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Cling film painting

Community Playthings | January 2024

Finished cling film painting

This is one of my favourite process art activities. Since it works best if you apply the paint and water fast and generously, it is a great way to loosen up tight painters! The result is a really unique and beautiful patterned paper.

Materials needed:

Paper - A glossy, non-absorbent type works the best
Washable tempera paint
Cling film
Sponge, brushes, and water

Materials needed for cling film painting: cling film, brushes, sponges, paint, paper and water

Process:

1.Use a sponge to wet the entire paper with water.

A child wetting a sheet of paper with a sponge

2. Apply paint generously and quickly over paper using plenty of water to keep it wet. Use two or more colours for the best effects.

A child applying paint to a piece of paper with a thick paintbrush

3. While the paint is still wet, cover the paper with a sheet of cling film.

A child covering a sheet of paper with wet paint with a layer of cling film

4. Use your fingers to crease and scrunch the cling film. This will add texture and patterns to the paint.

A child’s hands pulling up cling film on a piece of paper with wet paint

5. Let dry overnight, leaving the cling film in place. Once the paint has completely dried, carefully peel off the cling film, unveiling unique and beautiful patterns.

A child’s hands peeling a layer of cling film off a piece of paper

6. Use the beautifully patterned paper for collages, backgrounds, or just display as is. Since our designs reminded us of frosty glass in winter, we used our paper for a snowman display.

Two glued-on snowmen on a cling film painted background

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Community Playthings

The Community Playthings team of writers includes experienced parents and educators, whose articles focus on the simple joys of engaging with children. Their insights come from real-life moments in mud kitchens or sandpits, capturing the world as seen through a child's eyes.