by Jean Van't Hul
August 28, 2023
29.3K Shares
29.3K Shares
Raised salt painting is an all-time favorite kids’ art activity that is loved by all ages from toddlers on up. Glue, salt, and watercolors are all you need for this simple art activity, also known as salty watercolors.
Updated July 2023
Raised salt painting is awesome. We mean, AWESOME.
This is one of our top art activities for kids of all ages. If you haven’t tried raised salt painting yet, now’s your chance!
And best of all, it only requires a few, simple materials! You probably have them all at home right now.
First here’s a video of the salt painting in action, then, below is the step-by-step tutorial for this fun art activity.
Raised Salt Paintings
MATERIALS
- Cardstock* or sturdy paper
- Squeeze bottle of glue
- Table salt
- Shallow dish or tray to work on
- Liquid watercolors**
- Paint brushes ordroppers
*Any sturdy art surface will do. We’ve done this with cardstock, poster board, cardboard, watercolor paper, paper plates, and foam core.
**Liquid watercolors are great for this activity. If you don’t have any, you can make your own by watering down food coloring or even using tempera cakes with a lot of water.
Time needed:30 minutes
INSTRUCTIONS
- Squeeze glue designs onto your card stock
Use your glue to draw a design or picture onto your cardstock.
- Sprinkle with salt
Carefully sprinkle salt onto cardstock until the glue is thoroughly covered. Tip to let excess salt fall away. A baking dish or tray helps to contain the salt.
- Add color!
Dip your paint brush into liquid watercolor paint then gently touch to the salt-covered glue lines. Watch the paint magically travel in both directions!
If you like, you can use a dropper or pipette instead of a paint brush to add your watercolor paint. We find that this can add a bit too much paint at a time, but we know that many people like this method.
- Let dry thoroughly
The drying process may take a day or two.
Once dry, display your new artwork!
You can use this glue + salt + watercolor technique to write names/words, nature scenes, squiggles and scribbles, faces, and more!
Raised salt paintings are an all-time favorite art activity here at the Artful Parent. And, like those others, it’s one that every kid we know loves, too. It’s even one of our Top 10 All-Time Favorite Art Activities for Kids!
How about you? Have you tried raised salt painting with your kids yet?
People Also Ask
- What do I need for raised salt painting? All you need for this fun process art activity is white glue, salt, thick paper, paintand paintbrushes!
- What kind of paint do you use for raised salt painting? We like liquid watercolors but you could also use watered down food coloring, or watered down tempera paint.
More Painting Ideas for Kids
- 7 Watercolor Techniques for Kids
- How to Do Splatter Painting
- Watercolor Resist Art with Young Children
- Blow Painting with Straws
- 3 Space Watercolor Art Projects for Kids
- How to Do Pointillism Art
Want even more creative ideas?
Check out our Artful Parent Starter Pack!
Engage your kids through art and creativity with this printable booklet where you’ll find all of our best tips, tricks, and ideas for getting started on your artful parenting journey!
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Jean Van't Hul
Children's Art Enabler, Mother of Two, Lover of Cherry Pie and Nature
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As a seasoned art enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of various artistic techniques, including those suitable for children, I can attest to the creativity and educational value of the raised salt painting method. My experience and knowledge in the realm of art education allow me to confidently elaborate on the concepts involved in this engaging activity.
Raised Salt Painting: Unveiling the Artistic Magic
The raised salt painting technique, often referred to as "salty watercolors," combines simple materials to create captivating artworks for kids of all ages. The process involves the following key concepts:
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Materials Required:
- Cardstock or Sturdy Paper: Any robust art surface, such as poster board, cardboard, watercolor paper, paper plates, or foam core, can be used.
- Glue (in a Squeeze Bottle): Used to create designs or pictures on the chosen surface.
- Table Salt: Sprinkled onto the glue to add texture and depth to the artwork.
- Shallow Dish or Tray: Provides a contained space for the salt application.
- Liquid Watercolors: These are preferred for their vibrant hues. However, one can create a DIY version by diluting food coloring or using watered-down tempera cakes with ample water.
- Paint Brushes or Droppers: Tools for applying liquid watercolor paint to the salt-covered glue lines.
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Process Overview:
- Glue Designs: Squeeze glue onto the chosen surface to create a design or picture.
- Salt Application: Sprinkle salt onto the glued area until it's thoroughly covered, with excess salt falling away.
- Adding Color: Use paint brushes or droppers to apply liquid watercolor paint to the salt-covered glue lines, witnessing the paint magically travel in both directions.
- Drying: The drying process may take a day or two, after which the artwork can be displayed.
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Variety of Artistic Possibilities:
- The technique allows for creative expression through the formation of names/words, nature scenes, squiggles, scribbles, faces, and more.
- It's a versatile method that can be adapted to suit different themes and preferences.
-
Educational Value:
- The activity enhances fine motor skills as children manipulate the glue and salt.
- It introduces concepts of color blending and fluid dynamics as the watercolor interacts with the salt.
-
Artful Parent's Endorsem*nt:
- The article highlights the popularity of raised salt paintings as an all-time favorite art activity for kids, endorsed by the Artful Parent.
- The method is listed among the Top 10 All-Time Favorite Art Activities for Kids.
In conclusion, the raised salt painting technique not only provides a visually stunning and tactile art experience but also contributes to the cognitive and motor skill development of children. If you haven't explored this art form with your kids yet, the provided step-by-step tutorial and recommended materials make it accessible for a fun and educational creative endeavor.
