particularly toxic materials.
Nitrile gloves for artists link
Plein Air Protection: Beyond the Paint
Painting outdoors introduces a whole new set of considerations. You're not just protecting yourself from paint—you're also dealing with sun exposure, weather, and bugs.
Aprons for Outdoor Painting
Your plein air apron needs to be just as functional as your studio version, but with added considerations:
- Lightweight fabric that won't overheat you in the sun
- Quick-drying material in case of unexpected rain
- Pockets positioned for easy access while standing at your easel
- Neutral or dark colors that won't reflect unwanted light onto your canvas
Sun Protection: The Often-Overlooked Essential
Here's the truth: artists can spend hours outdoors, completely absorbed in their work, forgetting that they're being exposed to harmful UV rays. Sun protection isn't optional—it's essential.
The Wide-Brimmed Hat
A good sun hat is non-negotiable for plein air painting. Look for:
- Wide brim (at least 3 inches) for face, neck, and ear protection
- Breathable material like cotton or straw to prevent overheating
- Chin strap or adjustable fit to prevent it blowing off in the wind
- Neutral colour that won't cast colour onto your work or affect your colour perception
Many plein air painters swear by safari-style hats with neck flaps or wide-brimmed straw hats. The key is finding one that stays put and keeps you comfortable during long painting sessions.
Sunscreen: Your Invisible Shield
Even with a hat, sunscreen is crucial. UV rays reflect off surfaces and can reach your skin from multiple angles.
Sunscreen tips for plein air painters:
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
- Apply 15-30 minutes before heading outdoors
- Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if sweating
- Don't forget often-missed spots: ears, back of neck, hands, and tops of feet
- Keep a small tube in your painting kit for easy reapplication
- Choose a non-greasy formula that won't transfer to your brushes or canvas
Consider keeping a dedicated "plein air protection kit" with sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and insect repellent in your painting bag.
Additional Outdoor Considerations
Clothing choices matter: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants in light colours to reflect heat while protecting your skin. UPF-rated clothing offers additional sun protection.
Eye protection: Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and protect your eyes, though some artists prefer to paint without them to maintain accurate colour perception. If you do wear sunglasses, flip them up periodically to check your colours.
Insect protection: Depending on your location, mosquitoes and other insects can be a real nuisance. Keep insect repellent handy, and consider treating your clothing with bug spray for longer painting sessions in buggy areas.
Also stay safe and aware of your surroundings as spiders, snakes, and who knows what else is out there!
Building Your Protection Routine
The best protective gear is the gear you'll actually use. Start with the basics—a good apron and sunscreen—and build from there based on your specific needs and painting environment.
Make protection part of your pre-painting ritual, just like setting up your palette or choosing your brushes. Your future self (and your skin) will thank you for the care you take today.
Remember: staying clean and protected isn't about being precious or overly cautious. It's about creating sustainable painting practices that allow you to paint comfortably and safely for years to come. When you're not worried about ruining your clothes or getting sunburned, you're free to focus entirely on capturing the beauty in front of you.
What's your essential protective gear for painting? Do you have any tips for staying clean and comfortable in the studio or outdoors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Judith Rose