Splat Painting

What are some fun ways to paint with kids? Splat painting is such a cool way to paint! I guarantee your kids will love it!

Splat Painting is also a great way to create while moving and using your muscles. 

Inside this post we'll share how to introduce splat painting to kids!

RELATED: There are so many ways to paint with kids! Here are 15+ other creative ways to paint with kids.

We first learned about this version of splat painting from Cullen's ABCs. It was a hit!

What is Splat Painting?

Splat painting is a type of action art. Using pantyhose, rice, and paint, kids can have a full body painting experience that is amazing!

What is action art?

Action art is pretty much the best sort of creative activity.

It is CREATING + MOVEMENT. 

Kids love action art because they love to get their bodies moving! Add in painting or other types of creating and you've got a winning combination! 

Materials Needed for Splat Painting:

The materials needed for splat painting are super simple. 

• adult pantyhose (ie. nylons or tights)
• scissors
• dried rice
• washable paint
• large pieces of paper (or a big roll of paper)
• painters tape

How to create your Splat Painting tools:

• Cut the legs off the pantyhose.
• Fill each leg with a scoop or two of rice.
• Tie off the legs with a knot to keep the rice contained.
• Voila! You have two splatters!

How to do Splat Painting:

• Secure some large drawing paper to your floor. (I used painter's tape)
• Drop some paint onto the paper (or put it on some nearby plates).
• Grab your pantyhose splatter and dip it gently into the paint (while still holding on... so it is kinda like bouncing it).
• Move your pantyhose splatter up and down and all around the paper to make splat marks. It will make the coolest marks as it falls and dries!

Once you're done, display your masterpieces! This is how we displayed ours. 

I promise that adults will even be tempted to join in on the fun... and it is a good workout at the same time! You work out your leg and arms muscles quite well if you get into it!

Where Should You Do Splat Painting?

If you don't love messes, do this activity outside or in the garage... or just put down loads and loads of paper all over the floor. My kids painted their toes, the floor, and even a few pieces of clothes (accidentally), so, BE WARNED. 

This is a messy activity. 

Use washable paint and have your kids wear clothes that are ok to get a little dirty (or strip them down like I do)! 

How to Set Kids Up For Painting Success:

One of the best ways to make sure you have a successful painting time with kids is by setting them up for success.

Have clear & positive expectations and guidelines.

Make sure to set guidelines ahead of time regarding where your kids can paint and how they can use their painting tools (ie. move them up and down, don't swing them like pendulums and bonk your sister).

For example: 

• Bounce your splatters up and down
• Keep the paint on the paper
• Keep the splatters below your waist
• Bounce the splatters gently

Explain clearly what will happen if they don't follow the expectations that you set.

For example:

• Keep the paint on the paper or else we'll have to put the activity away.

If kids aren't following the guidelines, it is time to end the activity. 

You can just let your kids know that you have to put the art materials away now and you'll try splat painting again when they can use more self control.

I usually only have to stop an activity one or two times and then kids understand that I am serious and will enforce the consequences.

After that, they follow the directions pretty consistently.

What other painting activities have you done that get your whole body involved?

What other creative tools do you like to paint with?

If you're just joining us, head over to our Move and Groove 30 Day Challenge landing page to read about the details of our challenge. Can't wait to hear how it is going for you! If you participated last week, make sure to report how your work went here.