If you’re looking for a creative way to keep little ones entertained outdoors without needing a trip to the shops or hours of preparation, puffy pavement paint is the perfect activity. It’s colourful, squishy and completely washable – ideal for adding a splash of fun to pavements or patios. Best of all, it’s made from simple household ingredients you probably already have.
Whether you’re planning a playdate, want to liven up a quiet afternoon or just fancy getting a bit messy with your kids, this DIY paint is a brilliant boredom-buster.
What is Puffy Pavement Paint?
Puffy pavement paint is a homemade paint that comes out thick and foamy – like whipped cream – and dries into a soft, chalky texture. It’s designed for outdoor use on pavement or concrete and washes away easily with rain or a quick rinse from the hose.
This is a kid-safe, non-toxic craft that’s great for little hands and big imaginations. Think hopscotch grids, flower gardens, rainbow trails or your child’s latest abstract masterpiece!
What you’ll need
• Shaving foam
• Plain flour
• Water
• Food colouring – you can use natural colourings but we decided to stick with food colouring for this one.
• Ziplock bags or piping bags
• Squeeze bottles
• Bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
How to make it
1. Mix 3 cups of flour and 3 cups of water in a bowl. Continue mixing until all the lumps are gone.
2. Add 6 cups of shaving foam and fold into the flour mixture.
3. Divide your mixture into bowls – if you have bottles, divide the mixture equally according to the number of bottles you have or colours you want to mix.
4. In each bowl, drop in your food colouring and stir until smooth.
5. Spoon the mixture into a ziplock or piping bag. When you’re ready, cut the corner of the ziplock or piping bag and decant into your bottle.
6. Repeat for each colour you’d like to make.
That’s it! Now head outside and let the fun begin.
Tips for the best results
• Use a smooth surface: The paint works best on dry concrete or paving stones.
• Test your colours: Some food colourings stain, so always test a small patch first if you’re unsure.
• Wear play clothes: While the paint is washable, it’s still paint and can be a bit messy!
• Supervise little ones: It’s not edible, even if it looks deliciously fluffy.
Why kids love it
Children love the satisfying texture and vibrant colours of this paint. It’s easy to use, makes big bold marks, and encourages free expression. Plus, it’s a fun sensory activity – mixing, squishing, and squeezing are all part of the experience.
Why grown-ups love it too
It’s quick to make, inexpensive and completely washable. You’ll avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” and can enjoy a cuppa while the kids are happily creating their temporary outdoor gallery. And, if you have younger children, it’s a great opportunity to show how mixing primary colours (red, blue and yellow) can make any number of colour combinations. Try mixing red and blue to get purple, red and yellow to make orange or blue and yellow to make green.
And when they’re done? Just turn on the hose or wait for the next rain shower. Job done.
Tag us on social media with all the amazing creations your kids make – we can’t wait to see where their imagination takes them!
Original inspiration and recipe credit: Mama Cheaps – Easy Ideas for Busy Moms. (https://www.mamacheaps.com/). Their website has heaps of other recipes for you to try.
