How to Make Homemade Finger Paints
Finger paints that are made from home are far more less expensive that store purchased finger paints. The same primary colors found in store bought finger paints can be made with food coloring or gel. Pastel finger paints can be made by using less food coloring.
Homemade finger paints are non toxic. The finger paints are toddler and pet friendly. However, the finger paints are clothing, wall, and carpet friendly. The finger paints can stain the cloth and other paper products they come in contact with due to the food coloring.
Basics of Making Homemade Finger Paints
The following ingredients are simple kitchen products that are used in making homemade finger paints.
Cornstarch. Cornstarch is used as the thickening agent for the finger paints.
Cold Water. The cold water is used for mixing the cornstarch before the boiling of the mixture for the homemade finger paints.
Food Coloring. The food coloring is used to make the different primary colors fo the finger paints.
Storage Containers. You will need storage containers with lids for your homemade finger paints so they will not dry out. You can use jam and jelly jars, plastic storage containers or any other type of storage container that has a lid.
Pan and Spoon. You will need these two items to cook the water and cornstarch mixture to thicken the base of the finger paints.
Basic Homemade Finger Paint Recipe
This is a basic homemade finger paint recipe, and the finger paints are easy to make.
Ingredients for the Finger Paints
1/4 cup of cornstarch
2 cups cold water
food coloring
Directions for Making Homemade Finger Paints
NOTE: The finger paint will be hot. Do not allow your children to use until cooled. Otherwise, the will burn their fingers.
Mix the cold water and cornstarch. Boil the cornstarch mixture over low heat until it thickens
Allow the finger paint to cool before pouring into the storage containers.
OPTION: You can add the food coloring at the start of the cooking process or after the cornstarch mixture has cooled.
For each different finger paint color repeat the process until you have the desired number of finger paint colors.
If you wish to make other colors besides yellow, red or green, you can purchase the food color gels at any cake decorating specialty store. You can reuse the storage containers over again, but you should wash them each time before adding new finger paints to them.
