Learn how to make homemade sidewalk chalk paint and keep your children entertained all day long with this quick and easy kids’ art and craft activity! A great outdoor summer craft for kids that’s SO much fun!
Skill Level: Beginner – This DIY sidewalk chalk paint only requires two basic ingredients (plus a little water), so it couldn’t be any easier to make!
My kids and I have been having a lot of fun lately making our own paints (like this fun Shaving Cream Paint), but this DIY sidewalk chalk paint has become our new favorite! It’s such a fantastic and inexpensive outdoor summer activity!
This DIY sidewalk paint is a fun alternative to traditional sidewalk chalk that allows kids to create their own colorful sidewalk art. Kids of all ages will love mixing up their favorite vibrant colors of this fun homemade sidewalk paint!
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Sidewalk Chalk Paint Supplies:
How to Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Making your own sidewalk chalk paint is super easy, and it only requires a couple of common household ingredients, so virtually ANYONE can do it!
- Step 1: Start by mixing together equal amounts of water and cornstarch in a large bowl or mixing container, and stir until the cornstarch dissolves.
Note that it may be a bit difficult to stir the cornstarch and water mixture at first (since this is similar to making Oobleck, the non-Newtonian fluid!), but it will get easier as you keep stirring and the cornstarch begins to dissolve.
Add a little bit more water as necessary to thin the paint. - Step 2: Divide the paint mixture into equal parts into the wells of a muffin tin or small bowls.
- Step 3: Add a small amount of food coloring (start with 1-2 drops) to achieve the desired color. Note that the colors will dry much lighter on the sidewalk than they appear in the tin!
- Step 4: Go outside and paint your heart out!
PRO TIP:
I typically start with a 1:1 ratio of cornstarch and water and then add just a bit more water to thin out the mixture to a paintable consistency. When it is slightly thinned, we have the ability to paint longer brushstrokes without needing to reload the paintbrush with more paint, which is always great for younger kids!
How to Use Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Simply dip your paintbrush into the paint and start painting on your sidewalk or driveway! Large kid’s paint brushes and foam brushes work best, but any paintbrush will do!
Try This Fun Alternative!
Skip the muffin tin or bowl and pour your DIY chalk paint mix into squeeze bottles or spray bottles for another fun way to paint!
My boys also love painting their hands and feet to make handprints and footprints on the sidewalk. The paint washes off their skin easily with soap and water, but I do recommend having them wear clothing that they can get messy!
Since the entire batch of paint costs under $1 to make, I never have to worry about them wasting expensive paints when it comes time to experiment with color mixing (Sutton’s specialty!).
Of course, around here, you can’t play with sidewalk chalk paint without making a hopscotch! Another super fun outdoor activity (and a great time killer!) for warm days!
Once you’re finished playing with the homemade chalk paint, use a garden hose to rinse away your artwork, or, let the rain take care of it for you! We have kept our masterpieces on display on the sidewalk for several days without any staining issues.
This easy recipe is sure to bring you endless hours of fun! If you’re looking for even more fun DIYS for kids, be sure to check out our huge collection of kids crafts & activities for TONS of Summer fun! Happy painting!
Sidewalk Chalk Paint FAQs
Sidewalk Chalk Paint Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- Muffin Tin
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 1+ cup Water
- Liquid Food Coloring
Instructions:
- Mix together the water and cornstarch, and stir until the cornstarch dissolves.
- Divide the paint mixture into the wells of a muffin tin or similar painting tray.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to achieve the desired colors – note that the colors will dry much lighter on the sidewalk than they appear in the tin!
- Paint your sidewalk or driveway!
Notes:
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Heidi Kundin has captivated the hearts of millions with her colorful and inspiring approach to crafting, celebrations, and family fun. With over 15 years of experience, Happiness is Homemade has become a must-visit destination for those seeking quick and easy creative ideas and last-minute solutions. Heidi’s warm personality shines through her posts, inviting readers to join her on a creative journey that’s fun, rewarding, and achievable. Heidi is also the author of Homemade Bath Bombs & More and DIY Tie-Dye.
We used this recipe as a basis to mark a large bicycle track in the church parking lot for Bike Safety week at our preschool. It worked beautifully. We used 4 lb. cornstarch to 1 gallon water with yellow food coloring. Sprayed it on with a garden pump sprayer using the fan nozzle. It does dry much lighter and rinsed off completely. It stayed on, even with kids running their bikes over it. Can’t wait to use the regular recipe amounts and have fun with the grand kids! Thank you so much!
My kids love this so much. I’m writing a book and would love to quote this recipe (giving you credit of course), please let me know if this would be OK! My email is jm3885@yahoo.com, thanks!
Have you used it on the road? Halloween is near and i would like to make a designated walking area with cones and Halloween characters on the road for the kids to follow and be safe from cars. I do live near a busy street with no crosswalk and dimly lit corner.
I have 2 traffic cones and a bright light. All i need is something fun that will stand out on the rode for the kids to follow.
We’ve only used it on the sidewalk, but it’s plenty bright and easy to see! 🙂
my sister in law randomly found your blog on pinterest and sent me a screenshot of the pic of your two boys above painting – I also have a Sutton and a Sawyer (both girls tho). anyway – just thought that was completely random! especially Sutton – don’t hear it real often!
How funny! I definitely don’t hear of very many other Suttons! 🙂
Children spend vacation with painting that’s amazing.I like it, want to share it in FB.Thanks.signs ft lauderdale
Have you tried using this on an actual chalk board? I would love to have a an alternative to drawing with chalk on my framed chalk board that I have to document my pregnancy.
Yes! We’ve used it on our outdoor chalkboards (homemade with plywood and chalkboard paint), and it works great. You may need to use a bit of water to help remove it as it tends to stick to the chalkboard more than normal chalk does.
One question; does it stain their clothes? I’d love to do this with my sister’s kids and I need to know if I need to grab ‘play clothes’ for them.
I’ve never had an issue with it staining clothes or the concrete since I use a pretty small amount of food coloring in ratio to the water/corn starch mix….but, I’d still probably use play clothes anyway, just in case! 🙂
Used your recipe today to make chalk paint paintballs. Heaps of fun. Gave you cred’s on my blog. Thanks a heaps for this awesome idea.You can see it if you like at http://halfdonemum.blogspot.com/2011/10/home-made-shooter-side-walk-paintballs.html Bye and thanks again.
@ Bumble Baybees – I tried replying to your comment via email, but you have your return address turned off :)I have made this paint and left it out (covered) for a couple of days, and it has been fine, but it does best in the refrigerator – just make sure to mix it up before using.
If you make it the night before will it stay covered in the fridge or just covered??? I am in love with this idea btw. We are having a “baby pool party” at our house. This will be the craft for the kids!!!
so fun! and: i LOVE your kids’ names! sawyer is on my list for sure;)YOURS, MINE AND OURS
This is so cool! Love it, just in time for summer!
What a great idea for summer outdoor play and creativity!