Both Crayola finger paint and washable paint are popular choices for young children to express their creativity. However, there are some key differences between these two types of paint that are important to understand when deciding which is best for your child’s needs.
Crayola finger paint is specifically designed for use with fingers and hands. It has a thick, creamy texture that sticks to fingers and allows kids to smear, dab, and blend colors right on paper or other surfaces. Washable paint tends to be thinner and is usually applied with brushes or other tools. While washable paint can be used for finger painting, it may drip and run more than thicker finger paints.
Looking at the ingredients, safety, washability, and other factors can help determine the ideal type of paint for your child. Here is an in-depth comparison of Crayola finger paint versus washable paint.
Ingredients
Crayola finger paint consists primarily of water, glycerin, and thickening agents like carboxymethyl cellulose. It is non-toxic and formulated to be safe for even young children to handle with their hands and fingers. Crayola states that all their finger paint colors are certified by the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) to contain no harmful materials.
The ingredients in washable paint can vary greatly depending on the brand. Most washable kids’ paints are water-based and contain pigments suspended in an acrylic emulsion binder. They may include thickeners like carboxymethyl cellulose just like finger paint. Some brands use agents like polyvinyl alcohol to help the paint wash out of clothing and surfaces more easily. Washable paints sold by major brands are non-toxic, but always check labels to be sure.
Safety
Both Crayola finger paint and washable paints are designed to be safe, non-toxic choices for children. Being non-toxic means they are free from lead, asbestos, and other hazardous substances that could pose health risks if ingested or handled extensively.
Finger paint is generally regarded as safer for very young kids under 3 years old. Since finger painting involves direct hand contact and kids may end up with paint in their mouths, the design of Crayola fingerpaint makes it low-risk if ingested. Washable paint may contain more pigments and chemicals than thick finger paint, so supervision is important with kids under 3 years old. For children over 3, washable paints are considered very safe if used properly.
Proper supervision is recommended with any painting product to avoid accidental ingestion. As long as safety guidelines are followed, both fingerpaint and washable paint pose minimal risks. Avoid paints with safety warnings for children under 3 years old.
Washability
True to their names, both Crayola finger paint and washable paint are designed to wash out of skin, clothing, and other surfaces. However, there are some differences in how easily they can be removed.
Crayola says their finger paint will wash off skin with just soap and water. It can also be scrubbed off of non-porous surfaces like tables, countertops, and plastic toys using warm water and soap. On porous materials like fabric, paper, or unfinished wood, the paint may stain if left for a long time.
Paint marketed as washable is formulated to come out of clothes, carpet, upholstery, walls, and other surfaces with just water or mild soap. Polyvinyl alcohol is sometimes added to help the paint particles detach from surfaces and fabrics more easily when washed. So washable paint may have an advantage when painting indoors and doing projects where spills and drips are likely.
Overall, both finger paint and washable paint are designed to be removable. However washable paint may have a slight edge when it comes to getting out of fabric and household surfaces. Prompt cleaning is always recommended.
Texture and Consistency
The textures of Crayola finger paint versus washable paint are noticeably different:
| Crayola Finger Paint | Washable Paint |
| Thick, creamy texture | Thinner, more liquidy texture |
| Sticks thickly to fingers and hands | Can drip and run more easily off brushes |
| Opaque, bold colors | More translucent layers |
| Dries with chalky finish | Dries to standard matte finish |
The thicker consistency of Crayola finger paint makes it ideal for smearing and blending with fingers to create unique effects. Washable paint is better suited to brushes and painting tools that require some fluidity and flow. While washable paint can be used for rudimentary finger painting, children may find true finger paint like Crayola easier and more satisfying to control and manipulate with their hands.
Color Range
Crayola and washable paint brands both offer a wide selection of colors. Here is how the color options compare:
Crayola Finger Paint
– 8 classic colors available including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, and black
– Some color collections with unique hues like neon or glitter
– Most colors sold individually or in classroom packs
Washable Paint
– Often 10+ colors available from major kid paint brands
– Diverse color selections beyond just primaries
– May include color mixing sets of 2-3 bottles
– Some metallic, neon, or glitter color options
– Individual colors or packs focused on specific projects like animals, vehicles, etc.
While Crayola finger paint offers all the basic color choices, washable paint provides more variety including less common shades like turquoise, peach, gray and more. Washable paints cater to kids interested in painting particular subjects like dinosaurs or fairies with appropriate colors. Overall, washable kids’ paint has a slight edge for range of color choices.
Painting Surfaces
Crayola finger paint and washable paint can generally be used on similar surfaces, but there are some differences:
Crayola Finger Paint
– Best for paper, cardboard, and non-porous surfaces like plastic, metal, glass
– Can stain porous surfaces like unfinished wood
– Not ideal for fabric and clothing
Washable Paint
– Great for paper, cardboard, poster board, and other craft surfaces
– Usually safe for properly primed walls and furniture
– Can be used on fabric, clothing, carpets with proper laundering after
– Not suitable for floors, outdoor surfaces
Washable paint has a bit more versatility when it comes to painting crafts, clothing, or indoor surfaces. But Crayola finger paint may work better for interactive educational toys. Supervision is still required with both types of paint to avoid damage to surfaces.
