Kids Paints
Kids paint should match the child, the project and the surface. Our range covers washable paint, finger paint, poster paint, tempera and watercolours, plus fabric and glitter paint, suited to toddlers through to school age. Expect some mess. That's part of it.
How to choose paint for your child
Start with what your child actually wants to make. A quick finger painting on butcher's paper calls for something very different to a school poster on cardboard, so the project usually points you to the paint.
From there, match the paint type to the age and the surface. Finger paint and washable watercolours suit toddlers on paper. Washable tempera and poster paint handle bigger work on card and easel pads. Fabric or glitter paint come in once a child wants to decorate clothes or add a bit of detail.
You don't need a full kit on day one. A few Inx Washable Paint tempera colours or a compact watercolour set such as the Staedtler Noris Watercolour Paint Tray with Brush is usually plenty to start. For project ideas by age, our kids painting activities hub is a good next stop.
Washable paint for everyday art
Washable paint is the sensible default at home. Washable formulas are designed to make cleanup easier, but results vary by product, fabric and how long the paint remains on the material. Follow the directions on the paint and the garment’s care label, treat spills promptly and use a smock or old shirt during painting.
For small hands, EC Washable Watercolours give soft, blendable colour that works well on cartridge paper and watercolour pads. For bigger, more opaque work, the Inx Washable Paint tempera range covers posters, cardboard and easel pads with solid coverage that dries matte.
Finger paint for toddlers
Finger paint is designed for hands-on sensory play and early mark making. Check the age guidance on the individual product and supervise closely, particularly with children who may put paint or painted hands in their mouth.
Look for non-toxic finger paints and use large surfaces: butcher's paper taped to the floor, big sheets of card, or an easel pad. A smock saves a lot of washing later, so grab kids smocks for painting before the lid comes off.
Poster and tempera paint for bigger projects
Tempera is a water-based, opaque paint that dries to a matte finish. It covers well in a single coat, mixes easily, and washes out of brushes with water. Poster paint is a close cousin, built for the broad, flat colour that school projects need on paper and card.
Both suit school posters, signage, large sheets and group projects where you want colour that reads from across the room. The Inx Washable Paint tempera range covers the core school palette (red, blue, green, yellow, black, white) plus fluros, which is usually enough for a classroom bag.
Paint sets for kids
A small set is often enough to begin. It gives you the main colours in one hit, which helps when you're still working out what your child will actually reach for.
For travel, homework and birthday gifts, the Staedtler Noris Watercolour Paint Tray with Brush 12 Pack is a tidy option that packs away cleanly. Once your child has a favourite colour or two, individual bottles of tempera or washable paint make more sense than another set.
Brushes, smocks and easels
Small hands do better with shorter handles and chunkier barrels. A basic round and a flat brush cover most early painting, and you can add more shapes as techniques develop. Our kids paint brushes are a good starting point.
A smock saves clothes and arguments. An easel helps posture, keeps paint off the table and lets a child step back and look at their work, which is a skill worth building early. Trays, cups and palettes round out the setup.
Kids paint by age
Toddler: Choose finger paints or washable paints specifically labelled for the child’s age. Use them under close adult supervision on large sheets of paper, and keep paint away from the mouth and eyes. Keep the colour count low. Spend less on the paint and more on surfaces to work on.
Preschool (3 to 5): Washable tempera, chunky brushes and a smock. A small kids easel for standing painting encourages longer attention spans and keeps the table clear.
School age (5+): Poster paint for projects, fabric paint for clothes and bags, glitter paint for detail. A wider colour range starts to pay off here, as does a proper brush set.
Why shop with Riot
- More than 40 years supporting Australian art and craft
- House brands including Holcroft and Art Star, alongside trusted names
- Customer support Monday to Friday, aiming to reply within one business day
- Clear shipping and returns, with change-of-mind conditions published
FAQs
What paint is safe for toddlers?
Look for paints labelled non-toxic and designed for children, such as washable finger paints and washable watercolours. Supervise closely, keep paint away from the mouth and eyes, and use large paper on a protected surface. For very young children, finger paint is usually the easiest starting point because it's made for hand use.
Is washable paint really washable?
Mostly, yes. Washable paint is formulated to rinse from skin with warm water and soap, and to lift from most cotton clothing in a prompt wash. It's not a guarantee on every fabric, especially delicate or synthetic items. Treat spills quickly, soak in cold water before washing, and avoid heat until the stain is gone.
What is the difference between poster paint and tempera paint?
Tempera is a water-based, opaque paint that dries matte. Poster paint is a similar water-based paint built for broad, flat coverage on paper and card. In practice the two overlap, and many kids' ranges use the terms interchangeably. Both suit school projects, signage and large artworks, and both clean up with water.
How do I clean paint off clothes?
Check the paint label first because cleaning instructions vary between washable paint, poster paint and permanent fabric paint. For accidental spills from washable paint, remove excess paint and treat the garment promptly according to its care label. Pretreat if required and wash before the paint dries. Do not tumble-dry the garment until the stain is gone, as drying can make remaining marks harder to remove. Fabric paint is designed to bond to textiles and may not wash out. Our kids painting accessories help prevent the mess in the first place.
What age is finger paint suitable for?
Age guidance varies by product. Check the label before use and supervise closely, especially if the child still puts fingers or objects in their mouth. Finger paint is intended for sensory play and early mark making, but “non-toxic” does not mean edible.
Do you deliver kids paint across Australia?
Yes. We ship kids paint Australia-wide from riot.com.au, with shipping options and timing shown at checkout and on our shipping page. Our customer support team is available Monday to Friday if you have a question about a product, a delivery or a return before you buy.