Remember the pure joy of squishing cool, colorful paint between your fingers as a kid? That messy, wonderful feeling is timeless! But when you want to recreate that magic, either for your little ones or for a fun, stress-relieving adult session, the paint aisle can feel overwhelming. Which paints are safe? Which ones wash off easily? And which ones actually give you that satisfying, vibrant texture?
Choosing the wrong paint can lead to stained clothes, irritated skin, or just a frustrating, clumpy mess that ruins the creative flow. You need a medium that is non-toxic, vibrant, and easy to clean up. That’s exactly why we dove deep into the world of finger paints.
In this guide, we break down the essentials. You will learn the key differences between washable tempera, dough paints, and natural options. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect paint for your next masterpiece, ensuring smiles and easy cleanup every time. Let’s get those fingers messy!
Top Paint For Finger Painting Recommendations
![Crayola Washable Finger Paints (6ct), Toddler Paint Set, Nontoxic Finger Paint for Kids, Arts & Crafts Supplies for Toddlers, Teacher Classroom Must Have [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BwKeRZEBL._SL160_.jpg)
- CRAYOLA FINGER PAINTS: This set of washable finger paints for kids includes 8oz bottles in six lively shades: Blue, Yellow, Orange, Green, Violet, and Red.
- WASHABLE PAINT FOR KIDS: Say goodbye to stubborn stains as each paint washes effortlessly from skin and washable clothing.
- LESS MESS PAINT BOTTLES: Our EZ Squeeze bottles and flip-top caps ensure more time creating and less time cleaning.
- BULK CLASSROOM SUPPLIES: Stock up on teacher classroom must haves, including Crayola bulk packs of crayons, markers, and more. These essential art supplies are great for kindergarten, preschool, elementary school, art rooms, and group projects.
- SMOOTH TEXTURE: The smooth, creamy texture of the paint makes it easy for little hands to spread and mix colors.
- 【Safe & Non-Toxic】 Made of high-quality paint material, it can be in direct contact with the skin, conforms to ASTM D-4236 standard, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, safe for both children and adults. NOTE: Do not swallow, small parts choking hazard.
- 【Washable & Easy Clean】 No need for stain remover, our finger paints are washable and easy to clean, they can be easily washed off from surfaces such as skin, fabrics, plastics, etc. The washable art paint kit keeps your children spotless after painting, reducing the trouble of cleaning. Make your every use safe and mess free! NOTE: Perforated fabric and wood can be penetrated by paint, so they may not be easily washed.
- 【Vibrant Colors & Cream Texture】 Create colorful and bold artistic creations in 12 vibrant colors. The thick silky cream texture and vibrant colors stimulate sensory development and provide hours of tactile, visual experience. Various blendable colors meet different painting needs and and help children make more imaginative artistic creations.
- 【Early Learning Painting Set】 The finger paint is perfect for kids who love to explore with their hands and feet. As a fun and colorful way to encourage creativity and self-expression in kids, while your child has fun and free doodling, it also teaches your children to distinguish colors and how they can mix and match them.
- 【Great Gift Idea】 Great for kids early painting learning, creativity development, having fun, classroom drawing practice, can be a fantastic gift for any occasion, such as parties, birthday, Christmas, Back to School, rewards , holiday, Children's Day, New Year. Choose this art finger painting kit as a gift for kids aged 1-10, enjoying the fun of painting together!
- CRAYOLA WASHABLE PROJECT PAINT: Washable paint in 6 bold colors including Yellow, Green, Yellow Orange, Red Orange, Fuchsia, Teal, and Blue Violet.
- EASTER BASKET ESSENTIAL: A colorful Easter basket essential that makes the perfect Easter basket stuffer or spring craft gift for kids, adding creative Crayola fun to any Easter celebration all year long.
- PAINT SET FOR KIDS: Washable paint in vibrant hues is perfect for creating kids projects and keeping a stock of craft supplies to use any day and time.
- SCHOOL PROJECT ART SUPPLIES: School-aged children can get a jumpstart on their school projects with this set of bold colors, which inspire creativity and fun no matter what.
- MIX AND BLEND VIBRANT COLOR PROJECT PAINT: Smooth, creamy color easily blends to create even more hues. Resealable caps ensures paint stays brand new.
- 【8 Washable Bright Colors】：The washable finger paint set comes 8 bright colors paint(1.05 oz). It's great for children 13+ to release creativity
- 【Super Washable & Mess Free】:Rich color can be applied on various surfacesand. The water-based paint can be easily washed off, keep your teens mess free for their doodling and painting time. They can mix primary and secondary colors, bring happiness, great fun and endless creativity while doodling.NOTE: Avoid contact with porous surfaces, like wallpaper，perforated fabric and wood，they can be penetrated by paint, so they may not be easily washed
- 【Safe and Non-toxic paint】: High quality washable finger paint does not have any harmful substances, made finger painting safe and fun, and suitable for children age 13+
- 【Excellent texture】：The silky texture of the paint to make sure you have the best finger painting experience. You can use their finger to express and create, improve ability of color vision and fingers coordination
- 【Excellent Gift】：The high quality finger paint let artists to unleash their imagination. The paint set can be as a fantastic gift for any occasion: back to school, rewards, birthday or holiday
- Safe & Non-Toxic for All Ages: Made with a water-based, skin-safe formula that meets ASTM D-4236 standards. Safe for toddlers and young kids to use at home, or school—ideal for finger painting and sensory play.
