Sidewalk Chalk Paint
One of our FAVE outdoor art activities is sidewalk chalk paint. It's such a super fun sensory art experience that works well for kids (or adults) of all ages! With just a few simple supplies, you can whip up a batch of brightly-colored paint to decorate any concrete canvas.
You'll need:
- 1 or 2, 16 ounce boxes of cornstarch
- mixing bowl
- mixing cups
- water
-
'lil Poster Paint Pods set (we used Glitter and Neon)
-
paintbrushes
Add Paint To Each Mixing Container
Start by adding each color of poster paint you're using to a separate mixing cup. Disposable cups work well!
Mix In Cornstarch
In a large bowl, mix 1 package of cornstarch with 2 1/2 cups of water -- this is a perfect step for kids to help with and especially fun if you add the water a little bit at a time. You're likely to discover the super fun Non-Newtonian substance commonly known as "oobleck" if you do (you can find out more about that and other cool science experiments in my book,
Banish Boredom, btw!).
Decide How Much Color You Want
If you'd like to keep your sidewalk chalk super concentrated and bright (and more difficult to wash off the sidewalk, incidentally), stay with just one package of cornstarch. If you'd like to make more paint and more chalk-like colored paint, add another package of cornstarch and another 2 1/2 cups of water to the mix.
Mix Cornstarch With Your Individual Paints
Then pour even amounts of the cornstarch-water mix into the cups of poster paint. Stir each color well. The mixture will separate as it sits, but just give it a good stir before you paint. Having different sized brushes and tips add to the creative juices too.
Take it to the streets and get painting!!
Rebecca Green
Author of
Banish Boredom
Content Creator and Herder of Cats at
Not-So-SAHM