Cost
Both Crayola and washable paint are affordably priced for family budgets. Here is an overview of costs:
Crayola Finger Paint
– Individual 0.6 oz jars range $0.50 – $1.00
– Classroom 8-color packs (8 x 0.6 oz jars) $4 – $8
– Larger 4 oz jars around $3.00 – $5.00
Washable Paint
– Individual 2 oz bottles often $0.50 – $2.00
– 8-color packs (8 x 2 oz) around $5 – $10
– Larger 4-8 oz bottles ranging $2.00 – $8.00
– 16+ color classroom packs $10 – $20
Paint prices can vary based on brand, quantity, special color collections, and location. Overall both finger paint and washable paint start at very affordable prices for small amounts. Buying larger multi-packs can provide more value for money. Individual jars of finger paint may be a little costlier than bottles of washable paint ounce for ounce. But packs bring the per ounce cost down significantly.
Ease of Use
For young kids under 3 years old, Crayola finger paint provides the easiest method to start painting safely thanks to its non-drip texture. Children can simply dip their fingers into pots of paint and smear it onto paper or surfaces. Less coordination is required compared to managing a paintbrush.
Washable paint becomes more versatile for preschool ages around 3-5 years old. At this stage, kids can begin using brushes and practice controlling flows of slightly thinner paint. Washable paint allows experimenting with more brush techniques like blending, layering, and color mixing that finger paint does not.
Finger painting remains a key sensory activity for preschoolers. But washable paint offers an age-appropriate step up to expand artistic abilities, so most parents find it beneficial to have both paint types on hand.
Fun Factor
For sheer fun, it’s hard to beat the sensory pleasure kids get from smearing finger paint all over paper, their hands, and sometimes their arms and faces too! The vibrancy and playfulness of finger painting makes it a classic childhood activity.
But washable paint offers plenty of enjoyment too with all kinds of creative painting possible. Kids take pride in learning to control brushes and create representational art. Exploring mixing custom colors is also part of the fascination with washable paints.
Ultimately, both finger paint and washable paint provide hours of educational, developmental fun for kids. Which type a child prefers comes down to their unique personality, interests, and age. Some thrive on the wildness of finger painting, while others enjoy the focus of brush work. Having both paint options available enables kids to explore and play with color in multiple ways.
| Crayola Finger Paint | Washable Paint |
| Finger smearing enables free-flowing creativity | Brush techniques teach control and precision |
| Instantly colorful results | Mixture of colors adds more dimension |
| High sensory appeal for young kids | Allows more detailed, intricate painting |
| Promotes open-ended imagination | Kids can create specific subjects |
Key Differences
To recap, here are some of the main differences between Crayola finger paint and washable kids’ paint:
| Crayola Finger Paint | Washable Paint |
| Designed specifically for fingers | Better for brushes |
| Very thick, creamy texture | More liquidy and flowing |
| Sticks to fingers and hands | Can drip and run more |
| Very safe if ingested by young kids | Requires close supervision for kids under 3 |
| Washes off skin easily | Formulated to wash out of fabric |
| Best for paper and non-porous surfaces | Can be used on more surfaces like walls |
| Classic color range | Broader unique colors |
| Simpler blending techniques | Allows color mixing and layering |
While both paints have kid-safe ingredients, Crayola finger paint is specially designed for very young children to handle with minimal risks. Washable paint becomes ideal as kids grow old enough to use brushes and expand their painting skills. Having both paint types available enables creativity at every age and stage.
Choosing Between Crayola Finger Paint and Washable Paint
When deciding between Crayola finger paint versus washable paint, consider your child’s age first. Finger paint is best for children under 3 years old who need the safest, easiest format for exploring color and texture. Washable paint suits older preschoolers ready to use brushes, mix paints, and create more intricate artwork.
For kids around 2-4 years old, having both finger paint and washable paint can provide the right options as they develop new abilities.BUt stick with washable paint only for children over 4 who want to progress to more advanced painting techniques.
Beyond age, think about your child’s interests. Does your child enjoy open-ended sensory play and making a colorful mess? Kid-safe finger paints will delight them. Is your kid fascinated by blending colors or depicting specific subjects in their art? Then washable paints with more versatility may be preferred.
Consider mess factor too. Finger paint is limited primarily to paper and surfaces protected with a plastic cloth. Washable paint can expand options to include clothing, walls, and more surfaces when applied carefully. But washable paint can also stain if spills aren’t cleaned up promptly.
No matter which paint you choose, the most important thing is encouraging your child’s creativity and self-expression! With proper supervision and care, both Crayola finger paint and washable paint can provide that.
The Bottom Line
Crayola finger paint and washable kids’ paint both offer safe, developmentally appropriate ways for children to explore color and art. Finger paint is ideal for younger kids thanks to its thick texture they can manipulate with their hands. Washable paint works better for preschoolers ready to use brushes and expand their painting techniques.
Having both finger paint and washable paint on hand allows kids to enjoy creating art their own way as they grow. Whichever paint you choose, make sure safety is the top priority and have fun getting messy! The open-ended play of finger painting and focused control of washable paint teach kids creativity, fine motor skills, color concepts and more – all while letting their imaginations shine.
