Bath time. For some parents, it’s a smooth-sailing part of the daily routine. For others, it can feel like wrestling a slippery eel while trying to maintain a calm atmosphere. If you fall into the latter camp, or even if you just want to inject a bit more fun into the tub, look no further! Forget expensive store-bought novelties; you can whip up some amazing, colourful bath paints right in your own kitchen. It’s easier than you think, surprisingly affordable, and opens up a whole world of bubbly creativity.
Making your own bath paints means you know exactly what’s going onto your child’s skin and into the bath water. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get kids involved even before they hit the water, letting them help mix and choose colours. Ready to turn your bathroom into an art studio (the easily washable kind, of course)? Let’s dive in.
Why Go Homemade for Bath Paints?
Beyond the sheer fun factor, creating your own bath paints offers several advantages:
- Ingredient Control: You choose what goes in. This is particularly great if your child has sensitive skin. You can opt for gentle soaps or shampoos you already know work well for them.
- Cost-Effective: The basic ingredients are likely already in your pantry or bathroom cabinet. A big batch costs pennies compared to buying pre-made versions.
- Customisation Galore: You’re the colour master! Mix shades, adjust consistency, and create the perfect palette for your little artist’s vision. Want neon green? Go for it! Pastel pink? Easy peasy.
- Learning Opportunity: Making the paints involves measuring, mixing, and colour theory (what happens when you mix blue and yellow?). It’s a mini science and art lesson rolled into one.
- Reduced Waste: You can reuse containers, cutting down on the plastic packaging that often comes with store-bought toys.
The Super Simple Homemade Bath Paint Recipe
This is a basic, tried-and-true recipe that serves as a great starting point. Feel free to tweak it once you get the hang of it.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch (sometimes called Cornflour depending on your location)
- 1/2 cup Kid-Friendly Soap or Shampoo (tear-free baby shampoo or a gentle body wash works great)
- Approx. 1/4 cup Water (you might need slightly more or less)
- Washable Food Colouring (liquid or gel – gel gives more vibrant colours)
- A Mixing Bowl * Whisk or Spoon * Small Containers for finished paints (ice cube trays, muffin tins, small plastic pots work well)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Combine the Base
In your mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch and the kid-friendly soap/shampoo. Stir it together. It will likely be quite thick and perhaps a bit clumpy at this stage – that’s perfectly normal.
Step 2: Add Water Gradually
Start adding the water, just a tablespoon or so at a time. Whisk or stir continuously after each addition. You’re aiming for a smooth, paint-like consistency – thick enough to stick to the tub wall or skin for a moment, but thin enough to be easily spreadable and rinse away cleanly. If it gets too thin, add a tiny bit more cornstarch. If it’s still too thick, add a tiny bit more water. Keep mixing until there are no lumps.
Step 3: Divide and Colour
Once you have your smooth base, divide it evenly among your small containers. This is where the magic happens! Add a few drops of washable food colouring to each container. Start with less colour – you can always add more. Stir each colour thoroughly until it’s evenly distributed. Remember, mixing primary colours (red, yellow, blue) can create secondary colours (orange, green, purple)!
Step 4: Ready for Fun!
That’s it! Your homemade bath paints are ready to use. Grab some brushes, sponges, or just let little fingers do the work.
Important Cleanup Note: While designed to be washable, always use washable food colouring. Some intense colours (especially reds and blues) or certain porous tub/grout surfaces might experience temporary staining. It’s wise to test the paint on a small, hidden area of your tub and grout first if you have concerns. Always supervise children during use and rinse the tub thoroughly immediately after bath time.
Tips, Tricks, and Fun Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, why not experiment?
Getting the Consistency Right:
The soap-to-cornstarch-to-water ratio is flexible. Want thicker paint for more defined lines? Use slightly less water or a bit more cornstarch. Want a thinner wash for covering larger areas? Add a touch more water or soap. Let your child experiment with different textures.
Soap Choices:
Using a bubble bath liquid instead of shampoo can add extra foaminess to the painting fun. A creamy body wash might give a slightly different texture. Always opt for tear-free and gentle formulas suitable for your child’s skin.
Scented Sensations:
Using a nicely scented children’s body wash or shampoo in the recipe will automatically give your paints a pleasant aroma. Avoid adding essential oils directly unless you are absolutely certain they are safe for young children’s skin and for bathwater dilution, as many are not.
Sparkle Power (Use Caution!):
If you want to add some shimmer, ensure you use cosmetic-grade, biodegradable glitter. Regular craft glitter is made of plastic microparticles and is harmful to waterways. Add it sparingly, as it can make cleanup a little trickier. Honestly, the vibrant colours are usually exciting enough on their own!
Storage:
These paints are best made fresh for each bath time or used within a day or two. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The mixture might separate a little upon standing; just give it a good stir before the next use. Because it contains water and no preservatives, it won’t last long, so only make what you think you’ll use soon.
Unleashing Creativity in the Tub
Okay, you’ve mixed your paints. Now for the really fun part! How can you use them?
- Tub Mural Masterpieces: The sides of the bathtub and shower walls (tile or acrylic/fibreglass) become the perfect canvas. Draw shapes, scenes, letters, numbers, or just wonderfully colourful scribbles.
- Body Art Fun: Let kids paint rainbows on their arms or smiley faces on their tummies. Always do a small patch test first if your child has sensitive skin, even with gentle ingredients.
- Colour Mixing Lab: Give them primary colours and let them discover what happens when they mix them together directly on the tub wall.
- Tools of the Trade: Provide chunky paintbrushes, small sponges cut into shapes, or even just let them use their fingers. Cotton balls also make interesting textures.
- Learning Through Play: Practice writing letters or numbers. Draw shapes and name them. Sort colours. The possibilities for playful learning are endless.
- Target Practice: Draw simple targets or shapes on the wall and have them try to splat them with paint (gently!).
The All-Important Cleanup
The beauty of this recipe, especially when made correctly with washable ingredients, is the easy cleanup. In most cases, simply rinsing the tub and shower walls thoroughly with warm water after the bath is enough to wash all the colour away. Point the shower head at the walls and watch the art disappear!
If you find any stubborn spots (which can occasionally happen with very bright colours or on older/porous surfaces), a quick wipe with your usual bathroom cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water usually does the trick. Remember that warning blockquote – testing first is always the safest bet if you’re unsure about your surfaces. And rinsing immediately after draining the tub prevents colours from drying on.
A Note on Safety
While this activity is generally very safe, common sense is key:
- Supervision is Essential: Never leave a young child unattended in the bath, regardless of the activity.
- Discourage Tasting: While the ingredients are non-toxic, they aren’t meant to be eaten. Gently remind children that the paints are for playing, not tasting.
- Use Washable Colouring: Double-check that your food colouring specifies “washable.”
- Mind the Eyes: Use tear-free soap/shampoo to minimise stinging if paint accidentally gets near the eyes. Rinse gently with water if it does.
- Skin Sensitivity: Perform a patch test if your child has known skin sensitivities or allergies before letting them cover themselves in paint.
Making your own bath paints is a simple, joyful way to add a splash of colour and creativity to the daily routine. It transforms the tub into a space for imagination, sensory play, and happy memories. So grab that cornstarch, pick your favourite colours, and get ready for some squeaky clean artistic fun! Your kids (and maybe even your inner child) will thank you.
