Introduction: How to Make Homemade Watercolor Paint

This Instructable will teach its readers how to make a safe, organic, and do it yourself alternative option to the highly popular store bought watercolor paints. By only using corn starch, baking soda, sugar, white vinegar, and food coloring, a fun and creative hobby or activity is made for any type of rainy day.

Step 1: Gather Materials

The ingredients needed to make watercolor paints are:

  • ¼ cup Corn Starch
  • ½ cup Baking Soda
  • ¼ cup White Vinegar
  • 1-2 drops Food Coloring
  • 1 tsp. Sugar

You will also need other materials for this project such as:

  • A large mixing bowl
  • Measuring utensils
  • A spoon for mixing
  • Containers to store the paint in

Step 2: Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar

Take a large bowl and combine a ½ cup baking soda and ¼ cup vinegar. (Warning: A fizzing and bubbling reaction will occur and may emit a foul smell) Stir the mixture until the fizzing stops and the baking soda dissolves.

Step 3: Add Sugar

Next add 1 tsp. of sugar to the mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved.

Step 4: Add Corn Starch

Add ¼ cup of corn starch to the bowl and mix well. The mixture will clump while stirring, stirring slowly and/or using a whisk may produce better results(Once you stop stirring, the mixture will settle and you will be able to pour it).

Step 5: Pour Mixture

Evenly distribute mixture into individual containers, filling each about halfway. Each container will be its own color.

Step 6: Add Color

Add 1-2 drops of your desired food coloring into the individual containers and stir until the color is even throughout the mixture. You can also follow this chart to create your own colors by mixing food coloring.

Step 7: Dry

Set the paints aside and leave them uncovered to dry overnight or until the paint has hardened. Then they are ready to use! (Caution: Do Not Consume! Be careful not to spill the paint, it may damage clothing and other materials.)