Bubble Wrap and Paint

When you think of bubble wrap, what uses do you think about? Packing materials for fragile items? Stress relief as you pop it? A fun item to add to a texture board? All are good uses. But we apply the rule "you can paint with almost anything" and use bubble wrap for painting! (And that may relieve stress, too.) I've used bubble wrap in two ways for painting.

ACTIVITY 1 - Stamping/printing with bubble wrap

Wrap blocks or small boxes with bubble wrap. Tape the wrap into place. Pour paint into a shallow pan. Dip the wrapped block in the paint. And stamp or smear away!

A hint: Fold a paper towel to put in the pan. Dampen the towel with water before adding the paint on top. The paper towel creates a "stamp pad" effect. If you do not add a little water to the towel before adding paint, the bubble wrap may stick to the towel and pull it out of the pan. (Trust me; it's true!)


ACTIVITY 2 - Painting with a brush on bubble wrap

Tape a piece of bubble wrap (about 8 by 10 inches) to the table or easel. Kids can dip a brush in paint and paint right on the bubble wrap. The textured surface gives a different experience than painting on smooth paper. Make a print to preserve the child's design. Pressing a piece of paper on top of the painted bubble wrap and carefully pulling it off. The design will transfer to the paper.

Bubble wrap is a fun way to explore and expand your painting horizons!