Looking for a fun project for anytime of year? Don’t be limited by store bought watercolors, instead make this homemade watercolor paint in any color you choose!
Hello I’m Amy from amylanham.com and I love creating easy DIYs for my kids. Last year I made some DIY chalk paint and my kids loved it. It was the perfect summer activity.
Want more ideas like this? Subscribe today and get our weekly newsletter plus other exclusive gifts and offers — all for FREE!
My kids really love to paint, so I thought I’d try my hand at some DIY watercolor paint. This recipe uses limited ingredients, but it takes a little while to set up.
How To Make Homemade Watercolor Paint
Create these fun DIY watercolor paints in any and every color!
What You Need:
Here’s what you’ll need from the store. The exact amounts are in the printable craft card at the bottom of this post.
Kitchen Tools Needed:
Supplies Needed:
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Corn Syrup
- Corn Starch
- Gel Food Coloring
- Toothpicks for mixing (optional)
Homemade Watercolor Paint Tips
What Texture Should the Mixture Be?
If you have made Oobleck before, the texture is very similar to that. It’s hard when pressed, but still liquidy if let sit or try to mix.
It’s difficult to mix the colors in because of this. But just work slowly and the colors will mix in just fine.
How Much Color Should I Use?
It’s going to depend on how thick your watercolor puck is. Watercolor paints are supposed to be a little bit transparent and buildable. But I definitely wouldn’t skip on the color.
Gel food coloring doesn’t always drip. If it does, add 7-10 drops of food coloring. If it’s not dripping well, add a few lines of the gel coloring.
Experiment with Color Mixing
The best part about making your own watercolors is getting all the custom colors! Use neon and regular food colors. Mix them together. Get every color you can dream of!
I especially like the lime green and making a variety of purples. Purple is my favorite color and always seems to be lacking in watercolor. So make whatever color you want.
Can I Use The Homemade Watercolor Paint Before It’s Dry?
Yes! There’s no need to wait for the watercolors to fully dry before using. When they are still liquid the watercolors can be used.
The brush will not need to be full of water before dipping it into the paint. And it will be much easier to overload the brush. If painting with young kids I recommend waiting until the watercolor has dried. But it’s not necessary.
How To Use Homemade Watercolors?
If the watercolor paint has dried, just add a little bit of water to the top, let sit for a minute so the water can soak in. Then the watercolors will be ready to use.
How to Save Homemade Watercolor Paint?
Once your done painting, allow the DIY watercolors to dry thoroughly and then store in a dark, dry location.
Coloring Mixing Ideas
- Lime Green – 5 yellow drops, 2 green drops
- Orange – 5 yellow drops, 1 red drops
- Purple – 4 red drops, 1 blue drops
- Blue – 5 blue drops, 1 green drops
Homemade Watercolor Paints
Equipment
- 1 Ice cube tray
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Baking Soda
- 1/3 cup Vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoon Corn Syrup
- 1/3 cup Corn Starch
- Gel Food Coloring any colors
- 14 Toothpicks or Popsicle sticks optional for mixing
Instructions
- Mix together baking soda and vinegar until the fizzing stops.
- Add in corn syrup and corn starch. Mix until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to each ice cube in the tray.
- Add 7-10 drops of gel food coloring to each mixture. Stir in using toothpicks, popsicle sticks, or utensils
- Use watercolors with a wet paint brush on watercolor paper.
Love the ideas you see here on Messy Momma Crafts? Subscribe today and get our weekly newsletter plus other exclusive gifts and offers — all for FREE!
What’s Next?
If you enjoyed homemade watercolor paints then you’ll enjoy these projects to use your new paint!
More Paint Ideas
If you enjoyed this homemade watercolor paint then you will love these other paint ideas:
Leave a Reply