Make Your Own Paint Color

What can I use instead of the non-toxic powdered pigment if I can't find it?

If you can't find non-toxic powdered pigment, use a tiny pinch of crushed soft pastel/chalk or a very small drop of concentrated liquid food coloring or extra paint in the empty well to create a concentrated tint before mixing with the pea-sized blobs of red, blue, and yellow paint.

My mixed color looks grainy or watery — what should I do?

If the color is grainy or streaky, stir the pea-sized blob and powdered pigment longer with the brush or a palette knife until the mix is smooth and even, then rinse your brush in the water cup and dry your brush on a paper towel before making another mix.

How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?

For toddlers, pre-squeeze the pea-sized blobs and tiny pinch of pigment and let them finger-paint supervised swatches, preschoolers can follow the basic mixing and swatching steps, and older kids can precisely measure tiny amounts, mix equal tiny amounts to make a color chart, record recipes, and prepare a photo to share on DIY.org.

How can we extend or personalize the project after choosing a favorite shade?

Extend the activity by painting a small artwork with your chosen shade on scrap paper, label swatches showing how a tiny extra drop or pinch changed the shade, experiment by adding a bit of metallic pigment or glazing medium for effects, then photograph and share the finished creation on DIY.org.