Article

Plastic Wrap Painting

| February 2020

Article Banner Seran Wrap Painting

Plastic wrap art is one of my favorite process art activities. Since it works best if you apply the paint and water fast and generously, it is a great way to loosen up tight painters! The result is a really unique and beautiful patterned paper.

Materials needed:

  • Paper - A glossy, non-absorbent type works the best
  • Washable Tempera Paint
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Sponge, Brushes, and Water

Materials needed for Saran wrap painting

Process:

1. Use a sponge to wet the entire paper with water.

child putting water on paper with a sponge for plastic wrap art

2. Apply paint generously and quickly over paper using plenty of water to keep it wet. Use two or more colors for the best effects.

A child applies a generous amount of tempera paint on a piece of wetted paper

3. While the paint is still wet, cover the paper with a sheet of plastic wrap.

A child covers a sheet of paper with tempera paint with a piece of plastic wrap

4. Use your fingers to crease and scrunch the plastic wrap. This will add texture and patterns to the paint.

Hands pulling at Saran wrap over a sheet of paper with wet tempera paint

5. Let dry overnight, leaving the plastic wrap in place. Once the paint has completely dried, carefully peel off the plastic wrap, unveiling unique and beautiful patterns.

hands peeling plastic wrap off paper

6. Use the beautifully patterned paper for collages, backgrounds, or just display as is. Since our designs reminded us of frosty glass in winter, we used our paper for a snowman display.

Two snowmen glued onto Saran wrap art background

Topics
Projects and Activities
Age
All ages
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Ideas & How-To