Finger painting
Finger painting is an artistic activity to help toddlers and preschoolers explore colors, express themselves, expand their imagination, and fosters creativity. But not without the right paper.
If you attempt to make kids finger paint on something flimsy from your home office like copy paper, their artwork will only end up being a soggy torn mess. To avoid turning their enthusiasm into meltdowns, you must choose paper carefully.
So, what type of paper is suitable for finger painting? Appropriate paper for finger painting is thick enough to take paint well without becoming soggy.
This article seeks to help parents and teachers choose paper designed for this specific project with ease. We provide the properties and specifications to look out for when shopping plus a review of the best paper for finger painting for beautiful outstand display-worthy art.
Qualities to look for in finger painting paper
Heavy paper
Ideally, heavy and thick paper between 200grs/m2 to 300grs/m2 will stand up really well for any paint consistency. It will not bleed, deform or wrinkle from the wetness of the finger paint.
- Big in size
The dimensions of finger paint paper is at least (12 x 18 inches). This provides you with enough space to express your imagination on a single paper.
- Adhesive
The finger paint grabs onto this paper easily, hence your painting will not peel after a short period.
- Non-absorbent
The paper is coated on both sides hence it does not soak up too much water. This feature saves you time because your work will dry faster than when you are using paper that is not coated.
- Acid free
This helps you preserve your finger paint for many years because the yellowing effect will not occur due to the neutral PH of the paper.
- Smooth surface
The paper surface is smooth enough to reduce the friction between the finger and the paper. This property enables the finger paint paper not to tear while finger painting.
- Durable
The materials used in the manufacture of this paper are of good quality. This ensures that the finger paint paper lasts long, hence your painting also lasts long.
- Soak resistant
When paper soaks up with water, it makes the surface to deform and also the paint to bleed. This paper is made with certain materials that enable it to be soak resistance. This helps the paper to maintain its original physical appearance.
Top 3 finger paint papers
- Brand: Melisa & Doug
Melisa & Doug Finger Paint Paper Pad (12 x 18 inches) -50 sheets, 2-Pack
Finger painting is so much fun. This brand is one the best because its paper is of the best quality (heavy and thick). It makes colors look brighter and better. The paper is glossy, it does not soak the water. This paper dries fast after painting on it. Large paper size(A3) and thick enough, perfect for finger painting. This paper is also perfect for multiple activities such as paint and markers. The paper surface is smooth for the fingers to glide across easily when finger painting. The pages are easy to remove without ripping them apart. This particular paper is durable to last long. The price is cost friendly and the customer gets value for their money.
- Brand: Crayola
Crayola Giant Finger Paint Paper, 25 pages, 16″ x 12″ (99-3405)
This brand is very popular when it comes to art work. This specific paper is a nice heavy duty paper. It is also coated on both sides of the paper, hence nonabsorbent. Perfect for messy finger paints and has a smooth surface. The size is also big enough for use. Perfect for kids as it gives them opportunity to express their creativity and they are safe. This paper is easy for the finger paint to stick. Perfectly pairs with most Crayola Finger paints. This paper can also be used for drawing art work. The price is affordable, actually less than other papers.
- Brand: ARTEZA
ARTEZA 12 X16″ Finger Paint Paper Pad, Pack of 2, 50 sheets (54lb/80gsm), 25 Sheets Each, Glue -Bound, Satin Finger Paint Paper for Toddlers, for Finger Painting and Mixed Media
This is one of the best paper anyone can use for finger painting purposes. The sheets have a bleed resistance feature. The sheet of paper has a satin finish, so the surface is smooth. It easily allows the paint to glide across the paper. The surface is large enough to facilitate adequate expression of the kids imagination. The paper is heavy and thick enough for thick finger paints. This particular paper takes less time to dry after painting on it. The cost is slightly higher due to the versatile nature of this finger paint paper, still good value for your money.