Explore the fun and frugal world of homemade finger paint. Learn how to create safe and vibrant finger paint at home. Perfect for creative kids and budget-savvy parents. Let’s get painting without breaking the bank!
I would say it’s safe to say that most parents understand that children often learn best by play and let’s face it; play is more often than not, messy.
Honestly, some of the best play is messy.
Creative play with things such as this homemade finger paint not only encourages a toddler and school age child’s imagination, but it also helps little fingers to work their fine motor skills, teach colors and so many other lessons!
But, for the parent whose budget is tight, buying the things your kiddos need to nurture their imagination, can be really expensive.
That’s why easy kids crafts like this homemade finger paint recipe are so important! Since it uses basic household ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can make a batch of it extremely cheap.
It also allows a parent to provide them with the art supplies they need for sensory play, painting their very own masterpiece and any other fun activity they can think of!
Is homemade finger paint safe?
Yes. This homemade finger paint recipe is safe and non-toxic. It uses very simple ingredients that you’re likely already feeding your kids. In other words, it’s an edible finger paints recipe provided your kids can tolerate wheat or coloring.
However, if your kids have a gluten allergy or an allergy to food colorings – or if you are even worrying about it and only suspect they do – , you will probably want to find a different option. Finger painting is a lot of fun, but not if your kids ends up with an allergic reaction because of it.
Ideas for using homemade finger paint
It’s obvious that you can paint when you make finger paint at home, but there’s so many other ways you can use it too and each one will be so much fun for your kids!
One fun way to play with it is to add a bit of paint in vibrant colors to a freezer bag. Make sure it’s sealed well then let your little ones play with it! Both young children and older children will enjoy the sensory experience from this particular activity. This is also a great activity for those that don’t want to clean up a big mess since clean-up is as simple as throwing the bag in the trash!
Another option is also one of my favorite ways to use old sheets. Hang the sheet outdoors and fill condiment bottles with your finger paint. Allow the kids to squirt the paint onto the sheet to create their artwork.
You can also use this edible finger paint to create handprint, fingerprint or footprint crafts. We all remember making the handprint turkey growing up and now your kids can too!
Finally, give your kid an assortment of paint brushes and let them go to town painting! This one is especially great for younger children who need to strengthen their fine motor skills. Holding the brush, painting the paper, dipping into the paint, it all helps in that area.
How to store DIY finger paint
Store your edible paint in an air tight container. Remember that it will stain anything it comes in contact with so it’s best to use containers that you won’t mind getting sort of trashed.
Baby food jars, yogurt bowls, empty K-cups with the lining removed and other small containers work best. For storage, ensure whatever you’re using has a tight fitting lid.
If you’d rather have a container that won’t make a large mess and one that will keep a paintbrush upright, look at getting something such as THESE no-spill paint containers for kids.
Refrigerate any leftover paints and use within 10-days (at the absolute outside). This recipe has flour and water in it and anyone who has ever made sourdough starter can tell you that it will eventually begin to ferment; especially if it’s left at room temperature.
If your mixture smells like it’s fermenting, toss it out and make a new batch.
Can I make homemade water color paint with finger paint?
Yes! This homemade paint recipe makes a great homemade water color paint! To make DIY water colors, make the recipe below as stated.
When you have the final consistency, split another cup of water or so across however many colors you made. Stir well with a spoon to mix. Repeat the process until you get the desired consistency, texture and color you want.
Yellow can be especially difficult to make as it often takes more food coloring than other colors when you’re diluting it for making water colors.
How do you make finger paint at home?
Homemade Finger Paint
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ C All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ C Salt
- 2 C Water
- Food Coloring
Instructions
- Add water, flour and salt to a medium saucepan and whisk together until combined.
- Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and divide into paint storage containers. Add 3-5 drops food coloring to each container.
- Use wooden dowel to stir each bowl to mix color in. Add more drops of food coloring if you desire a deeper color.
Notes
- Mixture will stain clothes and skin. I highly advise using art aprons and gloves to protect clothing and hands.
- Store in a disposable container or no-spill paint cup with a tight fitting lid. Use within 10-days. Be sure your paint does not have a fermented smell before using. If so, toss.
- To make DIY water colors, make the recipe as stated.When you have the final consistency, split another cup of water or so across however many colors you made. Stir well with a spoon to mix. Repeat the process until you get the desired consistency, texture and color you want.