Painting with Salt

by Emma Louise Oldham March 06, 2020

Painting with Salt

Using salt in your artwork feels very special. It’s an ingredient that we don’t often use for crafts, but it gives wonderful results. When your picture is dry, it will look like it’s made from crystals!


What you need:

  • Thick card
  • Glue (preferably washable glue)
  • Two paintbrushes
  • Salt
  • Watercolour paints
  • Pencil
  • Pot of water
  • Messy mat (something to cover your work surface)

What to do:

Step 1: Prepare your work surface. Decide which animal you want to create and draw a rough outline in pencil.


Step 2: Give your glue a good shake. Squeeze out the glue along the outline of your drawing.


Step 3: Use a paintbrush and gently spread the glue to fill the inside of your picture. You may need to add a bit more glue.


Step 4: Pour salt over all the areas covered with glue.


Step 5: Shake off any excess salt. Mix your paint with water and dab your paintbrush into the salt. Watch as the salt absorbs the colour and it spreads across the page.


Step 6: Leave to dry. Once dry, give your picture another gentle tap to shake off any excess salt. Your picture looks like it’s made from crystals!


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