- Washable & Easy to Clean: This washable paint for kids wipes easily off skin, clothes, and plastic—no harsh cleaners needed. Keeps art time fun and worry-free. (Note: May stain porous materials like untreated fabric or wood.)
- Early Learning & Creative Play: Encourages colour recognition, fine motor skills, and creative expression. Great for toddler activities, preschool crafts, daycare essentials and learning through play at home or in classrooms.
- 12 Bright Colors & Creamy Texture: Includes 12 vibrant colours in 2oz (60ml) bottles with flip-top caps for easy use and less mess. The thick, smooth texture spreads effortlessly with fingers, brushes, or sponge tools—perfect for fun, hands-on painting and creative play.
- Fun & Educational Gift for Kids: A fantastic & paintable gift to spark creativity and support early learning. Ideal for kids aged 1-10 on birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Children’s Day, back to school, holidays, or as classroom rewards. Paint together at home or in school for meaningful family time.
- 【Safe Finger Paints】:Kids are born with a natural instinct for painting, and their fingers serve as excellent first brushes. Allowing children to engage in freehand finger painting is a very beneficial activity. It develops their perception, creativity and expression. Whether it's back-to-school, rewards, birthdays, or holidays, it's the perfect present for little ones.
- 【Non-Toxic & Safe】:Our finger paint prioritizes safety above all else. Crafted from safe, non-toxic pigments and active glycerin. Tested across various age groups, including sensitive-skinned adults, ensuring it's completely safe for your little one.
- 【Generous Capacity】:Our finger paint set includes 10 tubes, each with a large 2.1 fl oz (60 ml) capacity. With their vivid and lively colors, they stimulate your baby's sensory development. The large capacity ensures your child's creativity knows no bounds. With this durable paint, let your child immerse themselves in the joy of painting for extended periods.
- 【Smooth & Cream Texture】:The texture of the baby paint is so silky, like a face cream, and the vibrant colors stimulate sensory development. The art paint kit provides hours of tactile experience, coloring activities, and artistic interest, whether on paper, canvas, crafts, foot paint, or others.
- 【Easy to Wash】: Our toddler finger paint washes off skin surfaces with ease, ensuring hassle-free cleanup. Note: Paint may penetrate fabrics with pores and wood, making them slightly more challenging to clean.
- Baby Safe & Non Toxic: Made with non toxic paint for toddlers, our finger paints are hypoallergenic, gentle on sensitive skin, and certified by ASTM D-4236. Safe for little hands, they’re perfect for creative play at home, daycare, or preschool.
- Use as a Bathtub Fingerpaint or at the craft table—either way, cleanup is a breeze! These washable finger paints rinse easily off skin and smooth surfaces. Just avoid porous items like fabric or unfinished wood, which may absorb paint and be harder to clean.
- Complete Art Set: This kit includes 10 vibrant Washable Finger Paint colors (60ml / 2oz), 5 paint brushes, 4 roller sponges, 5 stamp sponges, 10 no-spill paint cups, and a waterproof smock—everything toddlers need to explore, create, and enjoy hours of sensory-rich, mess-free fun.
- Perfect for Keepsake Crafts: Rich, creamy texture makes painting smooth and enjoyable. Great as Baby Paint for Hand and Feet crafts—create colorful keepsakes and memory prints with safe, blendable pigments designed for lasting impressions.
- Ideal Gift for Toddlers: A fun, hands-on learning gift for ages 3+! This baby safe paint kit supports early development of fine motor skills, creativity, and color recognition. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a rainy day indoors.
- THE PERFECT NON TOXIC FINGER PAINTS FOR YOUR LITTLE ARTIST - Honeysticks Finger Paints are water based, non toxic, and made with cosmetic-grade colorings. Includes 6 pots (2.02 fl oz each) of thick, creamy finger paint in yellow, red, blue, purple, orange and green. Made with care in New Zealand, they are the ideal finger paints for first art moments with your precious little one.
- EASILY WASHABLE FROM SKIN FOR HASSLE-FREE CLEAN UP - Relax and enjoy those beautiful finger painting moments knowing that clean up will be easy! Honeysticks Washable Finger Paints are water based so they are easy to remove from little hands (and feet!). They also dry well on the paper so you can hang those masterpieces free from smudges!
