
When you think about decorating your home, smashing your paint-covered naked body into a canvas for a sex painting may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but don’t write it off just yet…
A study published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that couples who tried new things had more fulfilling intimate experiences. And not only is creating your own sex painting a way to try something new, it’s also a great way to create some home decor that definitely falls under the category of “conversation piece.”
If you’ve never heard of sex art before, it’s basically the act of covering yourself in paint and then having sex on a large canvas. It’s actually more commonplace than you might think. You can even buy a Love Is Art kit directly from Amazon.
Things may not go as seamlessly as they did in our steamy ethical porn movie ‘Paint’, but as long as you’re prepared to laugh, slip and get a little messy, creating a sex painting can be a fun way to make memories and capture a sexy moment on canvas.
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What Is Sex Painting?
Sex painting (also called body paint sex art) is the act of covering yourself and/or your partner in body-safe paint, then getting intimate on a canvas to create a one-of-a-kind artwork.
It’s more popular than you might think—you can even buy a ready-made Love Is Art kit on Amazon. And if you need some inspiration, our sensual, visually stunning ethical porn film Paint brings this messy fantasy to life.
What You’ll Need for a Sexy Painting Session
This isn’t your average paint night. Here’s a complete list of supplies to make sure your sex painting date night is both fun and functional.
Before You Begin:
- A drop cloth (to protect floors)
- A large cotton canvas
- Body-safe, non-toxic paint
- Towels (lots of them)
- Painter’s tape (optional, for geometric designs)
- Baby wipes or damp cloths for quick cleanup
After the Fun:
- Wooden stretcher bars or canvas frame
- Staple gun
- Hanging kit or wall hooks
Prep Your Space
- Pick a flat, soft surface like a carpeted floor. Skip the bed unless you want it permanently tie-dyed (which is fun too).
- Lay down your drop cloth first, then the canvas on top.
- Create a “path to the bathroom” with towels to make cleanup easier.
- If you want a stylized look, use painter’s tape on the canvas to create bold, geometric lines. Once the paint dries, peel the tape off for dramatic contrast.
How to Make a Sex Painting
- Start with foreplay. Get comfortable, kiss, touch, maybe indulge in some oral. It helps to be aroused before you hit the canvas—because let’s be real, canvas isn’t the softest surface.
- Apply the paint to the canvas, not your body. This keeps things cleaner and creates cooler effects as your bodies move.
- Choose your color palette. Go wild with multiple colors or keep it sexy and sophisticated with a monochrome scheme.
- Let go of perfection. Focus on connecting with your partner, not the final product. Laugh, slip, roll around—this is supposed to be messy fun.
- Be mindful with paint near mouths/genitals. Even if it’s non-toxic, avoid ingesting paint by using wipes or simply steering clear of those areas.
Clean-Up Can Be Just as Fun
When you’ve finished creating your masterpiece, head to the shower for some steamy, playful cleanup. Use this time to wash each other off—and maybe sneak in a second round.
Once your canvas is dry:
- Remove any painter’s tape.
- Stretch the canvas over a wooden frame.
- Staple the back and hang it proudly… or keep the origin story between the two of you.
Bonus points if you make up a wild backstory when your friends or in-laws ask about it.
Why Try Sex Art?
Creating a sex painting isn’t just kinky—it’s creative, sensory, and deeply memorable. You’ll laugh, connect, and make a literal work of art out of your intimacy. And if you need a little inspo, our erotic film Paint shows just how sensual (and slippery) this experience can be.
Want Help Getting Out of Your Head During Sex?
Sometimes trying new things can make us self-conscious. If you’ve ever struggled to stay present during intimacy, check out our guided Pleasure Journey:
How to Stop Getting in Your Head During Oral Sex
Not Ready for Sex Painting? Start Here.
Even if you’re not quite ready to roll around in paint, afterglow has tons of sex-positive, shame-free resources for deepening intimacy, building confidence, and trying new things at your own pace.
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