Painting has always been my stress outlet, and my kids caught the bug. The trouble is toddlers taste-test everything, so I went looking for a homemade finger paint I didn’t have to worry about.
This scented finger paint is made with flour, water and food coloring, with vanilla for a cookie smell. We used it to make our Christmas cards, and the kids called it “Christmas cookie paint.”
How to Make Scented Finger Paint
Puffy Paint Visual Recipe
Get the printable1 cup flour
1 cup water, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or another scent)
Food coloring
Small containers or a muffin tin
Mix the base
Whisk the flour, water and vanilla together until smooth. If it’s too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time.
Split the colors
Divide the paint into small containers.
Add color
Stir a few drops of food coloring into each one.
Paint
Paint on heavy paper or cardstock. It dries thick and a little puffy.
Good to know
This paint uses everyday ingredients, but it isn’t meant to be eaten. Raw flour can carry germs, so wash hands after painting.
Tips for Homemade Finger Paint
- Try other scents. Cinnamon, peppermint extract or a pinch of unsweetened drink mix all smell great. Drink mix can stain hands for a bit.
- Want a smoother paint? Whisk 1/2 cup cornstarch into 2 cups cold water, then heat and stir until it thickens like pudding. Let it cool before painting.
- Storing it: Cover and refrigerate. Use it within a few days.
- Use thick paper. Cardstock holds up best to wet finger paint.
More paint recipes
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Take painting to the tub with our bathtub paint visual recipe.
The visual recipe includes
- Picture-based ingredient list
- Step-by-step picture directions
- Great for speech, OT and life skills
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Cooking and crafting with kids
- Special education
- Sensory art
- Ages 3 and up
Scented Finger Paint FAQ
Mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup water and a teaspoon of vanilla, then divide and add food coloring.
It’s made with kitchen ingredients, but it isn’t food. Raw flour can carry germs, so supervise and wash hands after.
A few days, covered in the fridge.
Yes. Whisk 1/2 cup cornstarch into 2 cups cold water and cook until thick.
More Paint Recipes and Art
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From families like yours
Did you try it? Tell us how it went!
We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.
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