What You’ll Need
White glue (liquid)
Table salt
Watercolor paints or food coloring
Heavy paper or cardstock
Paintbrush or dropper
How to Create Salt Paintings
Draw Your Design with Glue: Start by encouraging kids to draw simple shapes or patterns on the paper using the glue. They can create anything from abstract designs to animals or letters—this is where creativity shines!
Add Salt: While the glue is still wet, sprinkle salt generously over the glue lines until they're fully covered. Shake off any excess salt.
Paint with Watercolors: Once the glue and salt have dried slightly, use a paintbrush or dropper to gently apply watercolors. Watch how the colors travel along the salt, creating beautiful, vibrant streaks.
Observe the Magic: As the watercolors soak into the salt, kids can witness an exciting process—capillary action—where the liquid travels through the salt crystals. It’s a fun, hands-on way to introduce a basic scientific concept.
Benefits of Salt Painting
Boosts Creativity: Kids have the freedom to create any design they like, allowing their imaginations to run wild.
Sensory Play: The texture of the salt and the flowing colors engage kids' senses, making this activity both fun and educational.
Science Meets Art: Children can learn about absorption, capillary action, and color blending, making this a great STEM-related project.
Salt painting offers endless possibilities for kids to experiment and express themselves. It's a perfect indoor activity for rainy days, classroom projects, or weekend fun!