Squeegee Painting
Squeegee painting is a super fun way to make abstract art! No need for a paintbrush or any special tools for this art project! Simply drop acrylic paint onto a canvas and use a squeegee to spread it around. Painting with a squeegee is a great form of “process art” – it’s all about the creation of the painting and experimenting. It’s easy enough for toddlers to do, fun enough for adults, and there’s really no way to do it wrong. Kids (and adults!) will enjoy using the squeegee and seeing the colours blend into an abstract, colourful and unique painting!
Check out our Squeegee Painting video tutorial:
Cat Squeegee Painting Paper Roll Fireworks Painting Seashell Painting
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Canvas Acrylic paint Squeegee Cookie sheet/baking tray (optional)
What if I don’t have a squeegee?
We recommend using a squeegee if possible, but if you want to make this style of art without one then you can use a rectangle of cardboard. Flat cardboard from a cereal box or something similar will work the best. Just keep in mind that cardboard, unlike a squeegee, gets soggy and you can probably only use each piece of cardboard once or twice.
Do I need to use a canvas?
A canvas will give you the best surface for the large amount of paint used in this project and it will leave you with art that’s ready to hang on the wall. But if you’re just doing this project for fun there’s a few cheaper options. If you’re trying this project with kids, you can cut a few rectangles from a cardboard box. You can also use watercolour paper, which is heavier than normal paper and designed to be more absorbent so it won’t curl as much as card stock.
What paint is best for painting with squeegee?
We like to use acrylic paint for squeegee painting. The colours stay really bright when the acrylic paint dries, it’s fast drying, and you can use it on any surface. If you’re painting with kids you might want to use tempera paint, which is washable. Tempera paint dries very matte so if you want your painting to be shiny, you’ll need to apply a layer of glossy Mod Podge over it when you’re done.
Where can I buy supplies for squeegee painting?
Squeegees can be found at Walmart or at a hardware store. Acrylic paint and canvases are sold at Walmart, Michaels, or an art supply store. You can buy a sheet pan at Walmart or any kitchen supply store.
Drop paint anywhere on the canvas to create these awesome squeegee paintings! This style of painting is popular on TikTok, and it’s easy to see why. Seeing the painting come to life as you move the squeegee down the canvas is super satisfying!
Here’s even more fun craft ideas:
Cat Squeegee Painting
Paper Roll Fireworks Painting
DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Seashell Painting
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
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