What to buy for a painting workshop

A painting workshop needs more than canvases and paint. Plan one canvas, one apron and a workable set of brushes for each participant, plus shared water tubs, palettes and paper towels at every table. Covering film protects the workstations, while labels and packaging cardboard help guests identify and carry their paintings home. For the refreshment table, prepare reusable cups, plates, cutlery, coffee and tea equipment, and enough chilled drinks for the group.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet table
Reception desk

Art supplies

Painter's canvasesqty 32
Acrylic paint setsqty 32
Small brushesqty 40
Brushes mediumqty 40
Large brushesqty 24
Mixing palettesqty 32
Water tubsqty 32
Pencilsqty 40
Erasersqty 32
Scissorsqty 16
Apronsqty 32
Table easelsqty 32
Project labelsqty 40
Packaging cardboardqty 35
Paper towelsqty 4
Covering filmqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 32

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving traysqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Presentation stand

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 4

Decorations

Name card holdersqty 6
Table décorqty 6

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 8
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Herbal tea with honey - 1 jar
- Mini cheese sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Mini chicken sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Vegetarian mini sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Hummus - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 500 grams
- Herb cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Chicken breast topping - 400 grams
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snack mix - 2 bags
- Mini cookies - 3 packs
- Brownies - 32 pieces
- Apples - 32 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Floor cleaner - 1 bottle
- Cleaning gloves - 4 pairs

Tips

Buy one painter’s canvas and one apron per participant, plus at least 10% extra if registrations may change or materials can be damaged.
Provide one mixing palette and one water tub for every two painters. Set out small, medium and large brushes so participants can switch between detail and broad strokes.
Cover every workstation before the workshop starts. Keep a spare roll or extra covering film available for tables used during catering or demonstrations.
Prepare one pencil, eraser and pair of scissors for every two participants, then add project labels so finished paintings do not get mixed up.
Plan the drinks station separately from the paint area: chill drinks in coolers, and set out coffee, tea, reusable cups, plates and cutlery before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many canvases do I need for a painting workshop?: Buy one painter’s canvas for each registered participant. Add 10% extra, so a group of 20 needs 22 canvases if you want two spares.
How many brushes does each person need for a painting workshop?: Give each participant access to at least three brushes: one small, one medium and one large. For 20 people, prepare 60 brushes, or more if several tables share supplies.
How much paint should I buy for a painting workshop?: Use one acrylic paint set per participant for an individual setup. For a shared setup, provide at least one complete set per table and check the quantities before shopping.
When should I buy painting workshop supplies?: Check your inventory and place the materials order at least 7 days before the workshop. Do the final shopping for drinks, catering and disposable items 1–2 days beforehand.

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