Fingerpaint– stays wet longer allowing time for little fingers to explore. Washes up very easily with soap and water. If you are really scared of paint on your floor use fingerpaint for brush painting as well.

Tempera– Covers more than fingerpaint. It is more opaque.

Watercolor– Watercolors come in a variety of ways, cakes, tins, (ha, you would think I am talking about pastries here). Liquid watercolors are my favorite, although they are not well known outside of the art teacher world. They weren’t around when we were kids but you can dilute.

Watercolors comes in a variety of formats, cakes, my favorite type is little known outside the art teacher world but liquid watercolors are great. The create vibrant colors and you can dilute as necessary. Some liquid watercolors may stain so a paint smock is recommended. I have used Sax and Colorations and happy with both brands.

For regular watercolors I suggest Prang. I have always been a fan of Prang since my elementary teacher always said Prang on the school supply list. I love the dollar store but this is one art supply I would not buy at the Dollar Store…they have never been very vibrant in color when I have used them.

Paints I recommend to keep away from Preschoolers:

Acrylic– I would stay away from acrylic with preschoolers. You may need acrylic paint for special projects like painting on plastic or wood. Acrylic does not wash out and is permanent.

Leftover House Paint –

Spray Paint –