How To Make Watercolor Paint - Little Bins For Little Hands

Looking for a fun way to stretch your art supplies or try something new? Learn how to make watercolors at home with just a few simple ingredients! This easy DIY watercolor paint recipe is a fun hands-on activity kids can mix up themselves and use again and again.

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Homemade Watercolor Paints

Learn how to make your own watercolor paints using baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring. This watercolor recipe for kids is safe, easy, and perfect for colorful art at home or in the classroom.

🎨 Learn how to make a variety of homemade paints with kids.

Art Concepts Explored

Grade Level: K–4Art Elements: Color, Texture, ValueTechniques: Color mixing, transparency, layering

🎨 Explore the 7 Elements of Art here.

Supplies Needed

• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Gel or paste food coloring
• Ice cube tray or small containers
• Bowl and whisk or spoon

How to Make Watercolor Paints

Start with a fizz.Mix baking soda and vinegar in a bowl. It will fizz briefly—this is normal!

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Whisk in corn syrup and cornstarch.The mixture will become thick and pasty but turns smooth when stirred.

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Add color.Spoon into an ice cube tray. Stir in a few drops of food coloring to each section to create your custom colors.

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Let dry overnight.Your homemade watercolor paint will harden. To use, wet your brush and swirl the color to paint!

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Painting Tips

• Use gel food coloring for bold, vibrant results.
• Add a tiny bit of glitter for extra sparkle.
• Paint lasts several weeks—store in a dry place and rehydrate with water as needed.

Get Your Free Printable Watercolor Projects Guide!

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FAQ: How to Make Watercolors

How long do homemade watercolor paints last?Once dry, your DIY watercolor paints can last several weeks. Just keep them in a dry spot and rehydrate with a wet brush when ready to use.

Do I need gel food coloring, or can I use liquid?Both work, but gel or paste food coloring gives brighter, more concentrated color with less liquid.

Can I make this recipe taste-safe for toddlers?This recipe isn’t meant to be edible. For a taste-safe version, skip the corn syrup and use food-based colorants like fruit powders or natural food coloring.

Why does it fizz at first?The fizzing comes from mixing baking soda and vinegar—just a fun chemical reaction that settles quickly!

Can I skip the corn syrup?Corn syrup helps bind and soften the paint. You can try glycerin or just omit it, but the paint may dry harder and be harder to re-wet.

Fun Watercolor Painting Projects

Find out how to set up children’s watercolor art projects and easy watercolor painting ideas that kids will love!

• Create this watercolor galaxy painting.
• Try a crayon resist art project with watercolors.
• Grab one of these printable pop art projects.
• Color a rainbow with watercolors.
• Many of these famous artist inspired projects are perfect for watercolors.

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More Homemade Paint Ideas

Get creative with non toxic DIY paint the kids will love to mix up with you!

• Puffy Paint
• Baking Soda Paint
• Flour Paint
• Skittles Paint
• Edible Paint

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Helpful Art Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources to help you introduce art more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Free Color Mixing Mini Pack
• Getting Started with Process Art
• Preschool Art Projects
• How To Set Up An Art Cart
• Easy Painting Ideas For Kids
• Fun Pop Art Ideas
• Free Art Challenges
• What Are The 7 Elements Of Art?
• What is STEAM?
• STEAM Activities (Science + Art)

Printable Art Techniques Projects Pack

This fantastic art projects pack includes a variety of art technique packs to cover different areas of the art experience! Perfect for kids aged 5-12, with a variety of activities to suit all age levels. Easy to use in the home or classroom. Techniques include collage, mixed media, and watercolors!

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