How To Make Raised Salt Paintings: Creative Process Art For Kids

To Tutorial

Salt painting is such a simple yet magical process for kids! With just glue, salt, and watercolor (along with a few of our helpful tips), you’ll be amazed at the colorful & unique artwork kids create every time.

rainbow salt painting, abstract salt and water color painting.

I love giving kids supplies and seeing what they come up with. Whether it is a glue and chalk pastel abstract drawing or Pollock-inspired watercolor paintings, allowing kids the freedom to explore materials is the best.

Why You Will Love This Art Idea

KID FRIENDLY – Toddlers and older will love creating salt paintings.
EASILY CHANGE SUBJECT MATTER– Draw any design you want with the glue.
MIXES SCIENCE AND ART – This is a great STEAM activity to try.

These raised salt paintings are easy to create. The examples in this post were done by kids aged 6-10, and they loved every minute of watching the color climb up the lines.

RELATED PROJECT – Pumpkin Salt Painting For Fall

Supplies You’ll Need

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water, watercolor, paint, salt, glue and paper on a tray.

Thick Paper or Cardstock
School Glue
Table Salt
Watercolor Paint*
Small Paintbrush or Pipette
Tray to work on

*We are using liquid watercolor paints for vibrant colors. If you do not have liquid watercolors, you can use food coloring or work from a regular watercolor palette.

How To Make A Raised Salt Painting

BEFORE YOU BEGIN – You will want to set a work area. I love using an old cookie pan for art projects, only to save on clean-up on all sorts of art projects.

Step 1: Draw With Glue

Draw a simple design with glue. Lines are best instead of big globs.

Step 2: Add Salt

Work on an old cookie tray and sprinkle salt on all the glue lines.

hand holding white paper with glue and salt lines on it.

Step 3: Shake Salt Around

Carefully move salt around to make sure glue lines are completely covered.

small brush adding color to salt painting.

Step 4: Add Color

Lightly dip a small brush in paint and touch the salt glue lines. Watch the colors expand into the design.

child's hand using liquid watercolor paint to add yellow to rainbow.

Step 5: Repeat

Add paint or food coloring to all lines until you are happy with your design and let dry.

Step 6: Add Other Color

Kids can paint areas that do not touch the glue lines.

ART TEACHER TIP – This is a great art activity to do outside to limit the mess!

raised rainbow salt painting, abstract salt paintings on a table.

Optional Additions

SPLATTER PAINT – A six-year-old took his painting one step further and splattered extra paint on top of his salt painting.
PAINT THE BACKGROUND – extra watercolor can be added if you don’t touch the glue lines.
WORK ON BLACK PAPER – if using liquid watercolors, the vibrant salt lines will look great on dark paper.
LET DRY – once these salt paintings are dry, you can carefully add other drawing elements, chalk, or more paint.

Salt Painting FAQs

Do the salt and glue have to be dry before painting?

No, you can carefully paint your raised salt while the glue is still wet. Just be careful not to press too hard with the brush or pipette.

Can you paint after the glue and salt have dried?

Yes, one of the paintings in this example was done with dried glue lines. Before letting the glue and salt dry, ensure they are completely covered with salt.

Easy Kid Painting Ideas

This simple art process can be repeated multiple times to achieve different results each time. I love that this salt painting process can be done by kids of all ages and abilities.

Prep:3

Creating:10

Total Time:13

Equipment

Small paintbrush or pipette
Cookie Sheet

Supplies

Thick Paper or Cardstock
Bottled White Glue
Table Salt
Liquid Watercolor Paint

Instructions

Before you begin: Set up a work area. An old cookie tray works great to contain the mess and make clean-up easier.
Draw a simple design using school glue. Lines work better than large blobs.
Sprinkle table salt over all the glue lines. A tray underneath will help catch extra salt.
Carefully move the paper so the salt fully covers the glue. Gently shake off excess.
Dip a small brush or pipette into watercolor paint and touch the salt lines. Watch the colors spread and blend.
Continue adding color to all glue and salt lines until you’re happy with the design. Let it dry completely.
Kids can paint areas that don’t touch the salt lines to add even more color and creativity.

Notes

You can add extra paint details after completing the raised salt painting. Just don’t paint too close to the wet glue.
Try this painting on black paper instead of white.
Liquid watercolor paint will give you the most vibrant colors, but food coloring or a regular palette will also work.

Author: Erin Nutter