Learning how to make chalk paint is so much fun for kids. Decorating sidewalks, wooden fences, and chalkboards are great ways to use chalk paint. Most chalk paints are non-toxic and kid-safe. But if you want to be sure you’re using the best chalk, I recommend making your own! I will share in this blog basic on how to make chalk paint, earth friendly
Chalk paint can be used on a variety of surfaces. Essentially, it’s made by mixing together three basic ingredients: water, cornstarch, and food coloring. Check out the full recipe below, plus a few pointers for making chalk paint for kids.
DIY Recipe
Gather the materials listed below and follow the instructions below, to create easy kids chalk paint at home in just five easy steps!
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 2 cups water
- Bowl (for mixing)
- Food coloring
- Stir sticks
- 6-cup muffin pan (or 6 small bowls)
- Paintbrushes
- Stencils
How to Make
First, Add two cups of cornstarch to two cups of water in a bowl, mix until smooth. Second, Distribute the mixture evenly into six muffin pan wells; if you do not have a muffin tin, small, individual bowls work too Third, Add drops of food coloring to each and mix until blended Forth, Use paint brushes to paint in stencils or free-hand unique creations on sidewalks, wooden fences, or chalkboards. Finally, Have fun!
Note: This recipe makes two cups of paint, approximately enough for six different colors.
Homemade chalk paint is easy to make and use, but here are a few tips to make sure your kids have the best experience.
- Make DIY chalk paint the day you plan on painting. Homemade chalk paint doesn’t store well, but luckily, it’s quick and easy to whip up when you need it.
- Stir continuously. Make sure to keep stirring the paint as you’re using it, because the cornstarch settles quickly and that will change the paint’s consistency and its ability to adhere to surfaces.
- Adjust cornstarch: water ratios as needed. You can add more cornstarch if your paint seems too runny or thin, or add more water if it appears too thick. It’s important to note that the paint will likely go on looking very pale, but the color will show once dried.
- Paint in thin layers. This will ensure the paint sticks to the surface you’re painting on. Thicker layers also have a tendency of crusting or peeling off.
- Have some patience. Be aware that it may take some time for the paint to fully dry. If painting indoors it may even take several hours.
- Don’t sweat the mess. Any kind of painting can get messy—especially with kids—but this kid-safe chalk paint will easily wash off clothes, skin, and surfaces.
Sidewalk Art
Using chalk paint on sidewalks and driveways is probably the most popular activity. Most kids are familiar with using traditional chalk to create sidewalk masterpieces. Using chalk paint is almost the same experience—maybe even a bit cleaner! Instead of their little hands holding the chalk as they draw, they use paint brushes to create their masterpieces, so their hands won’t be covered in chalk residue. Chalk paint is just as easy to clean too. You kids can fill a sidewalk with designs one day, then hose off their artwork and start all over again the next day.
Art Mosaic
I love this idea for a backyard fence! Use painters tape to create a mosaic of different shapes, like triangles and rectangles, then have your kids paint each section a different color. Once they’re done, remove the tape and check out the cool design left behind.
Using Stencils
Using stencils for chalk paint is similar to the idea above. You can purchase plastic stencils online or cut them out from paper. Apartment Guide has free stencil downloads you can print out and cut out for kids to use.
No matter what chalk art masterpieces your kids come up with, they’re sure to have a great time creating!
If you’d like to take this fun art activity and turn it into a learning activity as well, check out my book, Defining Visual Arts, which gives you the foundation for being able to teach art, talk about it with your kids, and even create even more fun art projects like making chalk paint!
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