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Make Cornstarch Sidewalk Chalk Paint

DURATION

Less than 30 Minutes

WHERE

In your home, on your driveway or sidewalk!

WHEN

Throughout the year

WHOSE HELP IS REQUIRED

Adult

HOW IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

We love and appreciate art in the community!

DESCRIPTION

Get creative outdoors with your kids by making art on the sidewalk using this make-it-at-home Cornstarch Sidewalk Chalk Paint. Fun, easy, and screen-free!

ITEMS NEEDED

  • 1½ cups cornstarch
  • Measuring cups (dry & liquid) 
  • Spoon(s)
  • 1½ cups water
  • Food coloring 
  • Medium-sized mixing bowl
  • Small bowls (amount will depend on how many colors you make)
  • Paintbrushes

Optional Materials

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS


NEXT STEPS

Gather supplies and get mixing!

WEBSITE


Sound like fun?VIEW INSTRUCTIONS▼ to get started.
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  1. Have your child help you measure out 1½ cups of cornstarch (they can help you fill the measuring cup(s) using a spoon to scoop in the cornstarch). Have your child touch and feel the cornstarch. Ask, “What does it feel like? Soft, smooth, light, or gritty?” 
  2. Pour the measured-out cornstarch into a mixing bowl. Add in 1½ cups of water and have your child mix them together until there are no more clumps. Invite your child to touch the cornstarch and water mixture. Ask, “Does it feel different than the dry cornstarch powder? What does it feel like now? Slimy, soft, or gooey?” 
  3. Determine how many colors of chalk paint you and your child would like to make, then grab the necessary amount of bowls. Pour an equal amount of the cornstarch and water mixture into each bowl. 
  4. Squeeze a few drops of food coloring into each bowl and have your child mix them in using a spoon. This is a good opportunity to introduce color mixing! Add in more food coloring if the colors are too light. 
  5. Take the painting materials outside to paint on the sidewalk and the driveway. You can also try painting it onto paper and onto rocks. Invite your child to paint with their hands and feet as well as painting with the brushes. 

(Note: Cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom of the bowl so your child will need to mix the paint from time to time.)

Storage & Clean-up 

  • You can store the leftover paint in covered jars. The mixture will last for a few days. With the lid securely fastened onto the jar, shake and mix it to refresh the paint.
  • With help from your child, wash off the sidewalk using water. 

Other Suggestions

  • Tape resist painting: Put strips of masking tape on the ground and have your child paint on top or around the tape. When they’re done painting, peel off the tape to see the design left behind. 
  • Squeeze bottle cornstarch paint: Pour your cornstarch paint into a squeeze bottle. Shake it up and make swirly designs on the sidewalk. 
  • Remind your child that chalk paint will eventually be washed away or fade from the sidewalk/driveway.