Paint Planets!
Paint model planets using foam balls, paper, or rocks; mix colors to match planetary features and learn about sizes, surfaces, and space science.
About this activity
Paint model planets using foam balls, paper, or rocks; mix colors to match planetary features and learn about sizes, surfaces, and space science.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Cover your work surface with newspaper and place all materials within easy reach.
- 2
Step 2
Choose which planets you want to make and pick a foam ball rock or paper circle for each one.
- 3
Step 3
Make a painting holder by poking a toothpick into each foam ball or by propping each rock on a folded paper towel.
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Step 4
Squeeze small amounts of paint onto your paper plate and mix colors until you get the base shade for the first planet.
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Step 5
Paint a smooth base coat on the first planet using a larger brush while holding it by the toothpick or steadying the rock on the towel.
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Step 6
Set the painted planet aside to dry on a tray or cup for about 10 to 20 minutes.
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Step 7
Use a small brush to add surface details like bands storms craters or clouds onto the dried base coat.
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Step 8
Make rings for Saturn by cutting a ring from colored paper and painting it if you want rings.
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Step 9
Add texture by dabbing a sponge or gently flicking paint with an old toothbrush to create craters and tiny stars.
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Step 10
Paint any moons using small rocks or tiny paper circles and give them a base coat and details.
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Step 11
Let all painted pieces and paper rings dry completely for at least 20 minutes.
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Step 12
Arrange your planets by size on the table and write each planet name on a small paper flag to label them.
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Step 13
Share your finished planet models on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I paint planets with kids?
Start by picking which planets you’ll paint and collecting reference images. Choose bases: foam balls for 3D, smooth rocks for tactile models, or thick paper cut into circles. Prime surfaces if needed, then mix acrylic or tempera paints to match colors and textures. Use brushes, sponges, and toothbrushes to add clouds, rings, and craters. Label each planet and let pieces dry fully before sealing or displaying.
What materials do I need to paint model planets?
Gather foam balls (styrofoam or craft foam), smooth rocks, or heavy cardstock for planet shapes. You'll need acrylic or washable tempera paints, assorted brushes, sponges, palettes, a water cup, and paper towels. Add toothpicks or skewers for handles, glue for attaching rings, permanent markers for labeling, and a clear sealer to protect finished planets. Also prepare newspaper, aprons, and non-toxic paints for child-safe crafting.
What ages is painting planets suitable for?
This activity scales for ages 3–12+. Toddlers (3–5) can stamp and sponge-paint with close supervision using washable paints and larger rocks or paper circles. Ages 6–9 can mix colors, paint 3D foam balls, and add basic details. Ages 10+ can work on scale, surface textures, and accurate color mixing while researching planetary facts. Always supervise small parts, hot glue or sharp tools, and use age-appropriate materials.
What are the benefits and safety tips for the Paint Planets activity?
Benefits include learning basic astronomy, color theory, and fine motor skills while encouraging creativity and observational learning. Making scale or texture comparisons teaches spatial reasoning and science vocabulary. For safety, use non-toxic, washable paints, ventilate the area, protect surfaces with newspaper, and supervise small items like toothpicks and hot glue. Variations: create a solar system mobile, glow-in-the-dark planets, or a planet matching game for extra learning.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of foam balls or toothpicks if I can't find them?
If you don't have foam balls, use crumpled aluminum foil or tightly balled paper as the planet and push a pencil, skewer, or taped straw into it following the 'Make a painting holder' step instead of a toothpick so you can hold and paint hands-free.
My paint keeps smudging when I add details—what should I do?
Follow the 'Set the painted planet aside to dry on a tray or cup for about 10 to 20 minutes' step but allow extra drying time, apply thinner base coats with the larger brush, and use the small brush only after the base is fully dry to prevent smearing.
How can I change the activity for different ages of kids?
For toddlers use paper circles, washable paint, and parental help with poking toothpicks or propping rocks, for preschoolers use rocks/folded paper towels and simple sponge dabbing, and for older kids encourage color mixing on the paper plate, toothbrush flicking for texture, and detailed small-brush work.
How can we extend or personalize our painted planets?
Try adding glow-in-the-dark or metallic paint, cut and paint colored paper rings for Saturn as described in the 'Make rings for Saturn' step, mount planets on string to create a hanging mobile, and label each with the small paper flags from the final arranging step for display.