Simple Science and STEM for Every Day

Super Fun Fizzing Sidewalk Paint

This is an awesome way to take science outside and turn it into STEAM! Get outdoors, paint pictures, and enjoy a kid-favorite fizzing chemical reaction. What’s better than that? Plus, you can make this sidewalk paint yourself! Have the kiddos help you whip up this easy homemade paint recipe for some outdoor fun with a twist! We always love the opportunity to explore fizzing science and the clean up is so easy!

FIZZING SIDEWALK PAINT YOU CAN MAKE YOURSELF!

DIY SIDEWALK PAINT

How do you make fizzing sidewalk paint? All it takes is a few simple ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen cupboards.  This fun alternative to our classic sidewalk paint recipe is a must try activity with your kiddos.  Creating your own play and art materials, such as puffy paint and sidewalk chalk is a great substitute to buying them! ALSO CHECK OUT: Puffy Sidewalk Paint

FIZZING SIDEWALK PAINT

YOU WILL NEED:

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • ⅔ cups cornstarch
  • 1 cup warm water
  • Water-soluble food coloring
  • Vinegar, in a spray bottle

HOW TO MAKE SIDEWALK PAINT WITH A FIZZ

STEP 1. In a large bowl mix together the baking soda and cornstarch. Stir in the water and mix until completely blended. STEP 2. Divide the mixture into separate containers and add a few drops of food coloring to each one. Stir well. Do check your food coloring. I used great value brand food coloring and there was some staining on the sidewalk. It did fade within a couple of days. STEP 3. Allow children to paint surfaces. Paint can be applied with sponge brushes but pouring the paint from a spoon or bottle is much easier.

PAINTING TIPS:  Be aware that the paint mixture will settle quickly and be thick on the bottom. Some of the food coloring may also separate. Just stir again before using.

STEP 4. Then spray with vinegar and watch the cool fizzing effect.

WHAT MAKES THE PAINT FIZZ?

Science doesn’t have to be complicated for young kids. It just needs to get them curious about learning, observing, and exploring. This fizzing sidewalk paint is all about a cool chemical reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar.

The baking soda is a base and the vinegar is an acid. When you combine the two, a new substance is formed, a gas called carbon dioxide. You can see, hear and even feel the chemical reaction happening.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE

MAKE ART WITH HOMEMADE FIZZING SIDEWALK PAINT

Click on the image below or on the link for more fun STEAM (science + art) activities.

Summer STEAM projects for kids that combine art and science

Fizzing Sidewalk Paint

Learn how to make your own super fun fizzing sidewalk paint.

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • 2/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup warm water
  • water soluble food coloring
  • vinegar in a spray bottle

  1. In a large bowl mix together the baking soda and cornstarch. Stir in the water and mix until completely blended.

  2. Divide the mixture into separate containers and add a few drops of food coloring to each one. Stir well.

  3. Allow children to paint surfaces. Paint can be applied with sponge brushes but pouring the paint from a spoon or bottle is much easier.

Be aware that the paint mixture will settle quickly and be thick on the bottom. Some of the food coloring may also separate. Just stir again before using.