What to Paint Salt Dough Ornaments With

Salt dough ornaments are a classic and fun craft project, perfect for holidays, gifts, or simply decorating your home. Once you've shaped and baked your ornaments, the next step is to decide what to paint them with. The options are vast, ranging from acrylic paints to natural dyes, each offering unique results. Let's explore the best paint options for your salt dough ornaments.

Before we dive into the paints, it's essential to prepare your ornaments. Ensure they're completely cooled and dry, then lightly sand any rough edges. Wipe off any dust with a damp cloth, and your ornaments are ready for painting.

Acrylic Paints: Vibrant and Versatile

Acrylic paints are a popular choice for salt dough ornaments due to their vibrant colors and ease of use. They're water-based, non-toxic, and dry quickly, making them ideal for kids and adults alike.

For a smooth finish, apply a thin layer of acrylic paint using a paintbrush. Allow it to dry, then apply a second coat if needed. You can also experiment with different techniques, such as sponging, stamping, or using paint markers for added detail.

Choosing the Right Acrylic Paints

Opt for high-quality, artist-grade acrylic paints for better coverage and longevity. They're more pigmented, which means you'll use less paint to achieve the desired color.

If you're on a budget, student-grade paints are a good alternative. They're less expensive but still provide decent coverage. Just be aware that they may require more layers to achieve the same vibrancy as artist-grade paints.

Sealing Acrylic Paint

Once your ornaments are painted, it's a good idea to seal them with a clear acrylic sealer or varnish. This protects the paint from chipping and fading, especially if your ornaments will be displayed outdoors or handled frequently.

Apply the sealer in thin, even coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next. You can use a spray sealer for an even finish, or apply it with a paintbrush for more control.

Watercolor Paints: Soft and Subtle

Watercolor paints can create a soft, delicate look on salt dough ornaments. They're great for achieving pastel shades or ombré effects. However, they may not be as vibrant as acrylic paints and may require more layers for full coverage.

To use watercolor paints, dilute them with water to your desired consistency. Apply the paint with a brush, using multiple layers if needed. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next.

Watercolor Techniques

Watercolor paints lend themselves well to various techniques. You can create ombré effects by gradually adding more water to your paint as you apply it. Alternatively, you can use a wet-on-wet technique, applying multiple colors while the paint is still wet to create unique blends.

For a more textured look, try using a sponge or a paintbrush with stiff bristles to apply the paint. You can also experiment with adding salt or other materials to the wet paint to create unique textures.

Sealing Watercolor Paint

Like acrylic paints, watercolor paints should be sealed to protect them from damage. Use a clear acrylic sealer or varnish, applying it in thin, even coats and allowing each layer to dry completely.

If you want to preserve the matte finish of watercolor paints, opt for a matte sealer. If you prefer a glossy look, a gloss or satin sealer will work best.

Natural Dyes: Earthy and Eco-Friendly

For a more natural look, consider using natural dyes to paint your salt dough ornaments. Natural dyes are made from plants, minerals, or insects and can create beautiful, earthy colors. They're also eco-friendly and non-toxic.

To use natural dyes, you'll need to extract the color from the plant or mineral material. This involves simmering the material in water, straining the liquid, and then using the resulting dye to paint your ornaments.

Creating Natural Dyes

Some popular plants and materials for creating natural dyes include turmeric for yellow, beetroot for pink, and indigo for blue. You can find detailed instructions for creating natural dyes online, but the basic process involves simmering the material in water, straining the liquid, and then using the resulting dye to paint your ornaments.

Keep in mind that natural dyes may not be as vibrant as synthetic dyes, and the colors may fade over time. However, they offer a unique, earthy look that's perfect for certain styles and themes.

Sealing Natural Dyes

Natural dyes should be sealed to protect them from fading and damage. Use a clear acrylic sealer or varnish, applying it in thin, even coats and allowing each layer to dry completely.

If you're using a matte sealer, you may need to apply multiple layers to achieve full coverage. This is because natural dyes can be translucent, and a matte sealer may not provide the same level of opacity as a gloss or satin sealer.

Painting salt dough ornaments is a fun and creative way to personalize your decorations. Whether you choose acrylic paints, watercolors, or natural dyes, the possibilities are endless. So grab your paints and let your imagination run wild!