Tempera vs. Acrylic Paint
What IS tempera paint and should you use it for your kids’ art projects at home?
Tempera Paint (also known as poster paint)
originally made from egg yolks & pigment (most store-bought versions are egg-free now)
affordable & easy cleanup w/soap & water
doesn’t stain clothing
can fade or crack over time
works best on paper, canvas or other porous surfaces
harder to find in stores
Acrylic Paint
pigment in a plastic emulsion
affordable & widely available
cleanup w/soap & water BUT stains clothing and many hard surfaces
can clogs pipes if poured down the drain
long-lasting & vibrant on almost any surface
My Recommendation for Home Use: Tempera paint!
It’s similar to acrylic in use but won’t stain clothing or surfaces—making it much more kid and parent-friendly.
Where to Buy Tempera:
Target: Mondo Llama tempera paint sets
Dollar Tree: Prang tempera bottles
Michael’s: Carries some tempera, but I’ve had mixed results
Only Have Acrylic Paint?
Here’s how to make it more kid-safe and mess-proof:
Cover work surfaces with newspaper, paper bags, or something disposable
Dress kids in old clothes and roll up sleeves
Mix paint on paper plates, newspaper, or cereal box panels (toss after use)
Wash brushes immediately
Don’t pour leftover paint down the drain—acrylic is liquid plastic and can coat your pipes
Happy painting! 🎨 And as always, let us know if you have questions! 😊