A good tip for painting with kids

I thought I would share this since it worked SO well. An activity that DH's cousin gave me mentioned mixing tempera paint with a squirt of dishwashing liquid. I tried it and it worked fabulously. We painted outside, so I took a container of wipes out with us and I was amazed that the paint just wiped off of their skin so easily. It also came out of their clothes completely in one cycle through the wash. Usually there is some residual paint on their hands for days, but not this time.

The soap did change the consistency of the paint a little bit (made it a bit gloppy), but they didn't notice. And it dried just fine.

This may be something everyone else already does but I had never heard it before, so I thought I would share.

-Catherine

 

that is interesting! I had not heard that, but will definitely try it next time we paint. Thanks

ETA: any photos of the artwork??

 

we used that trick when i worked in daycares. We would also put sheets of plexi glass out (you never know who might have some hanging around that might be able to use the tip ). The kids could paint with the soap/paint on the plexi and then we could hose it right off and play again the next day

 

QUOTE(Ellen Barr @ Sep 13 2007, 10:28 AM) [snapback]405992[/snapback]
ETA: any photos of the artwork??


We painted some rocks and leaves (we already have leaves falling off the trees!) but I didn't take pictures. I did draw a house on the driveway with chalk and they used it as a home for their rocks. It was pretty hilarious. Maybe I'll go out and take a picture of the rocks in the house.

QUOTE(Fay @ Sep 13 2007, 10:49 AM) [snapback]406027[/snapback]
we used that trick when i worked in daycares. We would also put sheets of plexi glass out (you never know who might have some hanging around that might be able to use the tip ). The kids could paint with the soap/paint on the plexi and then we could hose it right off and play again the next day


The plexiglass is a great idea! I may have to get a piece next time I'm in Home Depot. I've been using the disposable plastic tableclothes from the dollar store. But the plexiglass would be better since it would be reusable. Thanks for the tip!