How to Open a Spray Tan Studio

Opening a spray tan studio is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know exactly what you need.

In this post, I’m walking you through everything I purchased to open my second spray tan studio, how I thought through each decision, and why these items play such a big role in building a successful spray tanning business.

If you’re planning to open your first studio or expand to a second location, this will give you a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes.

Why Your Spray Tan Studio Setup Matters

Your spray tan studio setup is more than just aesthetics. The way your studio is designed directly affects:

• Client comfort and trust
• Application consistency
• Artist workflow and efficiency
• How “luxury” your brand feels
• How scalable your business becomes

The right setup supports you and your growth so let's get into it!

Studio Essentials

1. Professional Spray Tan Equipment

This category includes the foundation of your service:

• Professional spray tan machine
• Backup equipment (you need a backup machine on you at all times)
• Spray guns
• Solution

Reliable spray tan equipment is non-negotiable. It ensures consistent results and allows multiple artists to work confidently.

2. Spray Tan Studio Furniture 

Your furniture should support smooth, stress-free appointments:

• Spray tan tent or extraction wall and flooring to cover the tanning area
• Mirrors and changing area setup
• Client seating, hooks, and stools

Every item should improve flow and reduce awkward transitions during appointments.

3. Lighting & Studio Ambiance

Lighting plays a major role in both application accuracy and client experience:

• Functional lighting for artists
• Soft, flattering lighting for clients
• Lamps and fixtures that elevate the space

Good lighting makes your spray tan studio feel clean, professional, and intentional.

4. Storage & Organization Systems

A successful spray tanning business depends on organization:

• Product and solution storage
• Backstock organization
• Towel and supply systems

I really hate the look of clutter so I am really passionate about making sure all the cleaning products we use are all stored away in black bins or somewhere that is not client facing. This becomes even more important once you hire employees or manage multiple locations.

5. Client Comfort & Experience Details

These details are what clients remember:

• Disposable items
• Towels, wipes, and prep essentials
• Aftercare products
• Small branded touches

These investments turn first-time clients into loyal regulars.

6. Cleaning, Sanitation & Maintenance Supplies

Clean studios protect your brand and equipment:

• Daily cleaning supplies
• Machine cleaning tools
• Tent and flooring maintenance items

A clean spray tan studio signals professionalism and care and trust me clients can tell and will notice. 

Watch My Full Spray Tan Studio Setup on YouTube

This blog post gives you the framework, but I also created a full YouTube video where I walk through my second spray tan studio in detail.

In the video, I explain:

• Why I chose each item
• What I would buy again
• What I would skip if I was just starting out to save money
  

Download My Complete Spray Tan Studio Supply List

To make this even easier, I created a Google spreadsheet with every single item I purchased, all linked in one place.

Access the complete spray tan studio shopping list here!

I also have an Amazon storefront that has a lot of what we use in our studios linked here. 

If you have any questions about opening a studio or anything spray tanning related don't hesitate to reach out or book a 1:1 call with me! I'd love to help you in any way that I can. 

-Erin