This homemade paint recipe with spices is as much a delight for the nose as the eyes! It’s super easy to make and great for both sunny days when you’re painting outdoors, or dark days when your senses need a boost. Here’s how to make it.
Homemade paint recipe with spices
We started out by choosing our paint colours. Knowing we were going to be adding spices, we picked some earthy colours to match.
Next we paid a visit to our larder to investigate which spices we had. The children enjoyed sniffing all the pots and trying to guess which spice was which – and what food we usually eat them in.
My daughter declared that each spice should match the paint colours, so we paired up…
white with vanilla
yellow with garam masala
{we were out of turmeric!}
orange with ginger
red with mild chilli powder
{I’d suggest using something different if you have young children joining in}
and
brown with cinnamon
For this homemade paint recipe all you need to do is mix in a dash of spice into your tempera / poster paint – as easy as that. How much use depends on how strong you would like the fragrance to be. We used around a teaspoon per pot, and a little goes a long way. {If you store the paint in jars with lids you’ll be able to use it over a few different art sessions – depending of course on how many paintings you do.}
And then all you need to do is stir the spice into your paint, until it combines well.
We have had some lovely sunny days this week, so I set up the easel in our back garden. The warm weather made the spice scents even better, but the paint is also great on dark, indoor days as it really gives you a sensory boost and adds some zing to your art session.
The children loved it – and I enjoyed sitting in the sunshine, watching them paint, and smelling all the lovely scents!
Have you ever tried sensory play with spice paint?
How fun! I bet you all were pretty hungry after the painting session. I want to try mint…
Mint would be great – with green paint of course!
Oh great idea or peppermint the essences would be great
There is a chocolate essence mmmm in brown paint
This is a brilliant idea!! How long does the smell of spice last? I want to try this with my kids, they would love it!!
I’ve just been to do a smell test for you Chris! The paint on the pictures no longer has a scent but the paint that we still have left in the pots (with lids on) still has a great scent. Maybe two weeks later.
Please warn your readers that turmeric is a strong plant dye that requires no additives to be a permanent color on fabric and carpeting. I’ve seen this going around Pinterest, and it scares me to think of an unsuspecting parent letting their child use this spice anywhere but outside or a well-protected space. Thank you.
Hi guys I have younger children that have sensory delay so every thing is very oral … Any ideas other than paint but with the spices cheers
You can mix the spices in with water instead of paint. More water equals runny paint, less water equals more of a paste.
Yes, great idea.
Hi,
I would like to offer a plainting activity to a group of 2-5 years old. Of all your scented paint recipes, which ones would you suggest ? And does it smell after the paint dried ?
Thanks a lot ! Great website !
Hi Catherine. Maybe ask the children which they’d like to try, or link it to a theme you’re exploring? Maybe pumpkin spice scented for autumn? The paints that contain dried spices (rather than say fruit juices) seem to hold the scent longer. Happy painting!
I loved your ideas but even tho I did not do the idea I still think it super cool
By: Alice Li
SUPER COOLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Alice Li
Thanks Alice Li!
Great idea! For a baby-safe/toddler alternative, we made a water-flour mix and added spices and food colouring. Also added in some food aromas (mint and orange) for a bit of extra variation. Worked out really nice!