Homemade Finger Paint Recipes for Kids

Basic Finger Paint

This classic cooked finger paint has a smooth, thick texture that works well on large paper, trays or washable tables.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups cold water
• Food coloring
• Small drop of dish detergent, optional, to help with cleanup

Directions

1. Mix sugar and cornstarch together in a saucepan.
2. Add cold water and stir until smooth.
3. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until thickened.
4. Cool completely.
5. Divide into 4 cups or bowls.
6. Add food coloring to each bowl.
7. Add a small drop of dish detergent if desired for easier cleanup.

Soap Paint Recipe

This foamy soap paint can be applied with hands, brushes or craft sticks. Use it with older kids who understand not to taste the paint.

Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered detergent
• 4 tablespoons liquid starch
• 1 tablespoon powdered paint

Directions

1. Beat detergent and starch with a mixer until peaks form.
2. Add powdered paint.
3. Mix well.
4. Apply with hands, brushes or sticks.

Finger Paint with Gelatin

Gelatin helps give this paint a smooth, glossy texture.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin, or 1 envelope
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 1/2 cups cold water
• 4 tablespoons dish washing liquid
• Food coloring

Directions

1. Stir gelatin into 1/3 cup cold water and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, stir cornstarch into 2 1/2 cups cold water until dissolved.
3. Bring to a simmer and stir until thickened.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Blend in the gelatin mixture.
6. Add dish washing liquid.
7. Cool completely.
8. Add food coloring as desired.
9. Store in plastic containers at room temperature.

Soap Powder Finger Paint with Talcum Powder

This older-style finger paint recipe creates a foamy paint texture. Use with older children and adult supervision.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup liquid starch
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup soap powder, not detergent
• 1/4 cup talcum powder
• Powdered paint

Directions

1. Mix soap and water in a saucepan.
2. Add starch.
3. Stir until the soap powder is dissolved.
4. Bring to a boil and cook until clear.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Add powdered paint and talcum powder.
7. Beat with a mixer until smooth and foamy.
8. Store airtight in the refrigerator.

Shaving Cream Finger Paint

Shaving cream finger paint is fluffy, sensory and fun for table play or tray art.

Supplies

• 1 can non-mentholated shaving cream
• Powdered paint or food coloring, optional
• Tray, table, counter or large sheet of paper

Directions

1. Spray shaving cream onto a washable table, tray or paper.
2. Sprinkle powdered paint or add small drops of color if desired.
3. Let kids swirl, mix and draw with their fingers.
4. Wipe the surface clean when finished.

Flour and Water Finger Paint

This simple flour paint is a good basic recipe when you want a thicker, paste-like paint.

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Food coloring as desired
• Small margarine tubs or containers for individual colors

Directions

1. Mix flour, water and salt together to make a thick gravy-like paste.
2. Divide into small containers.
3. Stir food coloring into each container.
4. Put spoonfuls of paint on a washable table, tray or sheets of butcher paper.
5. Let kids create with fingers, brushes or craft sticks.

Rice Finger Paint

This is a simple sensory paint idea for very young children when you want to avoid soap-based recipes.

Ingredients

• Baby rice cereal
• Water
• Food coloring, optional

Directions

1. Mix baby rice cereal with enough water to make a thick paint-like texture.
2. Add a small amount of food coloring if desired.
3. Use on a tray, high chair surface or thick paper with close supervision.

You can also use instant pudding or cooked cereals with coloring for a similar sensory painting activity.

Chocolate Finger Paint

This pudding-style finger paint is a fun sensory activity. Use thick paper or a tray since pudding paint can be heavy.

Ingredients

• 1 package, 4 ounces, instant chocolate pudding and pie filling
• 2 cups cold milk

Directions

1. Place pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl.
2. Beat with an electric mixer at low speed for 2 minutes.
3. Let set until thickened.
4. Finger paint on white construction paper, a tray or a washable surface.
5. Let paper projects dry for several hours before hanging.