Inside: Want frame-worthy handprint art, not furniture stains? Here’s the best paint for handprint crafts that’s safe, washable, and not boring.
H andprint crafts are adorable… until your kid high-fives the wall.
Let’s set the scene: I’m standing in my kitchen, sleeves rolled up, paper plates everywhere, my 2-year-old holding out his tiny, paint-covered hand like Simba being presented to the animal kingdom.
We were making handprint flowers for Grandma’s birthday card, and I was so proud of myself for planning a “quick, cute, sentimental” activity that didn’t involve glitter or a glue stick crusted shut since 2021.
And then I looked down.
Bright purple handprint.
Dead center.
On my new white hoodie.
That’s the day I learned the hard way that not all paints are created equal when it comes to handprint crafts. And if you’re planning to turn your kid’s tiny hands or feet into Pinterest-worthy keepsakes (or just not destroy your furniture in the process), you need the right paint.
Let’s save you the hoodie.
pin it to remember
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Want the quick answer? Here it is…
If you’re looking for the best paint for handprints and footprints — something that’s washable, non-toxic, kid-safe, and actually comes in fun, not-just-primary colors — get this:
👉 Washable Tempera Paint – 40 Color Set
It checks all the boxes and then some:
- Water-based
- Certified non-toxic (ASTM D-4236 compliant, aka safe if your kid inevitably tastes it)
- Washes out of clothes like a dream
- Comes in forty colors, so you can make pastel butterflies, neon dinosaurs, or moody earth-tone owls. You do you.
Want more details on what makes a paint safe to use? Read on.
pin it to remember
What makes a paint handprint-worthy?
To pass the vibe check, paint for handprint crafts needs to be:
✔️ Kid-safe
We’re talking hands, folks. Sticky, curious, always-somehow-in-their-mouths hands. That’s why you need something made for skin contact, even if it’s not labeled as “face paint.”
✔️ Non-toxic
Look for the words “ASTM D-4236” on the label — this means it’s been tested and marked safe for art use. Not every craft paint meets this standard, and some of them love to hide that fact in very tiny font on the back.
✔️ Water-based
This is the magic phrase that means “it won’t stain everything forever.” Water-based paints are easy to rinse off skin and most surfaces, which is ideal when you’re painting with someone who still thinks napkins are optional.
pin it to remember
Paint options: What works (and what to skip)
Here’s the thing: a lot of paints technically check those boxes… but they don’t all work the same. Let’s break it down.
✅ Tempera Paint
This is the MVP. Especially the washable kind.
- Kid-safe ✔️
- Non-toxic ✔️
- Water-based ✔️
- Affordable ✔️
- Comes in enough colors to satisfy both your rainbow unicorn theme and your kid’s sudden goth phase ✔️
Stick with this 40-color set if you want the best bang for your buck and a full color palette for canvas keepsakes or paper crafts.
✅ Washable Finger Paints
Great for littles and toddlers who haven’t yet mastered the art of “not licking the brush.”
- Super gentle
- Designed for skin contact
- Washes out of clothes even better than tempera
BUT: The color range is usually limited to the basics.
If you’re just making a few handprint hearts or baby footprints on paper, they’ll totally work. But if you want to make a canvas that doesn’t scream “preschool primary color chart,” you might want more variety.
❌ Acrylic Paint
Okay, deep breath. Technically, a lot of acrylics are labeled non-toxic. But would I put them on my 3-year-old’s hands?
Nope.
They’re hard to wash off, not intended for skin contact, and can irritate sensitive skin.
Great for adults. Not for baby feet.
So if you’re wondering, “what paint to use for handprints on canvas” or “what paint to use for baby footprints on canvas,” stick with tempera. You’ll thank me. And so will your laundry machine.
Another option: Paint pads
Don’t want to deal with brushes or puddles of paint? Try a paint pad.
It’s like an oversized ink pad filled with washable paint, so you just press your kid’s hand or foot onto it and go straight to the paper or canvas.
Pros:
- Way less mess
- More control
- No drips or globs
Cons:
- They dry out pretty fast (especially if the lid gets left off — ask me how I know)
- Not as much color variety
Still, a solid pick for quick crafts or squirmy babies.
Want your handprint art to actually look cute?
Yes, the paint matters. But so does how you use it.
I’ve got a whole list of tricks in this post: 9 tips for getting the best handprint art with kids — including how to get an even print, the best paper to use, and even how to create handprint art while respecting your kid’s creative vision.
free Printable Handprint Template
Make a Fridge-Worthy Cactus Handprint Craft
Grab this free cactus handprint craft template and turn tiny hands into a keepsake—perfect for preschool, fine motor fun, and low-prep art that make parents cry happy tears.
