How to Make Homemade Finger Paint for Kids

Homemade finger paint is a creative activity for kids who love artsy projects. Kids can even help make this finger paint and learn how to follow a recipe. You can make this homemade finger paint in any color by adding food coloring.

DIY Finger Paint Recipe

• water – 1 cup
• cornstarch – 1 cup
• flour – 1 tbsp.
• food coloring

First, gather together the ingredients you’ll need to make homemade finger paint. Next, measure out the ingredients into a small mixing bowl. Mix together the cornstarch, flour and water until smooth. Finally, divide the paint into small cups and add a few drops of food coloring to each cup. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the finger paint.

Kids will love picking out their own hues of food coloring to mix into the paint! Use caution when adding the food coloring; it can stain counter tops and clothing.

You can use this homemade finger paint on any type of art paper, cardstock or construction paper. It’s mushy and fun to use with a brush or your hands. It drys with a chalky finish because of the cornstarch, so it’s not really possible to save the art. However, painting with homemade finger paint is a great sensory activity for kids to enjoy!

Benefits to Playing with Homemade Finger Paint

Following a Recipe

Kids can learn how to follow a basic recipe and help mix together the water, cornstarch, flour and food coloring.

Mixing Colors

Kids can mix colors together to make new colors! Playing with homemade finger paint is a great way to learn about the color wheel and how to mix pigments. Kids will be delighted to learn that blue and yellow makes green, red and yellow makes orange, and red and blue makes purple!

Practicing Motor Skills

Kids can practice holding a paint brush and making fine or thick brush strokes. Younger kids will enjoy squishing the color around and making designs. It’s amazing how much kids love creating a mess! Finger paint is a great way to encourage your kids’ activity within a controlled activity.

I hope you have fun making homemade finger paint! Which colors will you create?

Katie Wallace

Hi, I’m Katie! I live with my husband and 4 kids in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I’ve previously worked as a web designer, journalist, and barista. I hope you enjoy our creative projects and family adventures!