DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint: How to Easily Make & Enjoy
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Are you looking for a budget-friendly way to bring some colorful creativity to your outdoor playtime? This DIY sidewalk chalk paint recipe is not only easy to make but also super affordable.
It's a fantastic choice for any who wants to add a splash of fun to outside activities for kids. With just a few simple ingredients (cornstarch, water, and gel food coloring), you can create vibrant chalk paints that your children will love for spring, summer, or anytime of year.
I've got step-by-step instruction for you to follow plus tips for making this DIY paint for kids. Also, I have some cool ideas for using this paint for learning fun and more.
Related: Try our easy homemade playdough recipe for more frugal fun for kids!
Simple and Creative Outdoor Fun for Kids
If you need a quick and easy way to make outdoor time more fun, you'll love this frugal activity. It's perfect for inspiring creativity and practicing a variety of skills.
DIY sidewalk chalk paint was one of my go-to activities for when my boys were younger and really needed to get outside and enjoy something fun. And the best part was that they were actually getting so much out of the experiences!
I made sure to keep the basic supplies stocked up so we could make these paints and use whenever we wanted to:
- move homeschool art outside
- have a quite outdoor activity while mom was reading aloud
- enjoy an outdoor project that helps calm and relax before going back inside
- decorate our sidewalk before a holiday or special event (like a birthday)
- incorporate a creative way to practice handwriting and math facts
Suggested Supplies for This Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Before you begin making this recipe on your own or with your kids, you'll first want to gather all the materials first. We prefer to make the homemade sidewalk chalk paint in cups but you may want to try bowls.
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Gel Food Coloring (you get brighter colors with gel food coloring)
- Paint Brushes
- Containers to Mix Your Paints In
A muffin tin can work well for mixing the different colors and using it as a “paint palette.” A few of my boys liked to put their paint cups into separate muffin cups to prevent the paint from mixing up too much.
How to Make This DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint Recipe
Have you tried to make your own sidewalk chalk paint? If not, you're in for a real treat! It's almost magical how the basic ingredients blend together to create mixtures that you can use for art, learning, and more.
Combine water and cornstarch.
Mix equal parts cornstarch and water. Start with 1 Tablespoon each. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves and you are left with a smooth mixture.
Mix in gel food coloring.
Add a few squirts of the gel food coloring and stir. If you would like a brighter color, add a bit more gel food coloring.
Tweak sidewalk paint, if necessary.
If the paint seems too runny, add more cornstarch. If the paint is too thick, add more water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Sidewalk Chalk Paint
I recommend making and using the paint on the same day. This paint doesn’t store very well. Once used as paint, it will last as long as the weather permits! It typically dries within a few minutes, and the vibrant colors will stay on the pavement for several days, depending on rain and foot traffic. If it's a dry day, your chalk drawings may last longer, but they will eventually fade or wash away.
This paint is designed specifically for outdoor use on pavement or concrete. While it can be used on other outdoor surfaces, like brick or stone, I suggest testing a small area first to make sure it washes off easily. It’s not meant for use on fabrics or porous materials like wood or furniture.
Yes! The ingredients are non-toxic so it’s safe for children to use. Just be sure to supervise younger kids to avoid any accidental ingestion of the paint. While the paint is safe, it’s always a good idea to have kids wash their hands after playing. I recommend chatting with your students about proper ways to use the paint before you get started.
Cleanup is easy peasy. Simply rinse the paint off with a hose. Or you can wait for it to rain. If any paint residue remains, a scrub brush and water should do the trick. My boys actually thought it was fun to do cleanup as a chore!
Fun Ideas for Using Your Homemade Paint
Now exactly sue how to use your DIY sidewalk chalk paint with your students? No worries!
Use brushes to paint on the sidewalk. Just a thin layer of paint is needed. You can add layers to the paint if you'd like. The paint will dry bright and chalky. Sponge brushes would also be a great option, especially for younger ones.
Here are a few ideas for enjoying:
- Try freezing your DIY sidewalk chalk paint in ice cube trays with popsicle sticks in each slot. You can pop them out and use to paint on hot days. Fantastic for summer outdoor fun!
- Create a sidewalk mural as a family or class. This project can also be a lot of fun for a story time group at a library.
- Play hopscotch with colorful paint instead of chalk. Making your own hopscotch board can be so much fun!
- Use the paint for stencils or print-making with leaves.
- Create a color-matching game for younger kids.
- Learn about colors, color mixing, and color words.
- Paint holiday and seasonal messages and pictures.
More Budget-Friendly Activities for Kids
Want to help your children have some screen-free fun but need affordable (FREE) options? Here are some awesome (and frugal) things to try:
- Space slime
- Ocean slime
- Cloud dough
- Lavender cloud dough
- 3D paper houses (with free templates)
⭐ Do you have any questions about making or using this DIY sidewalk chalk paint? And what ideas do you have for enjoying with kids? Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!