Kids of all ages love to touch and feel their artwork - and this recipe for finger paint is fun!
Homemade finger paints are nontoxic, washable, and always available.
What You Will Need:
- 4 tablespoons Sugar
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 2 cups Cold Water
- Food Coloring
- Small Containers or Bowls
- Saucepan
What You Do:
- In a saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch together, then gradually add cold water. Stir constantly to avoid lumps, and until the mixture is smooth.
- Once mixture is smooth, heat mixture over medium heat until it is thick (approximately 10 minutes). Mixture will thicken as it cools.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Divide into four or more containers, then add food coloring as needed.
- Your finger paints are ready to use! Store leftover paint in an airtight container to be used again.
The Science:
Cornstarch acts as the primary thickening agent. It is made up of long chains of glucose molecules. When heated with water, these molecules unravel and form a network that traps water, creating a thick, gel-like consistency.
Sugar helps to create a smooth texture and adds a slight sheen to the paint. Sugar molecules dissolve in water, contributing to the overall viscosity and texture of the mixture.
Water dissolves the sugar and allows the cornstarch to gelatinize. It is essential for creating the smooth, spreadable consistency of the finger paint.
When the cornstarch and water mixture is heated, the starch granules absorb water and swell. The heat causes the granules to burst and release starch molecules, which then form the gel-like network. This thickening process is what gives the finger paint its smooth, spreadable texture.
