If your kids love to paint, but love eating colors even more, then here's a recipe for making non-toxic watercolors that are right for you! All you need is very simple ingredients and tools that are found in all homes, such as muffin molds (to contain the colors) and paint brushes. In any case, you can also use these watercolors with your hands!
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare the Workstation
Step 1. Find a suitable surface to paint
Since this recipe contains syrup, avoid working around carpets, valuables, and furniture that would get stained easily.
Method 2 of 4: Mix and Pour the Watercolors
Step 1. Mix the baking soda with the vinegar
The solution is slightly fizzy, but keep stirring until the bubbles disappear. It is a good idea to combine these two ingredients in the sink, as it could spill out of the bowl.
Step 2. Add the corn syrup and corn starch to the vinegar and baking soda solution
Mix well to dissolve the ingredients.
Step 3. Pour the mixture into a muffin pan or ice cube tray
Fill each compartment halfway. The mixture must dry before it can be used by adding water.
Step 4. Add the food colors to the different compartments
If you work with a range of primary colors, you need to mix different shades to get a richer palette. When combining colors, use only a few drops at first, adding more a little at a time until you get the desired shades.
Method 3 of 4: Let the watercolors dry
Step 1. Store the containers in a cool, dry place
The drying time may vary according to the ambient temperature. In some cases, it even takes a couple of days. In any case, if you find a place that is not too humid, this step takes on average only one night.
Method 4 of 4: Use Watercolors
Step 1. Fill a cup with clean water
Use these colors as if they were watercolors.
- Dip the brush in clean water before scrubbing the bristles to the desired color.
- Slide the brush over the paper.
- Wait for the color to dry.
Advice
- It is advisable to use work clothes for painting, however these homemade watercolors do not stain clothes and come off with a simple wash.
- If the starting mixture feels too runny, add a pinch of extra cornstarch to change the consistency.
- Put the paints in an airtight bag and store it in a cool, dry environment. Since the colors contain food ingredients, they could attract insects or other pets if the bag is not sealed.
- Spread an old tablecloth or newspaper on the work table.
