Are you looking for the ultimate summer boredom buster? We’ve got you covered! Shared below is everything you need to know about squirt painting; a fun, vibrant, and exciting art project for creative kids, teens, and adults.
What is Squirt Painting?
Squirt painting is an engaging, active, and colorful art experience for people of all ages. One can create squirt paintings with anything that sprays or squirts water. Some ideas include:
- Squirt guns, water guns, or water blasters
- Squirt bottles, spray bottles, or squeeze bottles
- Bath squirt toys or pool squirt toys
Squirt painting is an energizing and messy sensory art experience. Best to enjoy it outdoors in an open space (away from buildings, homes, and cars), wearing play clothes or a bathing suit.
What Kind of Paint Should I Use for Squirt Painting?
Any type of paint is appropriate for squirt painting as long as it is properly diluted. Well-diluted paint will not clog the tubes or nozzle of your water gun or spray bottle.
Our favorite type of paint to use is washable liquid watercolor, but one can also use tempera paint, acrylic paint, fabric paint, food coloring, or tie-dye dye. We’ve even made squirt art with Kool-Aid!
Washable liquid watercolors are ready to use right out of the bottle, but to make the paint last longer, dilute it with 2 parts water. If you wish to make light, pastel colors, use 4 parts water. Our favorite liquid watercolors can be found at Lakeshore Learning or Amazon.
To prepare thick paint (like tempera paint or fabric paint) for squirt painting, mix 1 cup of water with 3 tablespoons of paint in a plastic squeeze bottle. Shake the bottle until the paint mixture is combined.
Supplies Needed for Squirt Painting
- plastic easel or wooden easel
- liquid watercolors
- watercolor paper
- squirt guns
- spray bottles
- masking tape or easel clips
- plastic squeeze bottles
You may also want to gather:
- paper towels
- baby wipes
- rocks (to weigh finished paintings down so they don’t blow away while drying)
- jugs filled with water
NOTE: Some paints may stain unfinished wooden easels, cement, or clothes.
How to Fill a Squirt Gun with Paint
If you are painting with liquid watercolors and boast a steady hand, you may squeeze the paint directly into the squirt gun or spray bottle.
Alternatively, use a small funnel or prepare your paints in a plastic squeeze bottle, which is our favorite method. The long nose of a squeeze bottle makes filling squirt guns and spray bottles quite easy and convenient, especially for kids.
How to Cleanup After Squirt Painting
Rinse out the squirt guns with water, clean the outside of the spray bottles, and give your easel a quick wash with the hose. Kids can wash their hands with soap and water, run through the sprinkler, or take a shower.
For brand specific cleaning instructions, be sure to check the label on your paint.
I like to store paint-filled bottles upright in a cardboard box in the garage. The cardboard will absorb any paint drips!
Video Tutorial: Squirt Painting
Watch the video below to be guided through each step of this art activity. You can view more easy kids arts and craft tutorials on our Facebook Page, Teachers Pay Teachers Page, or right here on our website.
The Best Squirt Painting Ideas
Shared below are the best squirt painting ideas for kids, as well as some fun ways to display and use finished artwork. Be sure to check back often, as this section is frequently updated with new ideas!
Squirt Gun Painting
Bust summer boredom at home, school, or camp with Squirt Gun Painting. Click the link for full directions and supplies.
Squirt Gun Tie-Dye
Squirt Gun Tie-Dye is a fun activity for birthday parties, summer camp, or lazy crafternoons at home! Click the link for full directions and supplies.
Squirt Painting Targets
Kids particularly enjoy the challenge of squirt target painting. Click the link to download our free printable squirt painting targets!
Print the targets on 8.5 x 11-inch cardstock or watercolor paper. The half-circle target, or rainbow target as youngest son calls it, may be cut out and taped together to make one large circular target.
Your Turn
Have you ever tried squirt painting? Share your experience and tips in the comments below! If you haven’t already signed up, please consider keeping in touch through our free weekly newsletter.
