These products paint well on salt dough
Paints for painting salt dough
You can use various paints and markers to paint salt dough. We compared watercolors from a paint box, edding acrylic markers, and edding permanent markers.
Watercolors are well-suited for quickly painting larger areas. They are less suitable for fine details, as they cannot be applied precisely. The colors mix easily and create beautiful, soft transitions. However, caution is advised when working with watercolors: if too much water is used, the paint can run on the salt dough . Furthermore, the opacity is rather low , which is particularly noticeable on unprimed salt dough.
Acrylic paints, on the other hand, offer excellent coverage and adhere well to salt dough. They are ideal for vibrant colors and opaque areas. Acrylic markers are great for creating small details , and wider markers can be used to paint larger areas. However, the marker tips don't always reach all the crevices and edges of the salt dough.
Permanent markers are particularly easy to use and well-suited for drawing outlines and fine details . They don't bleed and allow for very precise work. However, light colors don't cover well on dark or previously painted salt dough. Furthermore, permanent markers contain solvents, which is why they are not suitable for children. They are also less than ideal for painting large areas.
In this picture you can easily compare the painting results of watercolor (figure 1), acrylic marker (figure 2) and permanent marker (figure 3).
Best recipe for salt dough
Salt dough recipe using 1kg of flour
Salt dough is made using the tried-and-tested ratio of 2 parts flour, 1 part salt, and 1 part water. For a softer dough, you can replace some of the flour with cornstarch and add a little oil.
- 1kg flour (or 500g flour and 500g starch)
- 500g salt
- 500ml water
- Optional: a dash of neutral cooking oil
All the ingredients are then kneaded together into a smooth dough. The resulting modeling clay consists of entirely natural ingredients and is therefore well-suited for modeling with children. Due to the high salt content, it doesn't taste very good, so anyone who enjoys snacking on dough should probably make cookie dough instead.
Processing salt dough
Here's how to make pendants, handprints and figures from salt dough
Salt dough isn't meant for snacking, but it can be rolled out beautifully, just like cookie dough, to cut out flat shapes with cookie cutters. These shapes later make lovely salt dough pendants. Or you can cut a larger flat piece with a knife to create a handprint in salt dough.
Of course, you can also shape salt dough similarly to clay to create decorative figures or sculptures.
Once the shapes are finished, the salt dough needs to dry. You can do this over a longer period at room temperature. Tip for drying without an oven: You should turn the salt dough regularly so that all sides can dry thoroughly.
You can also dry the salt dough in the oven. Dry your salt dough objects at 50°C with fan-assisted heat for about an hour.
After drying, bake the salt dough for 40-80 minutes at 120°C with fan-assisted heat in the oven.
What do you use to paint salt dough?
These colors adhere well to salt dough:
Depending on the project and desired effect, you can use different colors. Acrylic paints are the best choice for strong, opaque results. Watercolors are ideal for children or delicate color gradients. And for those who prefer a quick and even finish, spray paint is the way to go.
Can salt dough be painted before it dries?
You can only paint salt dough once it's completely dry. However, you can color the dough before it dries and bakes, and then paint it. Food coloring is suitable for this. The result won't be very vibrant, but it will have a very natural look.
Acrylic Markers
Acrylic paints are ideal for painting salt dough because they offer excellent coverage and produce vibrant colors. Acrylic markers, such as the edding 5000, are particularly practical for larger areas. Thinner markers are perfect for fine patterns or details.
Tip: Acrylic pens work particularly well on flat rolled-out salt dough – for example, for punched-out stars for Christmas decorations or gift tags.
Watercolors
A classic watercolor set with a brush is a great option, especially for children. The brush can easily reach small corners and angles where markers often can't. Furthermore, marker tips can be damaged by the rough material, especially if children press too hard.
When using watercolors, make sure the paints aren't too watery. Watery paint tends to run into the small pores and grooves of salt dough.
Permanent Marker
Permanent markers are well-suited for drawing outlines, patterns, or lettering on salt dough. However, their strong odor and fine tip make them less than ideal for large areas. For those, you're better off using watercolors or broad acrylic markers.
Light ink does not cover dark ink, so you cannot paint over dark areas.
Sealing with clear lacquer
Is salt dough waterproof?
Salt dough is a great crafting material – but it's not naturally waterproof. To ensure your creations last a long time and are protected from humidity, you should definitely seal them after drying and painting.
Salt dough attracts moisture from the air and can therefore soften, crack, or even mold – especially in damp rooms or when in contact with water. That's why sealing it with clear varnish is very important if you want your creations to last.
After they are completely dry (and painted, if desired), you can seal your salt dough objects with a clear acrylic varnish.
Even with varnish, salt dough is not weatherproof. Therefore, it is not suitable for outdoor use (e.g., garden or balcony) – even sealed pieces can be damaged by rain or high humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Salt Dough
Well-dried andsealed salt dough can last for several years – provided it is stored in a dry place away from light. Moisture is its biggest enemy!
Unfortunately not. Even with clear varnish, salt dough is not completely weatherproof. Therefore, it is not suitable for outdoor use.
Yes, in warm, dry weather you can also dry salt dough outdoors in the air. But make sure it's not in direct sunlight – otherwise it can crack.
No. Even if the ingredients are non-toxic, salt dough is not suitable for consumption due to its high salt content – especially not for small children or pets.
You should only paint it directly after it has dried. However, you can color the dough with food coloring before it dries – this will give it a natural look.
Watercolors or water-based acrylic paints are well-suited. Make sure to use non-toxic, child-friendly products – especially for younger children.
Salt dough stars
A beautiful decorative idea for Christmas