Puffy Painting

by | Mar 13, 2015 | 3 yr old, 4 yr old, 5 yr old, 6 yr old, 7 year old, activities, science | 2 comments

Do your kiddos like painting? Have they tried puffy painting yet?

This is another activity we did a while back and brought out again when it was definitely indoor weather! (My original post about it is here. The post that originally inspired me to do this activity is here on Making Memories with Your Kids from back in 2010.)

Puffy Painting

Puffy Paint is very simple to make, so let your kids help! And, as with all cooking projects, be safe – make sure there is an adult supervising and be careful of heated surfaces.

Puffy Paint Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp self-rising flour (make sure you have self-rising flour! If not, here’s how to make 1 cup of it – but remember you only need 1tbsp: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp. baking powder)
  • 1tbsp salt
  • small amount of water
  • food coloring

Materials needed:

  • paper – small enough to fit into your microwave
  • paint brush
  • microwave

Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl. Slowly add the water until reaching the desired paint consistency, erring on the side of thick. Add food coloring according to your needs.

Using your paintbrush or fingers, apply the paint to your painting surface. The paint itself does not puff up until heated. The thinner the coat of paint the less puffy it will be. (fine motor, coordination, colors)

Carefully slide the project into your microwave and “cook” for up to 30 seconds. This is the neat science part – watching the paint puff up! Be careful when removing it from the microwave, and let dry before touching!

The boys and I really enjoyed working with this paint again. Of course, they made Minecraft figures, but I painted simple shapes and cut them out to make a little garland to hang by a window. It added so much color to the bland landscape behind it!

Have your kiddos painted with puffy paint before? What other paint mediums have your kids used and enjoyed?

Action Plan:

Try out a new method of painting next time your kids say “I’m bored!”

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Article Comments

2 Comments

  1. Tori Gabriel

    This is a great idea and one I intend to do with my girls when they are a bit older! Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Tricia

      We bring this out every once in a while, especially on rainy days! It seems as the boys get older, this activity doesn’t loose its appeal! I hope you and your girls enjoy it!

      Reply

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