How to Paint a Snow Sculpture

Add a splash of color to your snow sculpture for a finishing touch.

For a child, opening the drapes and seeing a powdery white snowscape can be magical. Snowmen, long-tailed dragons and snow angels are just some of the snow sculptures your little one might build. After the sculpture has been packed and decorated with twigs, rocks, leaves or old clothing, a bit of color can be added using food coloring or biodegradable paint. With a few simple art supplies, your child will be painting their frosty masterpiece in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic spray bottles
• Food coloring
• Biodegradable paint
• Small bowls
• Wooden craft sticks
• Paint brushes

Instructions

Spray Bottle and Food Coloring

1. Fill a plastic spray bottle three-quarters full of cold tap water. Squeeze in a generous amount of food coloring until the desired shade is achieved. The more food coloring you add, the deeper the color on the snow will be.

2. Rotate the nozzle on the plastic spray bottle to control the amount of colored water released. Turn the nozzle clockwise to narrow the stream for a more precise spray which is useful for making defined lines or details. Turn the nozzle counterclockwise to broaden the stream for a light burst of color which is helpful when shading or covering large areas.

3. Hold the nozzle three to four inches from the snow sculpture and depress the trigger to dispense the colored water. Allow the dye to seep into the snow and spread before applying more.

4. Fill additional spray bottles with water and food coloring if you wish to switch to a second, third or fourth color. Continue applying color to the sculpture until the desired effect is achieved.

Biodegradable Paint and Brushes

1. Dispense each color of paint into its own small bowl. Dilute the paint with water according to the instructions printed on the container. Instructions may vary depending on the manufacturer.

2. Mix the paint and water thoroughly with a wooden craft stick. There should be no visible chunks or fragments of paint once blended.

3. Dip your paint brush into the paint, ensuring all bristled are saturated. Spread the paint evenly over the surface of your snow sculpture.

4. Allow the paint to seep into the snow. For a darker shade, apply additional layers of paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to dress warmly before beginning to paint your snow sculpture.

• Avoid using aerosol paints or non-biodegradable products on your snow sculpture.

References

• Parenting Exchange: Snow Activities Let Children Explore the Wonders of Weather
• Ann Arbor: Easy Craft Activities to Do with the Kids Out in the Snow