I’ll be the first to admit. I knew I wanted to create a how-to splatter paint for kids guide and was dragging my feet with the setup this would entail. Well, this weekend, my youngest son twisted my arm to go for it. And boy, was I surprised. I embraced this messy play art activity, which wasn’t awful. It turns out it isn’t even as chaotic as I anticipated! Splatter painting for kids is such a fun activity to both do (as a kid) and watch (as a parent). So have no fear; I’m here to rescue your splatter paint fears with this how-to guide and a few of our favorite splatter paint activities!
RELATED: Check out these easy and favorite painting activities for kids!
What is splatter painting?
Splatter painting is a technique where kids drip, flick, and throw paint onto paper. Rather than brushing a paintbrush and aiming to “stay in the lines,” splatter painting is a full-body art experience! YES, I know, everything about this sounds scary to us parents and may make you want to run in the other direction. But hear me out!
Splatter painting is SO good for kids! We know that painting offers countless benefits for young kids, but splatter painting is like a new way of play and creativity.
Splatter painting benefits:
- Color recognition
- Coordination
- Freedom of creativity
- Gross motor development
- Self-expression
- Sensory awareness
- Spatial awareness
RELATED: Easy art activities for kids are simple to set up and offer so many important benefits for development.
How to splatter paint
Splatter painting is easy. When done right, the setup and the clean-up is quick and straightforward. Set you and your child up for success with our splatter paint art process tips.
Here’s how to splatter paint:
- Set up your space for success using a drop cloth.
- If outside, lay out some large-scale butcher paper on the ground or hang it up.
- If inside, cover the area (underneath and around) with an old sheet or tablecloth and lay butcher paper on top.
- Fill a muffin tin with a few colors of washable liquid paint. (TIP: washable is a must!)
- Lay down a few simple rules for where the paint should be directed. (onto the paper, of course, and not just anywhere — you would be surprised!)
- Invite your kids to splatter paint!
RELATED: Keep all of your art supplies organized with our DIY art cart organization hack.
When possible, splatter paint outside!
Our best advice: SPLATTER PAINT OUTSIDE (if and when possible)! You won’t regret this tip. When you set up your space for success, everyone has more fun!
Due to the messy nature of this art process, we always try to save this activity for when the weather allows us to be outside. Plus, the aftermath and cleanup is way easier. You can thank me later!
RELATED: Looking for more ways to spend time outside? Check out these 50 outdoor activities for kids!
Splatter paint supplies
Splatter paint requires only a few simple art supplies you likely already have at home. If you don’t have any of these items, you need them! Believe me, these art supplies will get used repeatedly for so many art activities to come.
The BEST value for a large-scale paper that you can find at your local home improvement store. Go to the paint aisle and ask for Builder’s Paper.
PRO TIP: Add colors that mix well together to a muffin tin. Leave some empty spaces for color mixing.
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Washable Paint
This 6-pack is a great starter-set of washable paint that your kids will love to mix and create with.
Kids Paint Brushes
Kids-sized paint brushes are a great way to introduce and practice early pencil grip techniques. We love this set of large paint brushes with two types of handles to help you learn how to hold and adapt to the grip.
What do you do with the paper?
Congratulations! You made it through your first splatter paint art project. It wasn’t as messy as you anticipated, right?
Don’t throw the paper away! Now, you have a unique way to wrap presents for the next birthday party or holiday gift.
5 favorite ways to splatter paint
There are so many fun ways to splatter paint! Your kids will love trying these fun ways to do splatter colors. And the best part is that their one-of-a-kind pieces are super bright and fun to display as artwork in your home!
Bounce Paint Process Art for Kids
Use balls with this awesome splatter paint art process that your kids will love! Mix colors and create fun designs using balls as they practice coordination through self-expression.
Water Balloon Splatter Patterns (Science Sparks)
Water balloons and paint is just genius! Fill water balloons with paint (and water), experiment with dropping and throwing the balloons from different distances, and watch the beautiful patterns emerge.
Toothbrush Splatter Painting (Craftulate)
Who knew toothbrushes could be used like paintbrushes?! Create all sorts of splatter designs and patterns using toothbrushes in this splatter painting activity.
Rubber Band Splatter Painting (Hands On As We Grow)
Trying to keep your splatter painting a bit more contained? Make a simple rubber band art box using supplies you already have at home for a fun and different way to experiment with splatter painting.
Egg Shell Splatter Painting Happy Toddler Playtime)
Painting with eggshells is such a fun way to splatter paint! Fill eggshells with paint and let your kids throw, crush, and pour the eggshells right onto the paper to create cool splatter paint art!
Splatter painting is so much fun!
It’s time to let go of your splatter paint dread and embrace this messy art fun! With our simple tips to help set you and your kids up for success, you can take on splatter painting with full force. Be brave and know that with a little prep work, you can make splatter painting both fun for your kids to do and fun for you to watch!
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games that begin the day with play.
Splatter Painting FAQ
Splatter painting is a painting technique that involves dripping, flicking, and throwing paint. As an added benefit, splatter painting is another form of sensory exploration!
Set your child and yourself up for success with splatter paint by covering your workspace with an old sheet or, even better, doing it outside. Squirt a few colors of washable paint into a muffin tin for easy mixing, and then let your kids create!
There are so many fun ideas and ways to splatter paint. Use balls, balloons, and egg shells to create fun designs and patterns.
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