How to Paint Plastic Suncatchers for Kids

Suncatchers are available in kits and as single pieces in craft stores. Children can spend hours painting these clear plastic pieces. Children as young as 5 years old will be able to paint a suncatcher for a window hanging or part of a mobile. The hard see-through artistic pieces are easy to paint and are sturdy for kids' crafts. This inexpensive craft is available in the kids' craft section of many stores. You will be able to find a variety of sizes from small ornaments to picture frames or framed mirrors.

Things You'll Need

• Paintbrush Gel paint or gel stain Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Cover your work surface with newspaper or another protective layer. The gel paint in suncatcher kits is sticky and potentially messy. Remove any excess plastic from the outer edge of the suncatcher.

2. Place the suncatcher with the smooth side down on the newspaper.

3. 

   Dip your brush into the paint, and carefully touch the plastic in the center of a black outlined area. Smooth the paint out with the tip of the brush.

4. 

   Paint up to the black lines that mark the sectioned, raised areas of the back of the suncatcher.

5. 

   Fill in the area of the form.

6. 

   Use the tip of a toothpick dipped in paint to fill in tiny areas. A toothpick is a handy tool that can reach into the small cracks and detailed portions of the art piece.

7. 

   Turn the piece over so you can see the progress.

8. 

   Choose a second color to add to the piece. Change the paint color by washing the brush thoroughly in water while the first color dries for several minutes. Dip the brush into a second pot of paint, and paint the back side of the suncatcher again.

9. 

   Dab or lightly brush the second color in areas to create dimension.

10. Turn the suncatcher over to review your progress. Finish painting the item. The paint will be dry to the touch in less than 10 minutes, but it will feel tacky until it is thoroughly dry.