How to pick best craft paint for kids art projects

I love painting and finding new ways my little students and I can use paint! I thought it would be fun to list the best craft paints I use with the kiddo’s in my painting art classes. These are my top picks and I use them all for different projects.

I’m sure this list will be a helpful reference to understand which paints to use. I have linked one of my blogs that gives you more information on How to pick craft paints for kids art projects. If you want to order craft paints online you can at our shop.

Happy painting!

Spramani Elaun

Finger Paints

Usually slippery, tacky feeling and transparent paint. Best when used on paper products. Finger paints are also easy to make yourself. Finger paints are usually washable. This paint is a great option for making crafts with little kids.

Tempera Paints

Comes opaque and thick feeling. Best used only on paper and wood surfaces. Dries usually matt finish. Tempera paints come in liquid and powder form. Caution: I do not recommend powders be mixed around young kids. Tempera is one of the paints I rarely use, but lots of our families like to use it because it’s washable and easy to manage. This paint is the typical craft paint preschool teachers use.

Watercolor Paints

Watercolor paint is translucent looking on paper. Mixes with water and very watery. Best when used on watercolor paper that absorbs lots of water. Usually easy to wash out of clothes.

Acrylic Paints

We love using acrylic paint! Acrylic is very thick and shiny looking. This paint can be opaque and translucent. Acrylic paint can be thinned down with just water. Best used on paper, wood surfaces, rocks, canvases and most surfaces. Dries very glossy to semi-glossy quickly. Acrylic has the sticking power I need for most surfaces. Acrylic is not easily washable so cover-up with an artist smock! Read my smock tip blog here! You can use acrylic for many craft projects.

Read more about this topic article:

How to Pick Paints For Kids Art Projects

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Spramani Elaun is an American art teacher and the author of the book: Nurturing Children In The Visual Arts Naturally©

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