Kids Paint

Paint made for kids, sorted by what they want to make and how easily it washes off. Our kids paint range covers washable poster, tempera, finger paint and paint-your-own kits, plus the brushes, smocks and palettes to set up and clean up without stress.

Which kids paint to start with

Start with what your child actually wants to make, and their age. Toddlers do best with finger paint on a tray or heavy paper. Preschoolers and primary-aged kids get more from a washable poster paint like Tim & Tess Washable Poster Paint, which covers well on paper, card and wooden shapes. Older kids ready for a keepsake can step up to acrylics on canvas, or try paint your own kits for a lower-mess starting point.

Washable paint and what it actually washes out of

Washable means the paint is formulated to lift more easily than standard craft paint. It doesn't mean it disappears from everything. After 40+ years helping Australian families, here's the honest version we give parents.

Hands, laminated tables, high chair trays and hard floors usually rinse clean with warm water and a cloth while the paint is still wet. Cotton t-shirts and school uniforms generally wash out on a normal cycle, provided you rinse the spot straight away and don't let it dry in.

Be more careful with deep reds, fluoro shades and glitter paints. Those pigments can leave a faint mark on light fabrics even after washing. Once paint dries into fabric it's much harder to shift, so soak the spot in cold water first, then wash.

The simplest fix is prevention. A drop sheet on the table and art smocks for the kids save you the laundry job entirely.

Poster paint and tempera, and how they differ

Both are water-based, kid-friendly paints. The difference is subtle.

Tim & Tess Washable Poster Paint suits home craft and school projects. Inx Washable Tempera is a classroom favourite because it lays down flat and smooth over bigger areas. For most kids at home, either works.

Finger paint for toddlers

Finger paint is built for little hands that want to squish, smear and print. Use it on heavy paper, cardboard or a wipe-clean high chair tray. It's the messiest option on the page, and that's the point. Set up on a covered surface and keep a damp cloth nearby.

Always supervise toddlers with any paint, and check the individual product label for age suitability before you start.

Paint for a canvas or a wooden shape

For a project your child wants to keep, the paint needs to grip the surface. Acrylics stick best to canvas and sealed wood, and dry to a tougher finish than poster paint. Poster paint is fine on raw wooden shapes and cardboard for shorter-term craft.

Micador Paint Your Own Canvas kits come with the canvas, paints and brushes ready to go, which suits kids who want a guided project. For older children who like structure, childrens paint by number kits are a satisfying next step. Seal a finished keepsake with a light coat of clear varnish if you want it to last.

Brushes, smocks and covering the table

Small hands need chunky handles and a mix of shapes. Look at kids painting brushes in round, flat and foam. Foam brushes, rollers and sponges suit younger kids who are still building brush control. An old shirt works as a smock in a pinch, but a proper smock covers sleeves too. A children's painting easel keeps paint off the table and gets kids painting at a comfortable height.

Setting up so cleaning up is easy

A few habits make the whole thing calmer.

• Cover the table with a drop sheet, old vinyl cloth or newspaper
• Squeeze small amounts into a muffin tray or the Inx Round Plastic Paint Palette so waste stays low
• Keep a bowl of water and a damp cloth within reach
• Rinse brushes before switching colours to keep tones clean
• Wipe spills while they're still wet, not after
  

Browse palettes and trays to round out the setup.

Age guidance

General guide only, always with adult supervision for the youngest.

• Under 3: supervised finger paint on heavy paper or a tray
• 3 to 5: washable poster or tempera with chunky brushes and sponges
• 6 to 9: wider colour range, paint-your-own canvases, first acrylics
• 10+: acrylics, paint by numbers, painting on canvas and wood

Frequently asked questions about kids paint

What is the best washable paint for kids?

A washable poster or tempera paint suits most kids from preschool up. Tim & Tess Washable Poster Paint is a common starting point because it covers well on paper, card and wooden shapes, and rinses off hands and hard surfaces easily when wet.

Is kids paint really non-toxic?

Many kids paints are formulated to be non-toxic, but always check the individual product label before use. Safety information varies by brand and product, so read the pack for age suitability, ingredients and any warnings, especially for children under three.

What age can toddlers start finger painting?

Most children can start supervised finger painting from around 12 to 18 months, once they're past putting everything in their mouth. Always check the age guidance on the specific product, use a wipe-clean surface, and stay with your child the whole time.

What is the difference between poster paint and tempera?

Both are water-based, opaque and kid-friendly. Poster paint tends to have a matte finish and works well on paper, card and wood. Tempera lays down smoother over larger areas and is a classroom favourite. For most home projects, either one does the job.

How do I get dried paint out of clothes?

Soak the fabric in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes to soften the paint, then gently work the spot with soap before washing on a normal cycle. Deep reds, fluoros and glitter paints can leave a faint mark even after washing, so rinse while wet whenever you can.

What paint works on a wooden shape or canvas?

Acrylic paint grips canvas and sealed wood best and dries to a tough finish. Poster paint works on raw wooden shapes and cardboard for shorter-term craft. For a keepsake, use acrylic and finish with a light coat of clear varnish once dry.

Do I need a special easel for kids?

Not essential, but a kids easel makes painting more comfortable, keeps paint off the table and encourages bigger arm movements. Look for adjustable height so it grows with your child. A tabletop easel is a good compact option for smaller spaces.

Can kids use acrylic paint?

Yes, older kids from around six can use acrylic paint with supervision. Acrylics aren't as easy to wash out as poster paint, so wear a smock and cover the table well. They suit canvas, wood and paint-your-own projects where you want the finish to last.