Salt and Watercolour Painting

Supplies

• White A4 or A3 watercolour paper or thick card

• PVA glue (with small nozzle if possible)

• Table salt (cheap home brand is perfect)

• Watercolour paints (palette or liquid)

• Paintbrushes or droppers

• Jars or cups of water

• Newspaper or trays (to catch excess salt)

• Drying space

Steps

1. Draw with glue

   • Use the PVA glue to draw shapes, swirls, letters, or lines on the paper.

   • Encourage bold designs that aren’t too detailed — the simpler the better.

2. Add salt

   • Sprinkle salt over all the glue lines until they’re fully covered.

   • Gently lift and shake the paper over a tray or bin to remove the extra salt.

3. Start painting

   • Dip your brush into the watercolour paint and lightly touch the tip of the brush to the salted glue line.

   • Watch the colour spread like magic!

   • Repeat with different colours. You don’t need to “paint” the salt — just tap.

4. Let it dry

   • Leave the artwork flat to dry completely. This may take several hours.

   • Try not to move the paper while it’s drying to avoid smudging.

Other Information

• Best for: Ages 5–13

• Mess level: Medium (salt can go everywhere — trays help contain it)

• Drying time: Several hours to overnight