Kids Will Love This Fun Puffy Paint Activity!

When you’re looking for a hands-on activity that keeps kids engaged without needing a big clean-up or heading outdoors, puffy paint is a great option. It’s soft, foamy, and adds a fun texture to your little one’s artwork. Plus, it’s made from just a few everyday items you likely already have at home.

This DIY paint is perfect for a rainy-day project or a weekend craft session — simple to make and fun to use. Here’s how to whip up your own batch!

How to Make Puffy Paint

What You’ll Need

• 1/3 cup shaving cream (the foamy kind, not gel)
• 1/3 cup white PVA glue
• A few drops of food colouring or washable paint
• A mixing bowl and spoon
• Paintbrushes or craft sticks
• Thick paper or cardboard

Instructions for DIY Puffy Paint

1. In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup of shaving cream with 1/3 cup of white glue.
2. Add a few drops of your chosen food colouring or paint, and gently stir to mix the colour through
   👉 Repeat this step in separate bowls for each colour you’d like to make.
3. Use a paintbrush or craft stick to apply the paint onto thick paper or cardboard. The thicker the paint, the puffier the effect once dry.
4. Let the artwork air dry completely. It’ll take several hours — or leave it overnight — and your puffy paint will set nicely.

Why Kids Love Puffy Paint:

Puffy paint is a hit with kids because it’s so unique compared to regular paint — the fluffy, foamy texture makes it fun to touch and super satisfying to paint with. It’s a great way for little ones to explore sensory play, build fine motor skills, and experiment with colour mixing in a hands-on, engaging way.

Tips for Using Puffy Paint:

• Use it fresh: Puffy paint is best used as soon as you make it. The shaving cream can start to deflate if left too long, which affects the texture.
• Thicker is puffier: Apply the paint thickly with a brush or craft stick for the best puffy effect.
• Let it air dry: Paintings can take several hours to dry — or leave them overnight — and the puffiness will set nicely.
• Separate colours: Mix each colour in a different bowl to avoid muddy colours and keep things bright.
• Use thick paper or cardboard: Regular paper may wrinkle or collapse under the paint’s weight.
• Expect some flattening: The raised texture may soften slightly after a day or two but will still be fun to touch.

Give it a go and tag @mudmates in your masterpieces — we love seeing what you’ve been up to!

Love messy play but not the clean-up?

Our custom-made Fitted Tablecloths are perfect for puffy paint fun — protecting your table from spills, splatters and sticky hands.

Quick to pop on, easy to wipe clean. Get yours today and spend less time scrubbing, more time creating.

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