How To Make Raised Salt Paintings On Black Paper

To Tutorial

Salt painting is such a simple yet magical process for kids, and you can get stunning results on black paper! The contrast adds an extra layer of fun to this watercolor-and-salt art process!

I love giving kids supplies and seeing what they come up with. We love using salt and watercolor for process art. From raised salt paintings on white paper to cool salt snowflake paintings, allowing kids the freedom to explore materials is the best.

Why You Will Love This Art Idea

KID FRIENDLY – Toddlers and older will love creating salt paintings.
EASILY CHANGE SUBJECT MATTER– Draw any design you want with the glue.
MIXES SCIENCE AND ART – This is a great STEAM activity to try.

These raised salt paintings are easy to create. The examples in this post were done by kids aged 6-10, and they loved seeing their colors pop on black paper.

Supplies You’ll Need

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black paper, watercolor palette, glue and salt on a cookie sheet.

Thick Construction Paper*
Bottled Glue*
Table Salt
Watercolor Paint*
Small Paintbrush or Pipette
A Tray to work on

*Notes On Supplies

This glue bottle works better than regular school glue.
Heavy construction paper or tag board is a must for this process.
Using liquid watercolor paints will make it easier to create vibrant colors. If you do not have liquid watercolors, you can use food coloring or work from a regular watercolor palette.

How To Make A Raised Salt Painting On Black Paper

BEFORE YOU BEGIN – You will want to set up a work area. I love using an old cookie pan for art projects only to help save time on clean-up.

Step 1: Draw With Glue

Draw a simple design with glue. Lines are better than big globs.

hand sprinkling salt on glue lines on black paper.

Step 2: Add Salt

Work on an old cookie tray and sprinkle salt on all the glue lines.

hand shaking black paper with glue and salt lines one it.

Step 3: Shake Salt Around

Carefully move salt around to make sure glue lines are completely covered.

hand using paint brush to add blue watercolor paint to lines on black paper.

Step 4: Add Color

Lightly dip a small brush in paint and touch the salt glue lines. Watch the colors expand into the design.

child's hand adding watercolor to salt painting.

Step 5: Repeat

Add paint or food coloring to all lines until you are happy with your art. This example is done by a 6 year-old.

close-up view of salt and watercolor lines on black paper.

Step 6: Add Extra Details

Kids can splatter paint on top of the paper or just let the textured painting dry.

ART TEACHER TIP – This is a great art activity to do outside to limit the mess!

Optional Additions

SPLATTER PAINT – A six-year-old took his painting one step further, splattering extra paint onto his salt painting.
WORK ON WHITE PAPER OR OTHER COLORS – if using liquid watercolors, the vibrant colors will look great on any colored paper.
LET DRY – once these salt paintings are dry, you can add other drawing elements, chalk or even more paint carefully.

Salt Painting FAQs

Do the salt and glue have to be dry before painting?

No, you can carefully paint your raised salt while the glue is still wet. Just be careful not to press too hard with the brush or pipette.

Can you paint after the glue and salt have dried?

Yes, one of the paintings in this example was done with dried glue lines. Before letting the glue and salt dry, ensure they are completely covered with salt.

Easy Kid Painting Ideas

This simple art process can be repeated multiple times to achieve different results. I love that kids of all ages and abilities can do this salt painting process on black paper to create one-of-a-kind art.

Do you like this art project? Please give us a 5-STAR review below ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and have fun being creative with your family.

Prep:3

Creating:10

Total Time:13

Equipment

Small paintbrush or pipette
Cookie Sheet

Supplies

Instructions

Before you begin: Set up a work area. An old cookie tray works great to contain the mess and make clean-up easier.
Draw a simple design using school glue. Lines work better than large blobs.
Sprinkle table salt over all the glue lines. A tray underneath will help catch extra salt.
Carefully move the black paper so the salt fully covers the glue. Gently shake off excess.
Dip a small brush or pipette into watercolor paint and touch the salt lines. Watch the colors spread and blend.
Continue adding color to all glue and salt lines until you’re happy with the design. Let it dry completely.
Kids can paint areas that don’t touch the salt lines to add even more color and creativity.

Notes

You can add extra paint details after completing the raised salt painting. Just don’t paint too close to the wet glue.
Try this painting on white paper instead of black.
Liquid watercolor paint will give you the most vibrant colors, but food coloring or a regular palette will also work.

Author: Erin Nutter

Cost: under $5