Crayola washable paints are a popular choice for crafting and art projects, especially with children. With their vibrant colors, easy cleanup, and safety for young artists, it’s understandable why someone may wonder if these paints can also be used for finger painting. In this article, we’ll take a close look at using Crayola washable paints as finger paints, including the pros and cons, tips for success, and how washable paint differs from traditional finger paint. Keep reading to learn all you need to know to decide if Crayola washable paint will make a good finger painting material for your next creative session!
Quick Answer
Yes, you can use Crayola washable paint as finger paint. Crayola washable paints are designed to wash off skin and most surfaces, making them a kid-safe option for finger painting. However, they are thinner than traditional finger paint and may dry quickly on fingers. Adding a bit of cornstarch can help thicken washable paints for better finger painting texture. Cover surfaces appropriately and supervise children during use.
The Pros and Cons of Using Crayola Washable Paint as Finger Paint
There are both advantages and drawbacks to using Crayola washable paint for finger painting instead of traditional finger paints. Here is an overview of the key pros and cons:
Pros:
- Washes off skin easily with just soap and water
- Designed to be non-toxic and safe for kids
- Available in a wide range of brilliant colors
- Affordable and accessible
- Cleans off surfaces like tables, counters, and floors
- Thinner consistency allows blending colors easily
Cons:
- Dries quickly on fingers
- Can stain porous surfaces like unsealed wood and fabric
- Runnier consistency than traditional thick finger paint
- May require addition of cornstarch to thicken
- Takes longer to rinse off hands fully
As you can see, the safety and washability of Crayola paints make them a good option for finger painting with supervision. However, for the ideal thicker, creamy texture that sticks to fingers better, you may need to adjust the consistency.
How to Use Crayola Washable Paint as Finger Paint
If you want to use Crayola washable paint for finger painting, here are some tips for success:
Prep the paint
Crayola washable paint straight from the bottle can be thin for finger painting. Try stirring in 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch per 1/4 cup of paint to thicken it to a creamier texture. The paint should coat fingers easily without being too drippy.
Cover surfaces appropriately
Crayola states their washable paints can stain fabrics, unfinished wood, and rugs. Cover any surfaces you want to protect with plastic tablecloths, finger paint paper, or laying out newspaper. Tape down the edges.
Wash hands first
Have kids wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting. This will remove any dirt or oils that could affect paint adhesion.
Use a small amount of paint
Don’t overload little fingers with too much washable paint at once. A dollop the size of a quarter should be plenty to start.
Add more cornstarch if needed
If you notice the paint is too thin and drips off fingers quickly, you can always stir in a bit more cornstarch to thicken it up again.
Rinse thoroughly
Have kids wash hands with soap and water when finished. It may take a bit more scrubbing to remove washable paint fully from skin.
How Crayola Washable Paint Differs from Traditional Finger Paint
There are a few key differences between Crayola washable craft paints and traditional finger paints to be aware of:
Thickness
Traditional finger paint is specially formulated to have a thick, viscous texture that adheres well to fingers and allows blending colors. Crayola washable paint is thinner out of the bottle.
Drying Time
Finger paints are designed to stay workable on fingers for extended periods before drying. Crayola washable paints may start to dry within 10-15 minutes without the special slow-drying agents in real finger paints.
Washability
While finger paints will eventually wash off skin with soap and water, Crayola paints are specially engineered to be fully washable as soon as soap is applied.
Ingredients
Traditional finger paints use ingredients like carrageenan, guar gum, and corn starch to create their ideal texture. Crayola washable paint relies more on acrylic-based ingredients for washability.
Cost
An 8 ounce bottle of Crayola washable paint retails for around $1-2. Finger paints are specialty paints priced around $4-6 for just 4 ounces.
So while you can create homemade finger paint with Crayola washables, the experience will differ somewhat from using commercial thick finger paints. Both can provide fun sensory play and artistic expression!
Best Practices for Finger Painting With Kids
Once you have your supplies ready, keep these tips in mind for an enjoyable finger painting session with children:
- Cover kids in old oversized t-shirts or finger painting smocks to protect clothing.
- Layer plastic tablecloths or paper over work surfaces.
- Have wet wipes or damp paper towels handy for quick cleanup between colors.
- Allow kids to freely explore mixing colors and making new shades.
- Give young toddlers larger pieces of paper to avoid frustration.
- Add a few drops of water if paint starts to dry out while finger painting.
- Don’t fret over “mistakes” – let kids enjoy the creative process.
- Rinse and wash hands thoroughly after the session is finished.
- Display the artwork afterwards to appreciate your child’s unique creations!
Supervision is also key whenever young kids are finger painting. While washable, the paint can potentially get into eyes, mouth, or nose if children are too unsupervised. Stay nearby and periodically check to make sure proper techniques are being used. With your guidance, finger painting with Crayola washable paint or traditional finger paints can be a fun sensory experience.
Conclusion
Crayola washable paints make a solid stand-in for finger paints in a pinch. Their safety, affordability, and color selection are ideal for children’s crafts. Add a little cornstarch and use proper finger painting paper or plastic coverings, and these versatile paints can produce masterpieces. While the texture may not be as thick as true finger paints, washable paints can create bright, blendable colors that clean up easily. Supervise young children, have wet wipes on hand, and embrace the delightful messiness of creating art with fingers! With the proper preparations, Crayola washable paint can provide hours of finger painting fun.
References
[1] https://www.crayola.com/faq/qa/can-i-use-crayola-washable-products-as-fingerpaint/
[2] https://www.firstpalette.com/recipe/homemade-finger-paint-recipe.html
[3] https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-make-your-own-finger-paint-1386870
[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/finger-painting-with-kids-dos-donts
[5] https://www.theartofed.com/2017/08/01/diy-finger-paint-recipe/
