To start doing spray tans from home in Australia, you need four core items: a spray tan machine (HVLP gun or airbrush), a spray tan tent, a good quality spray tan solution, and a sticky mat or foot pads. A trained technician also needs protective equipment and proper ventilation. Total setup cost is typically $300–$700 for equipment, separate from your training.
Getting your spray tan setup right before your first client saves a lot of expensive trial and error. Here's exactly what you need, what to spend money on, and where you can cut corners safely.
What spray tan machine should I buy when starting out?
For home-based spray tan technicians, an HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) spray gun is the most common starting point. It delivers a fine, even mist without excessive overspray and is easier to control than a compressor-based system when you're working in a residential space.
Look for a machine with an adjustable airflow dial and a fine-mist nozzle — this gives you control over depth and coverage. A mid-range HVLP unit in the $150–$300 range is more than adequate when you're starting out. You don't need the most expensive professional machine to get great results.
Avoid cheap units with fixed spray settings — they make it hard to customise coverage for different skin tones and body types, which is exactly what clients expect from a skilled technician.
Do I need a spray tan tent at home?
Yes. A spray tan tent (sometimes called a pop-up booth) is non-negotiable if you're working indoors. It contains overspray so bronzer solution doesn't settle on your walls, flooring, or furniture — and it keeps your setup looking professional rather than makeshift.
Collapsible pop-up tents are ideal for home use. They set up in under a minute, fold flat for storage, and are easy to wipe clean between clients. Budget $60–$120 for a good quality pop-up tent. It's one of the most worthwhile purchases you'll make.
If you're working in a garage or outdoor area with good ventilation, a tent is still recommended — it contains product and keeps the finish consistent regardless of airflow.
What spray tan solution should I use?
Spray tan solution is where many new technicians overspend early. You don't need the most expensive solution on the market to get great results — you need a solution with a DHA percentage that matches your clients' skin tones, and one that performs consistently with your machine.
Most professional solutions contain 6–14% DHA. Start with a mid-range percentage (8–10%) that works across a range of skin tones, then expand your kit as your client base grows and you get requests for darker or lighter finishes.
Stick to solutions designed for professional use — they're formulated to spray cleanly through an HVLP gun without clogging the nozzle. Consumer-grade fake tan is not the same product and won't perform the same way in a spray machine.
What other equipment do I need?
Beyond the machine, tent, and solution, your home spray tan kit should include:
- Sticky foot pads — stop your client from walking bronzer through your home after the tan is applied
- Disposable hair nets and g-strings — professional hygiene standard; most clients expect these to be provided
- A barrier cream — applied to palms, nails, eyebrows, and hairline before the tan to prevent product buildup in those areas
- Your own PPE — at minimum, a face mask and gloves for your own protection during application
- A fan or portable ventilator — even with good tent ventilation, a small fan behind the client speeds drying time and improves the finish
- A cleaning solution — for flushing your machine after each session to prevent nozzle clogs
You can add to this kit over time. Many experienced spray tan technicians also keep pH-balanced prep spray and exfoliation mitts on hand to sell or recommend to clients before their appointment.
Do I need any qualifications to spray tan from home in Australia?
Australia's beauty industry is unregulated — there's no government licence required to perform spray tans professionally. However, completing a professional spray tan course before working with paying clients is strongly recommended for two important reasons.
First, technique matters more than equipment. Knowing how to hold the gun, angle your application, work with different skin tones, and troubleshoot results is what separates a $50 home spray tan from a $120 salon result. Equipment alone won't close that gap.
Second, insurance. Most professional indemnity insurance policies for beauty technicians require you to hold a relevant certificate from a recognised beauty college. Without a certificate, you may find yourself uninsured if something goes wrong with a client.
Bela's Spray Tan Course is fully online and self-paced, includes a physical kit shipped to you, and covers technique, skin typing, solution selection, and business setup — everything you need to go from zero to booking clients with confidence.
How do I set up a spray tan space at home?
You don't need a dedicated room — a spare bedroom, a garage, or even a bathroom with good ventilation works well for most home-based spray tan technicians starting out.
What you do need is adequate ventilation (open a window or door, or use a fan), a clean, wipeable floor surface, and enough space to walk around your client and tent freely. A 2m x 2m clear floor space is the minimum you'll need to work comfortably.
Dim the overhead lighting slightly if you can — it makes the bronzer guide easier to see during application and helps you catch any missed areas before your client dresses.
Ready to start your spray tan career?
Getting your equipment sorted is only half the picture. The spray tan technicians who build a full client book quickly are the ones who invest in proper training alongside their kit — so every application looks polished, every client is happy, and word-of-mouth does the marketing for them.
Bela's Spray Tan Course includes your full professional kit, shipped to you — so you get trained and equipped in one step, with 1:1 mentor support included. It's 100% online and self-paced, so you can study around your current schedule and be ready to book your first clients faster than you'd expect.
Explore the Spray Tan Course at Bela Beauty College and see everything that's included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does spray tan equipment cost to get started?
Budget $300–$700 for a starter kit covering a spray gun, pop-up tent, and initial solution supply. This is separate from the cost of your training course. Many technicians recoup this within their first 5–8 client appointments.
Can I use a cheap spray tan machine from a discount retailer?
You can, but results will be inconsistent. Budget machines often have fixed spray settings, poor nozzle quality, and limited adjustability — all of which affect the finish quality. A mid-range HVLP gun in the $150–$300 range is a significantly better investment.
Do I need a spray tan tent at home?
Yes — a pop-up spray tan tent is essential for indoor use. It contains overspray to protect your home, looks professional to clients, and creates a consistent environment for application. They're compact, affordable, and fold flat for easy storage.
Do I need a certificate to do spray tans in Australia?
There's no government licence required. However, a professional spray tan certificate from a beauty college is strongly recommended before working with paying clients — both for your technique quality and to meet the requirements of most professional indemnity insurance policies.
What's the best spray tan solution for beginners?
Choose a professional-grade solution with 8–10% DHA to cover a broad range of skin tones. Avoid consumer fake tan products — they're not formulated to run through a spray machine and will clog your nozzle. Start with one reliable solution and expand your range as you grow.
How long does it take to set up for a spray tan client?
Once you're practised, setup takes 5–10 minutes: pop up the tent, fill and prime the gun, lay out your client's protective items, and do a quick venue ventilation check. Most home-based technicians allow 45–60 minutes per appointment including setup, application, and clean-down.
Can I do spray tans outside instead of in a tent?
Yes, in calm conditions with no wind — but a tent is still recommended for consistency. Wind affects product dispersion and can cause streaking. If you work outdoors regularly, consider a full outdoor pop-up setup with side panels for wind protection.
