How to Make Texture Paint for Preschool

Finger painting is a great project for preschool students. Finger paints are great for enhancing fine motor skills and teaching concepts like colors and shapes. You can purchase finger paints at a teacher or craft store, but it is also easy and inexpensive to make your own. When you make your own paints, you can add the colors and textures that you want. You also know what is in the paints so you do not have to worry about young children who might still be tempted to taste them. The grainy textured finger paints work well for all kinds of painting activities. They are also good to use when your preschool students are learning about the five senses.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup water
• Food coloring
• Large bowl
• Mixing spoon

1. In a large bowl mix together 1 cup flour with 2 tsp. salt.

2. Add 1 cup water to the dry mixture and mix well with a spoon. The paint will have a thick, gritty consistency.

3. Add in a few drops of food coloring and mix until the paint is the desired color.

4. Store the paints in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• For other textures you can add uncooked rice, coffee grounds, liquid dish soap or corn syrup.
• You can also make paints that dry leaving a glittery effect by adding boiling water to flavored gelatin until it reaches the consistency of a spreadable paste. Let it cool and the paints are ready.

References

• Everything Preschool: Finger Paint Recipes
• Finger Paint Fun: Easy Recipes to Make Your Own Finger Paint
• Kids Cooking Activities: Finger Paint Recipes

Resources

• Chica and jo: Make Finger Paints out of Jell-O Gelatin Mixes

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