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How to Make Salt Paintings for Kids

salt painting for kids

Salt paintings for kids are fun and easy! With a few supplies, create beautiful textured art using our templates or your own designs.

Transform Glue and Salt into Art: Salt Paintings for Kids

Salt paintings for kids are a fun and creative way to make art with just a few simple supplies. By combining glue, salt, and watercolors, children can create beautiful, textured art that’s both easy and engaging. It’s especially cool to see the watercolor spread through the salt, creating mesmerizing visual effects. Whether they prefer freehand designs or want to use our printable designs for more precise patterns, this activity offers endless possibilities. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to seal their masterpieces to prevent flaking and keep them looking great. Let’s explore the colorful world of salt paintings and inspire your kids’ artistic skills!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Why Salt Paintings for Kids Are More Than Just Fun

Salt paintings for kids offer a range of benefits beyond just creating beautiful art. This activity combines art, fine motor skills, sensory play, and even science too, making it both fun and educational.

As children draw with glue and sprinkle salt, they develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The tactile sensation of the salt and the vibrant colors of the watercolors provide a rich sensory experience that can be both calming and stimulating.

Plus, this project encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing kids to explore their artistic abilities in a fun, hands-on way.

And there’s a fascinating science aspect to it as well, which we’ll delve into more deeply towards the end of the post.

Why Salt Paintings for Kids Are More Than Just Fun

Salt paintings for kids offer a range of benefits beyond just creating beautiful art. This activity combines art, fine motor skills, sensory play, and even science too, making it both fun and educational.

As children draw with glue and sprinkle salt, they develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The tactile sensation of the salt and the vibrant colors of the watercolors provide a rich sensory experience that can be both calming and stimulating.

Plus, this project encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing kids to explore their artistic abilities in a fun, hands-on way.

And there’s a fascinating science aspect to it as well, which we’ll delve into more deeply towards the end of the post.

Use these sheets for coloring, or create textured art by applying glue and a sensory base of your choice (like sand or salt).

Freehand vs. Template Designs for Salt Paintings

When it comes to creating salt paintings, both freehand and template designs offer unique advantages. Freehand drawing with glue allows kids to explore their creativity and experiment with their own patterns, making each piece a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This approach fosters imagination and gives children the freedom to express themselves in any way they choose. On the other hand, using our template designs can make the process easier and more precise. Our templates include a variety of seasonal and non-seasonal designs too, providing options for all occasions. Whether kids are creating spontaneous designs or following a template, both methods enhance their artistic skills and provide for a super engaging experience.

Materials

salt painting for kids

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Use white glue to draw your design directly onto the cardstock or watercolor paper. For precise designs, use the printable templates to trace a design.

Step 2

While the glue is still wet, sprinkle table salt evenly over the glue. Shake off any excess salt to avoid clumping.

Step 3

Using a brush, gently apply watercolors to the salt. Watch as the colors spread and interact with the salt, creating vibrant, textured effects.

Step 4

Allow the artwork to dry completely. This can take several hours depending on the amount of glue and paint used.

Step 5

Once dry, seal the artwork with a clear spray sealer or a thin layer of clear glue to prevent the salt from flaking off. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.

Step 1

Use white glue to draw your design directly onto the cardstock or watercolor paper. For precise designs, use the printable templates to trace a design.

Step 2

While the glue is still wet, sprinkle table salt evenly over the glue. Shake off any excess salt to avoid clumping.

Step 3

Using a brush, gently apply watercolors to the salt. Watch as the colors spread and interact with the salt, creating vibrant, textured effects.

Step 4

Allow the artwork to dry completely. This can take several hours depending on the amount of glue and paint used.

Step 5

Once dry, seal the artwork with a clear spray sealer or a thin layer of clear glue to prevent the salt from flaking off. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.

Exploring the Science Behind Salt Paintings for Kids

Salt paintings for kids aren’t just an artistic activity; they’re a fantastic way to introduce basic scientific concepts. When children watch the watercolor spread through the salt, they observe capillary action in action—this is the same process that helps plants draw water from the soil up through their stems. As the watercolors travel along the salt, kids can see how liquid moves through porous materials. Additionally, this project offers a hands-on lesson in absorption and crystallization. Kids learn that salt absorbs water, causing the vibrant colors to move and blend in fascinating ways. This blend of art and science encourages curiosity and a deeper understanding of how the world works, making learning both fun and visually captivating

salt painting for kids

 

salt painting for kids

Exploring the Science Behind Salt Paintings for Kids

Salt paintings for kids aren’t just an artistic activity; they’re a fantastic way to introduce basic scientific concepts. When children watch the watercolor spread through the salt, they observe capillary action in action—this is the same process that helps plants draw water from the soil up through their stems. As the watercolors travel along the salt, kids can see how liquid moves through porous materials. Additionally, this project offers a hands-on lesson in absorption and crystallization. Kids learn that salt absorbs water, causing the vibrant colors to move and blend in fascinating ways. This blend of art and science encourages curiosity and a deeper understanding of how the world works, making learning both fun and visually captivating

Fun Arts and Crafts Kits and Supplies!

For even more creative fun, here are some fantastic arts and crafts kits and supplies that will keep your kids engaged and inspired.

cool art supplies magic water elf fairy kit

Water Creatures Kit

magic marbling art kit

Marbling Art Kit

cool art supplies refillable paint washable palette

Refillable Paint Palette 

Color Changing Markers

glow in the dark paint sticks

Glow in the Dark Paint Sticks: a cool art supply used as face/body paint that you can also use on paper!

cool art supplies mess free paint palette

Mess Free Paint Palette

cool art supplies spin art kit

Spin Art Kit

Moon Lamp Kit

What’s Next?

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