Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before and after your spray tan. From prepping your skin to your first rinse and maintaining your results, these tips will help you get the most from your custom spray tan at Paint It Bronze in Rising Sun, Maryland.
The most common questions we get from our clients
For best results, we recommend scheduling your spray tan 2 days before your event. This gives your tan time to fully develop and settle into its best color.
Schedule haircuts/color, waxing, facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures before your spray tan appointment. Your spray tan should be the last step on your beauty prep list!
The spray tan itself takes about 10–15 minutes, but we also allow time to discuss your desired color, customize your solution, and review rinse and aftercare instructions. Plan for approximately 30 minutes total.
A spray tan typically lasts 7–10 days with proper care and upkeep. It’s important to follow the steps listed in our Tan Care section below to get the best results and longevity from your tan.
Most clients will choose our Custom Airbrush Tan, which is completely customized to your skin tone, desired depth, schedule, and recommended rinse time.
Choose our Super Express Tan when you need to rinse much sooner. Super Express can be rinsed in as little as 20 minutes for a lighter result or worn for up to 4 hours for a deeper result.
Not sure which one to book? No worries! We can help you choose the best option for your schedule and desired result.
All we need is enough space to set up our tanning tent (approximately 7 ft tall × 4 ft wide), access to a nearby electrical outlet, and adequate lighting. Overspray is contained within the tent, so we can typically set up in whichever room works best for you.
Tan Care
For the best, longest-lasting results, please do the following:
- Schedule manicures and pedicures before your spray tan appointment. The day before is recommended. If you have a manicure or pedicure after your spray tan, the soaking and scrubbing may remove or unevenly fade your tan. If necessary, a polish change only is best.
- Shave and exfoliate approximately 24 hours before your appointment. Waxing should be completed 24–48 hours before your spray tan.
- When exfoliating, use a washcloth or exfoliating mitt rather than a loofah or shower puff, which may not exfoliate the skin evenly.
- Avoid Dove soap/body wash before your appointment, as it can leave residue on the skin that may interfere with an even tan.
- Wash your hair before exfoliating so any shampoo or conditioner residue is thoroughly removed from your skin.
- Moisturize thoroughly after exfoliating to keep your skin hydrated and ready for your tan.
he day of your appointment, please do the following:
- Shower 1–3 hours before your appointment with a warm water rinse only—no soap or body wash. This helps remove any moisturizer from the night before while giving your skin time to return to its natural pH.
- Do not shower immediately before your appointment. Please allow at least 1 hour between your shower and your spray tan.
- After your final shower, do not apply anything to your skin. This includes lotion, oils, deodorant, perfume, makeup, or other skincare/body products.
What to wear during your tanning session:
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable! Many clients choose to tan topless with underwear or swimsuit bottoms. Disposable undergarments are also available if needed.
Male clients are required to wear an undergarment or other covering during the service.
After your appointment: Bring or wear dark, loose-fitting clothing and easy slip-on shoes to protect your developing tan. If you have leather seats in your vehicle, bringing a towel to sit on is recommended.
While your tan is developing, wear dark, loose-fitting clothing to prevent rubbing or transferring your tan. Cotton is best.
- Avoid tight clothing such as bras, socks, leggings, and jeans until after your first rinse, as these can rub against the skin and interfere with development.
- Avoid getting wet, sweating, or doing anything that may cause moisture on your skin while your tan is developing.
- Rinse at the specific time recommended for your tan. Your rinse time will vary depending on the solution used and your desired result, so always follow the instructions given at your appointment.
- Your first rinse should be a quick, lukewarm water rinse only—no soap or body wash. The brown color you see washing away is simply the cosmetic bronzer; your tan is developing underneath!
- If you receive a Super Express Tan, your color may look very light immediately after rinsing. Don't panic! Your tan will continue to develop after your rinse.
- If you're sleeping in your spray tan, use dark sheets or place a towel over your bedding. Wearing loose, long cotton pants and a long-sleeve cotton shirt can also help protect your tan while you sleep.
- After future showers, gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing and moisturize regularly to help extend the life of your tan.
Moisturizing is the key to extending the life of your spray tan! Apply a spray-tan-safe moisturizer daily, especially after showering and whenever your skin feels dry.
- Keep showers short and lukewarm. Long, hot baths and showers can speed up exfoliation and cause your tan to fade faster.
- Pat your skin dry after showering rather than rubbing with your towel.
- Avoid prolonged soaking in pools, hot tubs, and salt water whenever possible, as these can cause your tan to fade more quickly.
- Avoid exfoliating, scrubs, loofahs, and other products that may strip your tan until you're ready to remove the remaining color and prepare for your next appointment.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Always wear sunscreen when outdoors. A spray-tan-friendly lotion sunscreen is best; avoid aerosol sunscreens when possible, as they can contribute to uneven fading.
Spray Tan Approved Products
SPRAY TAN PREP ESSENTIAL
Exfoliating Mitt
$15
The perfect first step to a flawless spray tan. Our exfoliating mitt helps remove dead skin and old self-tan buildup, creating a smooth, even canvas for your next glow.
Use approximately 24 hours before your spray tan for best results.
Purchase online for studio pickup
Refresh Body Wash
Cucumber Mint
$17
Specially formulated with spray tans in mind, Refresh Body Wash gently cleanses your skin while helping protect the life of your glow.
Use daily after your initial rinse to help maintain an even, longer-lasting tan.
SPRAY TAN MAINTENANCE ESSENTIAL
Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizer
Available in a variety of scents
$22
Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the best ways to extend the life of your spray tan. Hempz moisturizers provide daily hydration to help keep skin soft and your tan fading evenly.
Apply daily, especially after showering, to help maintain your glow.
PROTECT YOUR GLOW
Sunscreen + Spray Tans
A spray tan provides no protection from the sun, so SPF is a must! Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply as directed, especially when swimming or spending extended time outdoors.
For the most even tan fade, lotion sunscreens are generally a great choice.
Swimming, sweating, and frequent sunscreen application can naturally cause your spray tan to fade faster, so keep your skin moisturized and hydrated afterward.