Easy Salt Painting for kids {printable template images!}
Salt painting is a fun and easy way to make process art with kids. Prep your art work and then use whatever watercolor colors you like to create your work of art.
For younger kids an adult will need to place the glue but kids can help add the salt…and do the painting part of course. Scroll down to grab some salt painting template images or google your own.
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My oldest daughter isn’t super crafty but she does love painting! Salt painting gives us a new way to do a project she already enjoys. Something new is always great for catching her attention.
Kids will love exploring different colors and watching how the color spread along the salt.
Salt Painting Supplies
- Simple image with dark outline
- White Glue
- Watercolor Paints
- Paintbrush
- Table Salt
- Cup of Water
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How to do Salt Painting with Kids
1 – Choose a simple picture with a dark outline. Print it on cardstock if possible or you may want to attach your paper to a piece of cardboard. (Your welcome to use one of the simple templates you can download below.)
2 – Trace the outline of your picture with glue.
3 – Sprinkle the picture liberally with salt. Jiggle it gently to ensure all the glue is coated with salt.
4 – Gently shake off the excess salt.
5 – Dip your paintbrush in water and then in some watercolor paints. Gently touch the brush to an area of the salt and watch it spread.
6 – Continue until you’re satisfied with your picture. Don’t over add water and color or your salt may start to dissolve.
7 – Allow the painting to dry completely before displaying your art work.
Learning Opportunities
Color Practice
Painting can be a great opportunity for practicing colors. Talk about the different colors as your painting and let your child choose their favorite to add to their picture.
Process and Outcomes
Process art is great for exploring different ways to do an activity. They are also practicing different steps it takes to reach the final outcome…a beautiful final picture.
Simple STEM activity
Salt painting can also be a simple science experiment in absorption. Ask question like what do you think will happen when we put the color on the salt, will it stay in place or will it spread? Try making two different lines and using plain paint on one and paint mixed with a tiny bit of water on the other, which spreads more?
Salt Painting Templates
The 6 salt painting templates print on 8.5×11″ paper. They will work best if printed on thicker paper like cardstock.
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Have fun creating your art work and exploring salt painting!
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