Foil painting just requires an easy little switch.  Foil instead of paper means a new painting surface; a slippery, reflective surface that’s extra fun to paint on.

The benefits of painting on foil with kids…..

Painting on foil can be a great tool for teaching various concepts. Use foil painting to explore colors and mixing shades as children experiment with different paint combinations. You can also introduce texture by encouraging them to add patterns or designs to the foil using various tools like sponges, cotton swabs, or even their fingertips. It’s a hands-on way to teach them about cause and effect, patterns, and different art techniques.

Painting on foil is a versatile activity. You can incorporate it into different themes or projects. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for children to express themselves and showcase their individuality.

Preparing to paint on foil…

First you need to prepare the painting surface.  How you do this depends on how you and your little artists feel about the longevity of the final product.  If this project is purely about the process of painting on a new surface and letting your child experiment then maybe the final product doesn’t need to last forever.  In this case feel free to open a roll of foil, roll it out and begin to paint.  Jump right in!

Creating a foil painting that will last….

We did a little prep work before starting to paint on our foil so that the paintings would be easy to keep and display.  You will need a piece of cardboard, a dismantled cereal box is the perfect weight to easily manage.  Any size will work.  Roll out a piece of foil slightly larger than the card board you already cut.  

Lay the card board flat onto the foil, wrapping the edges around as if you were wrapping a gift, taping as you go.  It doesn’t matter which side of the foil is exposed, the shiny or the more matte side.  Experiment with both and see if your child can tell the difference.

Foil painting just requires an easy little switch.  Foil instead of paper means a new painting surface; a slippery, reflective surface that's extra fun to paint on. This process art activity uses household staples for lots of opportunities for creative sensory fun.

The best paint for foil painting….

Craft acrylic paint works great for this project.  It’s opaque and smooth and comes in lots of great colors.  Plus it’s inexpensive!  The only downside of acrylic paint is that it is not washable.  You’ve gotta’ know your kids.  If washability/staining is a sticking point grab some tempera paint and work with that!  Tempera paint is a staple for kid’s art making and always good to have on hand!

Tools and brushes for foil painting….

Inexpensive paintbrushes will work just fine.  But…..have some fun here.  Foil painting means a shiny, slippery surface.  Paint moves around easily so look around your house for things that might work.  Anything that won’t tear into the foil is a possibility.  Cotton balls and Q-tips are a good place to start.

Experiment.  A q-tip will spread paint nicely but the paint begins to dry that same q-tip will work to wipe paint off.  Then it becomes a subtractive game of taking off paint that’s already been painted on.

Foil painting just requires an easy little switch.  Foil instead of paper means a new painting surface; a slippery, reflective surface that's extra fun to paint on. This process art activity uses household staples for lots of opportunities for creative sensory fun.

Why foil painting…..

Painting on foil is a process art activity.  What does this mean exactly?  It means this is an art experience, not necessarily a craft or a project with a desired outcome.  It means you’re providing materials and a “jumping off point” for your young artist but not a specific set of steps.  Process art is more about the “making” than creating a finished picture that matches your couch.  

Encourage your young artist to think outside the box; make art with nontraditional materials and use art materials in new ways.  This is not “wasting” it is part of growing a creative person.

Foil painting just requires an easy little switch.  Foil instead of paper means a new painting surface; a slippery, reflective surface that's extra fun to paint on. This process art activity uses household staples for lots of opportunities for creative sensory fun.

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Use this year long curriculum to make teaching art in the home or classroom easy. Everything you need is included from historical information, to techniques, to suggestions to help each student be successful!


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