Welcome to the very first official edition of ShineKids, a special section of this blog devoted to fun and creative activities for the little ones in your life!
This week, I introduced my kids to a super fun and colorful painting technique—swirl painting with enamel paints. Initially, we experimented with oil-based enamel paints, the type found in small jars often used for painting model cars. We dropped these paints into a bucket of water and then dipped paper and canvases into the mixture, revealing mesmerizing and vibrant swirled patterns.
However, for an easier and kid-friendly alternative, we also tried this method using acrylic craft paints. It turned out to be an excellent activity for younger children since acrylics are water-based, making cleanup far simpler than with enamels. If you’re looking for a mess-free, engaging, and creative experience for your kids, swirl painting with acrylics is a perfect choice!
How-To: Swirl Painting with Acrylics
Before getting started, it’s essential to prepare your workspace for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Step 1: Set Up Your Work Area
- Protect your surfaces: Lay down a vinyl tablecloth or spread out newspapers to prevent paint from getting onto furniture or floors.
- Create a drying area: Set aside a section with newspaper or wax paper where the finished artwork can dry.
- Dress for the mess: Have your kids wear old clothes that can handle paint stains since dried acrylic paint is difficult to remove from fabric.
Step 2: Prepare the Water Mixture
For this technique, we need to create a special floating base for the paint to adhere to the paper.
- In a shallow pan (a 9×13 baking dish works well), mix:
- 1/4 cup of Borax powder
- 3/4 cup of water
No Borax? No problem! You can substitute:
- Liquid starch OR
- A few drops of dish soap mixed into the water
These additives help the paint float and spread across the surface instead of sinking immediately.
Step 3: Thin Out the Acrylic Paints
- Use small cups or ramekins to dilute your acrylic craft paints.
- Mixing ratio: About 1 teaspoon of paint with a few drops of water.
- Stir using a paintbrush until the mixture reaches a thin, flowing consistency.
Step 4: Create the Swirl Effect
- Now for the exciting part! “Flick” the paint onto the water’s surface.
- My son, Seanie, saw a marbling artist do this on YouTube and wanted to try it himself!
- To flick the paint, simply:
- Dip your paintbrush into the thinned paint.
- Hold your hand out over the pan.
- Tap the brush against your fingers, allowing paint droplets to scatter onto the water.
- Watch as the paint spreads!
- Some colors will cling together in droplets, while others form a delicate film on the water’s surface.
- If the paint sinks, it’s too thick—add more water to thin it out.
- Continue adding different colors until you’re happy with the swirling patterns.
- For extra fun, use a thin brush to gently swirl and manipulate the colors—but be careful not to over-mix, or the colors may become muddy.
Step 5: Transfer the Swirl Design
- Take a piece of paper or canvas and carefully lay it flat onto the water’s surface.
- Immediately, the paint will cling to the material, creating a stunning marbled effect.
- Peel back a corner and slowly lift it from the water.
- Place the artwork on newspaper to dry.
The Magic of Swirl Painting
Every piece turns out unique, which is part of the fun!
My daughter, Hannah, decided to skip the swirling step, instead opting for a splatter effect. Her results were bold and dynamic, showing how different techniques can create distinct styles.
Does the type of paper affect the results?
Yes! The level of sizing (the glue-like substance that holds paper fibers together) in the paper can impact how well the paint adheres.
- Some papers absorb more liquid, making colors appear lighter or more muted.
- Others allow sharp, vivid colors to stay on the surface, resulting in brighter designs.
Experiment with different papers to see how the effects change each time!
Creative Ways to Use Your Swirled Artwork
Now that you’ve created beautiful swirl-painted designs, what can you do with them? Here are some ideas:
Cover a journal or notebook – Turn your swirled paper into a unique book cover!
Make greeting cards – Cut the designs into smaller pieces and fold them into handmade cards.
Use them as gift tags – Trim them into decorative shapes for personalized tags.
Frame your favorite pieces – Hang them up as wall art for a pop of color.
Simply enjoy them – Sometimes, the joy of making art is enough!
Why Kids (and Parents) Love This Activity
My kids absolutely LOVED this painting method!
- It’s an engaging sensory experience—watching the colors dance and swirl is magical.
- The process is just as exciting as the result.
- It’s a great way to explore creativity while experimenting with color combinations and patterns.
And honestly? I had just as much fun as they did! One of the greatest joys of being a parent is reliving childhood wonder through your kids’ eyes. Their excitement and curiosity make every creative activity even more rewarding.
Was it a little messy? Yes.
Was it worth it? Absolutely!
If you haven’t tried swirl painting with acrylics yet, I highly recommend giving it a whirl!
What’s Coming Next on ShineKids?
Stay tuned for more exciting creative projects, including:
Hannah’s unique swirl painting method—for nails!
Getting crafty with duct tape
Fun indoor & outdoor scavenger hunt printables
Need more kid-friendly activities? Check out these other fun projects:
- DIY Homemade Gak – A slimy, squishy sensory play experience!
- Five-Minute Shaken Soft Serve Ice Cream – Make ice cream in a bag!
- Diet Coke & Mentos Geyser Experiment – Science meets excitement!
Happy swirling!
