Remember when you were a kid how much fun it was to play with finger paint? The smooth texture, the tactile experience, the mess – all of it was parent-approved (well, at least some of the time). Now you can relive this joyful experience with your own kids without having to go to the store and buy the paint.
Here’s how to make your own homemade finger paint.
Homemade Finger Paint
This homemade finger paint recipe uses washable, non-toxic liquid watercolors to add a pop of color to the paint; however, you could also use food coloring if you desire. The basic ratio is 1 flour: 2 water, so feel free to scale up or down based on how much paint you want to make.
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- Extra water
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Liquid water colors or food coloring
Directions:
- Pour the flour and water into a pot.
- Stir over medium heat until you get a smooth, thick paste and the lumps dissolve.
- Remove from heat when the mixture starts to pull away from the pot.
- Add some salt to prevent the paint from spoiling if not used right away.
- Gradually add cold water to the mixture to reach desired consistency (about ¼ cup).
- Divide the paint into separate small bowls.
- Squeeze liquid watercolors or food coloring into the flour mixture until you get the color you want.
- Store in the fridge in a covered container if you don’t use it immediately. It keeps indefinitely.
- You can store leftover paint in small mason jars, baby food jars or Tupperware containers.
Grab some paper or poster board, put smocks on the kids, cover the table in newspaper, and let the kids have a ball swirling and painting. You can make as many colors as you like for your creations. Hang to dry and admire your kids’ creations. Keep in mind, this recipe is great for painting with fingers but not so much for using a paintbrush.
Another Homemade Finger Paint Recipe
Looking for another recipe to try as well? This one makes 16 ounces of finger paint, which you can divide into four-ounce containers, with each batch making four different colors. It’s easy to double or triple the recipe depending on how many kids are doing the project and how many different colors you want.
You will need:
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3 tbsp. sugar
- 2 cups water
- Food coloring
Directions:
- Add corn starch, salt, water, and sugar to a small sauce pan.
- Heat over medium heat until mixture thickens. Keep stirring until you achieve a paint-like consistency.
- Remove from stove and stir.
- Divide the paint into plastic containers or bowls, adding a few drops of food coloring to each; mix well.
- Allow to cool before using.
This homemade finger paint will last about a month if stored in an airtight container.
Benefits of Homemade Finger Paint
There are many benefits to making your own finger paint. It’s:
- Made from familiar ingredients you have in your home
- Economical
- Non-toxic
- Safe to eat (depending on the recipe you use)
In general, finger painting can be done by kids as early as six months old, helping to hone motor skills for little ones who aren’t quite ready to hold a paint brush. It builds hand and finger muscles, helps with hand/eye coordination, and helps kids learn colors and what can happen when different colors are mixed together.
Schedule a Tour of Country Home Learning Center Today
Arts and crafts time is a precious time of day here at Country Home Learning Center. We encourage creativity in all our kids, from toddlers to preschoolers to our after-school program. Come see us at one of our San Antonio or Austin facilities. Contact us to book your visit now!
