Homemade craft paint: flour and salt paint for supervised use

Homemade paint can be a mixing-and-mark-making activity with ingredients already in the cupboard. It is not automatically safer because those ingredients come from the kitchen. This flour-and-salt mixture is craft material, not food.

Decide whether it suits your child

Do not use this recipe with a child who is likely to taste the paint or put paint-covered hands in their mouth. Check ingredients for allergies, including wheat. Choose materials appropriate to your child’s age and follow product instructions for any alternative you buy.

Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria. The Food Standards Agency’s flour and craft guidance explains handling precautions. Wash hands before and after the activity and clean equipment and surfaces. Salt and food colouring do not make the mixture safe to eat.

Ingredients and equipment

• 1 cup salt.
• 1 cup flour.
• 1 cup water.
• Food colouring.
• Measuring cup, mixing bowl, spoons and dedicated craft pots.
• Paper or cardboard, brushes and a protected work surface.

The recipe keeps its original cup measures. Food colouring may stain; try a small mark on scrap material and do not promise a washable result.

Mix with an adult

• Combine the flour and salt carefully without scattering flour.
• Add the water gradually and stir. Expect a textured mixture rather than shop-bought paint.
• Divide between craft pots and mix in a little colouring.
• Use brushes to make marks on paper or cardboard. Keep the pots clearly separate from food and drink.

Stay with the activity

Let children choose colours and marks without needing to copy a finished picture. Keep paint away from mouths and eyes. Do not use it as face paint, bath paint or an edible sensory activity. Stop if it is being tasted.

Clean up and finish

Make only what you need for the session and discard leftovers. Wash hands, brushes and bowls, and clean the surface afterwards. This recipe has no tested fridge-storage life or guarantee that it will wash out of fabrics.

For a different supervised craft, see homemade playdough and its hot-water and suitability precautions. More starting points are on Dad Tips.

Updated 10 September 2026. Sources used for the guidance are linked above.