If you’re on the lookout for a creative and easy indoor kids’ activity, salt paint is a must-try! This simple craft uses just table salt and hot water to create sparkly, textured art that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s a fantastic sensory craft, process art experience, and winter craft rolled into one!
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What is Salt Paint?
Salt paint is a fun mixture that dries to create a beautifully textured, glittery finish on paper. You can opt to add food coloring for vibrant hues, but I chose to skip it and still loved the frosty, magical effect.
If you want your designs to really pop, I recommend using dark-colored paper—like navy blue, deep purple, or black—to make the salt paint stand out boldly.
Salt Paint Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons hot water
- 1 tablespoon table salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the hot water and salt. Stir until most of the salt dissolves (it’s okay if there’s a bit of grit left).
2. If you’d like to create colored salt paint, divide the mixture into small containers and add a drop or two of food coloring to each. Stir until mixed.
3. Hand your kids sturdy dark-colored paper and paintbrushes, and let them create sparkly masterpieces!
Why Salt Paint is Great for Kids
First, this is an awesome sensory craft for kids: The gritty, sparkly texture is a fun surprise for kids as the paint dries.
Next, this is awesome for Fine Motor Skills: Painting with brushes helps strengthen little hands and encourages creativity.
Also, I love to focus on Process Art for Kids: This craft focuses on the process rather than the finished product, making it perfect for preschoolers.
Finally, I love this as a Winter Craft for Kids: The frosty adds a magical winter vibe to kids’ artwork.
Tips for this Project!
1. Use sturdy paper: Watercolor paper or cardstock works best to hold up to the wet salt paint.
2. Dark paper is key: Dark blue, purple, or black paper creates a dramatic contrast that makes the salt paint shine.
3. Blow-dry to speed up drying: If your kids are eager to see the finished product, you can use a blow dryer on the cool or low heat setting to help the paint dry faster.
4. Drying time: Be sure to let the craft dry completely to reveal its beautiful, sparkly effect.
Check out Kim’s version here at the Best Ideas for Kids!
More Low Lift Fun Craft Ideas
If you loved this project, check out another fun and simple craft for kids:
We’d love to see your kids’ salt paint creations! Tag us on Instagram at @lowliftfun and share the fun. Happy crafting!