Sidewalk Chalk Paint

This is an easy and inexpensive activity using ingredients that are most likely in your pantry- cornstarch and food dye.

You will need:

cornstarch

water

food dye

containers

paint brushes

measuring Tablespoon

We used a paint palette to mix and keep our paints but any waterproof container will work.

You will need 1 part cornstarch to approximately 1 part water. We used 1 Tablespoon cornstarch and 1 Tablespoon water.

The amounts aren't meant to be exact but a general starting point. If the mixture doesn't move freely when you mix, add a bit more water. After getting a smooth flowing product, we added about 5 drops of food coloring. We used neon pink, neon purple, neon green, neon blue, yellow and red.

The mixture is essentially oobleck with colorant. You will need to keep it mixed to prevent the cornstarch and water from separating just like oobleck. Don't let that deter you, the entire process is very flexible. We added a few drops of water a little at a time during the painting session and it only became too dilute near the very end.

Freshly painted flower.

We used paint brushes and pipettes. 

Or splatter with a paintbrush or old toothbrush. 

Colors are still vibrant when dry.

All around this is a great activity for all ages, in addition to being easy and inexpensive.
Give it a try!

***We left the chalk on the concrete for a couple of weeks and let the rain wash it away completely. We didn't experience staining and we used an old, porous and unsealed piece of concrete.