eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Finger Paint

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(23 Ratings)

Finger painting is an easy way to show off your artistic talents, it's great for both the beginner and the advanced artist, and it has always been very popular with kids.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Brushes
  • Clothespins And Line
  • Glitter
  • Old Shower Curtains
  • Painting Smocks
  • White Glues
  • Finger Paints
  • Old Pie Pans
  • Newspaper
  • Newspaper
  • Kraft Papers
  • Permanent Markers
  • Rolls Of Paper
  • Permanent markers
  • water, hand soaps and towel
  1. Step 1

    Gather your supplies together: finger painting paper, butcher paper or thick construction paper and tempera paint, which is most commonly used. However, almost any nontoxic water-based paint will work.

  2. Step 2

    Select your work area. A large, smooth, flat surface that is easy to clean is best. Cover it with newspaper or plastic, and wear old clothes or an apron that you don't mind getting dirty.

  3. Step 3

    Lay out your paper. Using a brush, sponge or even your hand, dampen the surface of your paper with water. This smooths out the paper and makes it easier to spread paint.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the paint into baking tins or bowls.

  5. Step 5

    Use your fingers, a spoon or a brush to scoop a generous amount of paint onto the paper.

  6. Step 6

    Smear the globs of paint around with your fingers to create your painting. Don't be timid when finger painting; lots of bright colors and bold strokes are the keys to great results. Use your fingers, hands and even feet for effect.

  7. Step 7

    If your paint begins to dry before you're finished, add water to keep the paint fluid and easy to work with.

  8. Step 8

    Sign your masterpiece when you're finished and let it dry on a flat surface. It's better not to hang your picture for drying, as the paint may run.

  9. Step 9

    Clean up with soap and water.

Tips & Warnings
  • To reduce the paint's chipping or cracking, avoid leaving thick concentrations of paint on your paper.
  • You can also use oil paint with your fingers, though it's more difficult to clean up and not good for beginners or kids. Wear latex gloves when finger painting with oil paint, since it is toxic.
  • Sprinkle glitter on your painting before it dries.
  • Use nontoxic paints when painting with children.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

eHow Article: How to Finger Paint

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Hobbies, Games & Toys
Nate Chang, eHow Expert,

Meet Nate Chang, eHow Expert eHow's Hobbies, Games & Toys Expert.

Get Free Hobbies, Games & Toys Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden