
Tempera paint is a water-based, fast-drying paint that has been used for centuries. It is known for its vibrant colours and versatility across different surfaces, making it a popular choice for classroom projects and art lessons. When used on the backside of a surface, tempera paint can be transferred to create layers and interactive art pieces. Its quick-drying property also allows for the creation of DIY scratchboards, where colours are revealed by scratching through layers of wet paint. Tempera paint is easy to clean up and can be safely used by students of all ages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Tempera paint dries to a matte finish. |
| Use | Suitable for temporary projects, fabric art, and classroom projects. |
| Surfaces | Tempera paint works best on paper, cardboard, poster board, wood, canvas, and fabric. |
| Techniques | Can be used with dry brushing, splattering, and creating textures with sponges. |
| Durability | Tempera paint is water-resistant but not waterproof. It is susceptible to scratches and cracking. |
| Clean-up | Easy to clean with soap and water. |
| Storage | Store leftover paint in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. |
| Types | Washable, student, economy, and premium grades are available, as well as liquid, stick, cake, and powder forms. |
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What You'll Learn

How to create layers with tempera paint on the back side
Tempera paint is a water-soluble medium with a smooth creamy consistency. It is opaque on its own but can be thinned with water for watercolour-like washes. It is a great choice for artists of all ages as it is easy to use and affordable. Tempera paint dries with a matte finish, making it ideal for adding other materials on top, such as crayon, oil pastel, ink, or collage.
Layering with Scratching
This technique involves layering two colours of paint on top of each other. First, apply one layer of paint and wait for it to dry. Then, apply a second layer of paint in a different colour on top of the first layer. While both layers are still wet, use the back of the paintbrush to scratch and reveal the colour below, creating designs and patterns. This technique can be done multiple times to create more complex and layered designs.
Paint Pouring
Paint pouring is a fun technique that involves mixing tempera paint with glue and water in a squeeze bottle. You can create different layers by filling the bottle with different colours of paint. Squeeze the paint from the bottle onto a canvas, tilting it to allow the colours to flow and mix. This technique creates unique designs and colour patterns each time. You can also use a pencil to create a marbling effect while the paint is still wet.
Monoprints
Monoprints are a budget-friendly way to create unique layered designs with tempera paint. Apply tempera paint to a sheet of plastic or plexiglass, then lay a piece of paper face down on top of the paint. Rub the back of the paper to transfer the image. Repeat this process with different colours and layers to create a layered monoprint.
Double-Loading Technique
The double-loading technique is a time-saving method where you dip your paintbrush into one colour and then scoop up a small amount of another colour. You can then brush the paint onto your surface, blending the colours as you go. You can also leave the paint as it is to create a striped effect.
Smoothing Technique
The smoothing technique helps create a more even and consistent layer of paint. After applying paint to your surface, wait for it to dry slightly (about 3-4 minutes). Then, use a dry, flat-edge brush to smooth out any globs or thin spots, creating a beautiful smooth surface.
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What surfaces can tempera paint be used on?
Tempera paint is a water-soluble, fast-drying paint with a smooth, creamy consistency. It is known for its vibrant colours and matte finish, making it a popular choice for classroom projects, art lessons, and hands-on creative activities. While it is typically used on paper and cardboard, tempera paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including:
Paper and Cardboard
Tempera paint is commonly used on paper and cardboard for art projects, crafts, and classroom activities. It is perfect for creating colourful posters, murals, and cardboard masks.
Fabric
Tempera paint can be used on fabric but is not permanent. It will wash out if the fabric is laundered, making it suitable for temporary fabric art projects that will not be washed.
Canvas
While not as durable as acrylic or oil paints, tempera paint can also be used on canvas. It is ideal for creating temporary works of art that will be displayed indoors, as it is not weatherproof and will wash away with rain or moisture.
Wood
Tempera paint can be used on wood and is perfect for art projects and crafts. It dries quickly, usually within 5 to 10 minutes for thin layers, making it convenient for artists of all ages.
Clay
Tempera paint can be added to highly textured clay to create interesting colour washes. Clay pieces can be dipped into watered-down tempera paint and then further decorated with other paints or materials.
Overall, tempera paint is a versatile and accessible medium that can be used on a variety of surfaces, making it a great choice for artists of all ages and skill levels.
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How does tempera paint differ from acrylic paint?
Tempera paint, also known as poster paint, is a water-based paint that is non-toxic, allergen-free, and comes in a variety of brilliant colours. It is quite easy to use and very accessible, making it a popular choice for art teachers and beginners. One of the key differences between tempera and acrylic paint is that tempera is not waterproof once dry, so it should not be used for outdoor projects or those requiring a waterproof finish. Tempera paint is also easy to wash off surfaces and clothing, even after it has dried. This makes it a good option for teaching young children, as it is less likely to cause permanent stains.
Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is more versatile and durable than tempera. It does not require a sealant after drying and is longer-lasting. Acrylic paints come in a range of finishes, from glossy to matte, and can be made more matte by adding water. They are more difficult to clean up, especially for younger children, as they can easily stain clothing, floors, and other surfaces. Acrylic paints are also more likely to be low quality, as they are easier to manufacture and there are more cheap options on the market.
Both tempera and acrylic paints have rich and opaque colours, although tempera paints typically have a matte finish while acrylics can come in a variety of finishes. The opacity of the colours is due to the way the paints are formulated. Acrylic paints have their pigments suspended in a polymer emulsion, which binds the pigment particles together once the water dries, allowing the paint to retain its colour and brightness over time. Tempera paints use a similar method, with pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder like starch or another glue size to hold the pigments in place once the water evaporates.
Historically, the term "tempera paint" referred to a type of painting medium that used pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder like egg yolks. This type of tempera paint, known as "egg tempera", was used as early as the 3rd century and was only superseded by oil paints in the 1500s. Today, tempera paint typically uses different binders such as starch, cornstarch, cellulose, gum-water, or glue size.
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How to prevent tempera paint from cracking
Tempera paint is a water-soluble, fast-drying paint with a smooth and creamy consistency. It is a popular choice for art projects, crafts, and classroom activities due to its ease of use and clean-up. However, one common issue with tempera paint is its tendency to crack, especially when used on certain surfaces like glass or sealed EPS blanks. Here are some tips to prevent tempera paint from cracking:
Choose the Right Surface
Select a suitable surface for tempera paint. Tempera paint works best on absorbent surfaces such as paper, cardboard, poster board, and wood. Surfaces like glass or sealed EPS blanks may not be ideal and can lead to cracking.
Prepare the Surface
Ensure that the surface is clean and free of any dirt, grease, or other contaminants. A thorough cleaning with soap and water can help prepare the surface for better paint adhesion.
Thin the Paint
Avoid applying tempera paint too thickly. Thick layers of tempera paint are more prone to cracking. Thin the paint with water if necessary to achieve a smoother consistency.
Add a Binding Agent
Consider adding a small amount of liquid soap to the tempera paint. This can help improve the paint's adhesion and durability while also making it easier to remove when needed. Test this method on a small area first to ensure it doesn't affect the paint's appearance or performance.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
Temperature fluctuations can contribute to cracking. Avoid using tempera paint in environments with significant temperature variations, especially if the paint is still drying.
Choose Quality Paint
Opt for high-quality tempera paint from reputable brands. Lower-quality paint is more likely to crack, flake, or separate. Look for brands that are specifically recommended for their performance, such as Crayola, Blick, or Richeson.
Apply Thin Coats
When using tempera paint, it is advisable to apply thin coats rather than a single thick coat. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next one. This helps prevent cracking and also makes it easier to control the painting process.
By following these tips, you can reduce the likelihood of tempera paint cracking and achieve better results in your art projects.
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What is tempera paint made from?
Tempera paint is a water-based paint that has been used for centuries. It is known for its vibrant colours and matte finish, making it a popular choice for indoor art and craft projects, classroom activities, and temporary projects. While traditional tempera paint, also known as egg tempera, uses egg yolk as a binder, modern tempera paints have replaced egg-white with oil or synthetic polyvinyl acetate.
Modern tempera paints, such as casein oil tempera, are a mixture of pigment and emulsion, obtained by emulsifying oil in a water solution of casein glue. These paints have unique properties that enable artists to use a wide range of techniques. Once dried, tempera paints form a slightly velvety coat that is devoid of cracks or lines and is resistant to water.
Synthetic polyvinyl acetate tempera paints are widely used today and are a paste-like mixture of pigments with a water-based emulsion of synthetic resin and structuring agents. These paints can be applied to various surfaces such as paper, cardboard, canvas, wood, and glass, providing a matte finish. Artists can use different approaches when applying layers of paint and can achieve vivid colours and tonal contrasts in their work.
Tempera paint can also come in powdered form, which can be mixed with water to create the desired amount of paint needed for a project. This versatility allows artists to experiment with different techniques, such as dry brushing, splattering, and creating textures with sponges. While tempera paint is easy to clean up with soap and water, it is not suitable for outdoor projects as it is not weatherproof and will wash away with rain or moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
Apply colour to a plastic surface with tempera paint. Place a piece of paper face down on the painted plastic and rub the back of the paper to transfer the image. Repeat this process to create layers.
Tempera paint is not suitable for use on canvas as it is not flexible and will crack and chip off. It is meant for stiff boards or other absorbent surfaces.
Tempera paint works well on cardboard, poster board, wood, fabric, and stone, among other absorbent surfaces.
Yes, tempera paint can be used on both sides of absorbent surfaces like paper, cardboard, and wood. However, it is essential to let the paint dry completely before flipping the surface over to paint the other side.
Tempera paint is easy to clean up. Simply rinse brushes and tools with warm water and soap until the paint is gone.










































