How to Make Non-Toxic Paint for Kids

By: Ashley Jones, Editor, AllFreeKidsCrafts.com

By: Ashley Jones, Editor, AllFreeKidsCrafts.com

There's no doubt that easy painting projects are a favorite go-to activity for parents and kids alike. However, it's not always easy to find non-toxic paints for kids to use, so we've decided to help you out. Make sure your kids have a blast painting with safe art materials with our easy recipe for how to make non-toxic paint for kids. This DIY recipe is incredibly fast and doesn't even require using the stove, meaning your kids can have their paint ready in no-time.

This fantastic non-toxic paint recipe is perfect for finger painting crafts or brush painting, so it doesn't matter if your kids love to work with their hands or have mastered their fine motor skills. We've also included a list of tips for creating your DIY paint, as well as a ton of wonderful painting projects for kids of all ages. So grab some basic kitchen supplies, your favorite bright colors, and your creativity, and enjoy this step-by-step guide for how to make non-toxic paint for kids.

Materials List

1 cup of salt
1 cup of flour
1 cup of water
Empty squeeze bottles, such as old ketchup bottles or salad dressing bottles
Various colors of food coloring
A large bowl
1 whisk or large spoon
Measuring cups
Plastic funnel
Newspaper to cover work surface
Old shirt or painting smock for each child to wear

Making Your Non-Toxic Paint

Forget running to the store to pick up paint when you can easily make your own non-toxic paint at home! This basic and super fast paint recipe is perfect for parents and kids on the go! Keep reading for great DIY paint tips and awesome painting projects.

Instructions:

Save and recycle old plastic bottles to hold your paint. Squeeze bottles, such as ketchup or salad dressing bottles, work best. Make sure to clean your bottles thoroughly with warm soapy water before using them.
Create each paint color one at a time. You can use different bottles to hold each color of paint. Think about what paint colors your kids use most often or let them experiment by playing with different colors of food coloring. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about the color wheel, as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary colors!
Mix your water, salt, and flour together in a large bowl. Whisk your ingredients together until all ingredients are blended.
Add your food coloring to your mixture. Start with just a few drops until your desired color is achieved. This step is great for kids learning fine motor skills and helps kids learn about mixing different color combinations.
Using a plastic funnel, pour your paint into your squeeze bottles. Younger kids will need help with this step.
Wash your materials and repeat each earlier step for every color. Warm soapy water works best for cleaning your bowls, whisks, etc.
Enjoy! Your paint is ready to go. Kids can squeeze their paint directly onto paper to create cool squiggly and swirly lines. Kids can also squeeze out their paint onto paper plates to have fun painting with their fingers or with brushes.

Paint Making Tips

Although this DIY paint recipe is non-toxic and is technically edible, it doesn't taste very appetizing, so kids should avoid eating paint.
Younger children should always be supervised during finger painting activities.
Consider covering your work space with newspaper so that cleanup is super quick and easy. Kids should also wear smocks or old shirts to help prevent any messes.
Be aware of any allergies of children completing this activitiy. Note that children with gluten-free dietary restrictions should not consume all-purpose flour. Feel free to substitute gluten-free flour if needed for this activity.
If kids will be finger painting, have wipes or an old wash cloth handy. You can also tape their paper down to help prevent further messes.

Fun Finger Painting Activities

These fantastic finger painting activities are great for younger kids who haven't quite mastered their fine motor skills yet. Your kids will love these excellent sensory activites and crafts!

"Hand"some King of the Jungle
Finger Paint DIY Frames - Fun Gift Idea!
Butterfly Footprint
Pudding Finger Paint
Thumb Print Flowers
Toddler Father's Day Craft - Great for Father's Day!

Brush Painting Crafts

These colorful and crazy fun crafts require paint brushes, so they're perfect for older kids. From cool recycled crafts to DIY decor, your kids will love these awesome painting projects!

Night Owl Newspaper Craft - Brand New!
Crinkly Crumbly Paper Art
Homemade Wrapping Paper - Make Your Own Gift Wrap!
Nautical Silhouette Watercolor Art
Simple Ladybug Magnets
Fairy House Kids' Craft - Great Garden Project!

Other Fun Painting Ideas

Your kids can learn how to make all different kinds of paint, from edible paint art to how to make puffy paint. These wonderful paint ideas are perfect for kids of any age!