What to buy for a painting workshop

A painting workshop needs more than canvases and paint. Plan the setup around one work area per participant, with enough easels, drying space, table protection and clear instructions. You will also need a separate supply table, refreshments and a simple reception point for badges and attendance. Check quantities against your confirmed participant list before shopping, then sort materials so the room can be set up without opening every box during arrival.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Presentation tablesqty 2
Clothes racks

Equipment

Easelsqty 24
Drying racksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 36
Coffee mugsqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving traysqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Welcome sign
Name badgesqty 30
Directional signsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 8
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Mopsqty 2
Broom setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Canvas boards 30 x 40 cm - 24 pieces
- White acrylic paint - 4 tubes
- Acrylic paint black - 3 tubes
- Acrylic paint red - 3 tubes
- Yellow acrylic paint - 3 tubes
- Blue acrylic paint - 3 tubes
- Green acrylic paint - 2 tubes
- Orange acrylic paint - 2 tubes
- Purple acrylic paint - 2 tubes
- Flat brushes - 30 pieces
- Round brushes - 30 pieces
- Mixing palettes - 30 pcs
- Painter's tape - 12 rolls
- Plastic cover film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea bags - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 36 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Butter cookies - 4 packs
- Whole grain cookies - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Turkey breast - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Paprika - 6 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow one canvas, one easel and one place at the table per participant, plus at least 10% extra canvases and basic materials for mistakes or late additions.
Arrange drying racks before the workshop starts. Plan one rack space for each finished painting, and leave enough clearance for wet work to be moved without touching other canvases.
Cover every worktable before setting out supplies. Keep cleaning cloths, sponges and buckets nearby, rather than waiting until paint has already reached the floor.
Set up coffee, tea and snacks away from the painting tables. For a two-hour workshop, prepare at least one serving of coffee or tea per participant and provide cups, mugs, plates and cutlery.
Buy or prepare signs and name badges before the day itself. Place the welcome sign and directional signs at the entrance, and keep printed instructions at each participant’s workspace.

Frequently asked questions

How many canvases do I need for a painting workshop?: Plan one canvas per participant, then add at least 10% extra. For 20 participants, prepare 22 canvases so damaged materials or last-minute additions do not stop the session.
How many easels are needed for a painting workshop?: Use one easel per participant if everyone paints at the same time. For 20 participants, arrange 20 easels and check the room layout at least 3 days before the workshop.
What refreshments should I buy for a painting workshop?: For a two-hour session, plan one hot drink per participant, plus water and snacks. Buy enough cups or mugs for the full group and keep a small 10% reserve for helpers and replacements.
When should I buy and sort painting workshop supplies?: Complete the main shopping at least 2 days before the workshop. Sort canvases, easels, instructions, badges and table supplies the day before, then check the quantities against the confirmed attendance list.

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