- THICK TEXTURE FOR BETTER CONTROL BY LITTLE FINGERS - Honeysticks Finger Paint has a thick, creamy texture making it easy to use, with less mess and fewer spills. Long-lasting paint that goes a long way, Honeysticks Paint offers hours of creative play for little fingers and toes.
- THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE – Our toddler finger paint comes in honeypot bottles made from 100% reclaimed kerbside plastic, with cardboard packaging. Both are fully recyclable, making this product a mindful choice for environmentally-conscious families.
- THOUGHTFUL GIFT FOR LITTLE ARTISTS - Perfect for first birthdays and beyond, this high-quality Finger Paint set makes an ideal gift for any occasion. Will be appreciated and enjoyed by boys and girls alike. Give the gift of an early introduction to creative play and those lasting bonding moments.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Finger Painting Paints
Finger painting is a fantastic, messy, and creative way for kids and adults to make art. Choosing the right paint makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best finger paint for your next masterpiece.
Key Features to Look For
When buying finger paint, you need to check a few important things. These features ensure a fun and safe painting session.
- **Non-Toxic Certification:** This is the most important feature. Always look for labels stating the paint is “non-toxic.” This means it is safe if a little bit accidentally ends up in someone’s mouth.
- **Washability:** Kids get paint everywhere! Choose paints labeled “easy clean” or “washes easily from skin and most fabrics.” This saves parents a lot of scrubbing time.
- **Vibrant Color:** Good finger paints show bright, true colors on paper or cardboard. Test a small amount if possible to see how rich the colors look.
- **Consistency and Texture:** The paint should be thick enough not to run off the canvas immediately, but smooth enough to spread easily with your fingers. Avoid paints that feel too runny or too pasty.
- **Drying Time:** Some paints dry fast, which is good for layering. Others dry slowly, allowing more time for blending. Decide what works best for your project.
Important Materials and Ingredients
Understanding what is in the paint helps you judge quality. Most safe finger paints use safe, simple ingredients.
Good finger paints often use ingredients like water, thickeners (like starch or gum), and safe pigments (the color). Avoid paints that list strong chemical odors. A slight, mild scent is normal, but strong chemical smells mean you should choose a different brand.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the paint directly affects your art and cleanup.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **Smoothness:** High-quality paint feels silky when you spread it. It does not clump up or feel gritty.
- **Good Pigment Load:** Paints with more pigment offer better coverage. You need less paint to make a bright mark.
- **Opaque Finish:** Opaque paints hide the paper underneath completely. This makes your colors stand out more.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- **Dye-Based Colors:** Some cheaper paints use dye instead of true pigment. These colors often look dull or fade quickly.
- **Sticky Residue:** If the paint dries and leaves a sticky or tacky film, it is poor quality. This attracts dust and dirt.
- **Separation:** If you open a jar and the water and color have completely separated, the paint was likely stored poorly or is low quality. You should mix it back together, but separation often means poor texture.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the paint guides your purchase.
For very young children (toddlers), prioritize **maximum washability** and **large, easy-to-grip containers**.
For older kids or therapeutic art sessions, you might want **metallic or glitter finishes** for added fun. You should also look for **bulk containers** if you plan to use the paint often.
If you use paper, **thicker paper or cardboard** works best because finger paint is usually heavy and wet. Thin printer paper will wrinkle quickly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Finger Painting Paints
Q: Can I use regular tempera paint instead of finger paint?
A: You can, but tempera paint is often thicker and may not clean up as easily from skin and surfaces as dedicated finger paint. Always check if the tempera is labeled non-toxic.
Q: How do I keep leftover finger paint fresh?
A: Keep the lids tightly sealed on the containers. Store them in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Q: Are finger paints safe for babies?
A: Only use paints specifically marked as “baby-safe” or “edible” for babies who might put things in their mouths. Always supervise babies closely.
Q: What is the best surface for finger painting?
A: Thick watercolor paper, cardstock, or even smooth cardboard work well. You can also paint on plastic trays or wax paper for easy cleanup.
Q: Why does my finger paint look gritty?
A: Grittiness usually means the pigments or fillers in the paint were not fully dissolved. This is a sign of lower quality paint. Try stirring it very well.
Q: How long does finger paint take to dry?
A: This varies widely. Thin layers might dry in an hour or two. Very thick layers can take 24 hours or more to dry completely.
Q: Can I mix finger paints with water?
A: A tiny bit of water can help thin the paint slightly, but adding too much water will destroy the texture and make it runny. It is better to buy a different consistency if you need thinner paint.
Q: Do I need special brushes for finger painting?
A: No! The fun is using your fingers. However, wide foam brushes or palette knives can be used for spreading large areas of color.
Q: How do I remove dried finger paint from clothes?
A: Scrape off any excess dry paint first. Soak the stained area in cold water mixed with a little white vinegar before washing as usual. Hot water can set the stain.
Q: Are eco-friendly or organic finger paints available?
A: Yes. Many brands now offer lines made from natural food dyes and plant-based thickeners for environmentally conscious consumers.