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A handprint is the one piece of kids’ art almost every family keeps. It records a size that will never come back, which is why preschools make them every Mother’s Day and grandparents frame them. Getting a crisp print, though, takes the right paint. Too thin, and the palm smears into a blob; too thick, and the lines of the fingers fill in. The best paint for kids’ handprints is washable, gentle on skin, creamy enough to coat a palm evenly, and bold enough to read clearly on paper or canvas.
We compared six options for hand and footprint keepsakes: washable finger paints, a classic tempera set, a baby-safe ink tube with a sponge applicator, and two sets of large ink pads that skip paint altogether. You will also find step-by-step tips for clean prints, ideas for turning prints into art, and how to preserve keepsakes.
Quick answer: For babies and newborns, the Nabance baby hand and footprint paint with sponge head is the easiest and tidiest way to get a clear print. For toddlers and preschoolers, the EXTRIC 12-color washable paint in 2 oz bottles gives bold, washable color for handprint crafts. If you want no paint at all, the Davlan 8 large washable ink pads are sized for hands and feet.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Nabance Baby Hand and Footprint Paint — Best for babies and newborn keepsakes
- EXTRIC Washable Paint, 12 x 2 oz — Best paint for toddler and preschool handprints
- Davlan 8 Large Washable Ink Pads — Best no-paint option for hand and footprints
- ABEIER Washable Finger Paint for Toddlers, 12 Colors — Best creamy finger paint for little hands
- Hoiny 8 Colors 7-Inch Ink Pads — Best ink pads for pet paw prints too
- Crayola Washable Project Paint, 6 Colors — Best budget classic paint for crafts
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nabance Baby Print Paint | Babies | 75 ml black tube, sponge head | Even application, little mess | $ |
| EXTRIC Washable 12 | Toddler crafts | 12 x 2 oz bottles, matte | Listed for ages 1-3 | $$ |
| Davlan Ink Pads | Hands and feet | 8 x 7-inch pads, 1.75 oz ink each | No pouring | $ |
| ABEIER Finger Paint | Toddlers 1-3 | 12 colors, creamy texture | ASTM D4236 | $ |
| Hoiny Ink Pads | Hands, feet, paws | 8 x 7-inch pads | Low-odor, water-based | $ |
| Crayola Washable 6ct | Ages 3+ crafts | 6 x 2 oz bold colors | Resealable caps | $ |
How We Chose
We did not make handprints with these products. Our picks are based on Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, how well each product’s formula, applicator, washability and size suit hand and footprint keepsakes, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. An AROIC finger paint set appeared too, but its listing describes it as suitable for ages 13 and up, so it is not a fit for little hands.
- Skin contact: listed as non-toxic and safe for skin, with clear age guidance.
- Washability: cleans from skin with soap and water or wipes.
- Print quality: creamy paint or saturated ink that captures lines without blobbing.
- Application: sponges, pads or tubes that coat hands evenly and quickly.
- Color choice: bold colors that read clearly on paper and cards.
Paint or Ink Pad for Handprints?
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washable paint | Crafts, colorful prints, canvas | Bold, many colors, blendable | Messier, needs a brush or sponge |
| Ink pad | Quick prints, multiples | Fast, clean, consistent | Flatter color, fewer techniques |
| Baby print ink with applicator | Newborns and babies | Very controlled, minimal mess | Usually one color |
Best Paint for Kids’ Handprints Reviewed
1. Nabance Baby Hand and Footprint Paint with Sponge Head (Black) — Best for babies and newborn keepsakes
Getting a print from a baby’s hand is tricky: tiny fingers curl, and dipping a palm into paint rarely works. Nabance solves this with a squeeze tube topped with a sponge head, so you dab paint directly onto a hand or foot. The listing describes a non-toxic, acid-free ink formulated for babies’ delicate skin and washable, leaving no residue.
Each tube holds 2.54 fl oz (75 ml) of black. The listing also suggests it for pet paw prints and baby milestone cards. Black prints are timeless and read clearly in baby books and frames.
Best suited for: New parents making birth announcements, baby books and first-year keepsakes.
Key features:
- 75 ml (2.54 fl oz) tube
- Sponge-head applicator
- Non-toxic, acid-free claim
- Washable
- Works for pet paw prints
Pros:
- Easiest way to print tiny hands and feet
- Little mess
- Controlled application
Cons and limitations:
- Black only
- Not for colorful crafts
- Sponge needs cleaning to stay fresh
Buying consideration: Print while your baby is relaxed or asleep, and press paper to the hand rather than pressing the hand onto paper.
2. EXTRIC Washable Paint for Kids, 12 x 2 oz — Best for toddler and preschool handprint crafts
EXTRIC offers 12 washable colors in 2 oz bottles. The listing describes a gentle, non-toxic, water-based formula safe for little hands and feet and suitable for ages 1 to 3, washing off skin, clothes, tables and walls with soap and water. It dries matte.
Twelve colors open up handprint art beyond a single print: rainbow handprint fish, fingerprint caterpillars, footprint penguins and handprint turkeys. Two-ounce bottles last through many projects.
Best suited for: Toddlers and preschoolers making seasonal and holiday handprint crafts.
Key features:
- 12 colors in 2 oz bottles
- Matte finish
- Listed for ages 1-3
- Washable from skin and surfaces
- Non-toxic, water-based
Pros:
- Lots of colors for craft ideas
- Age guidance includes toddlers
- Good volume
Cons and limitations:
- Paint needs a brush or sponge to apply evenly
- Mid price tier
- Bottles can be squeezed too hard by kids
Buying consideration: Brush paint onto the palm in a thin even layer instead of letting kids dip their hands into a puddle.
3. Davlan 8 Large Washable Ink Pads for Kids — Best for hand and footprints without paint
Davlan’s ink pads are 7 inches across, big enough for a hand or a foot, and come in 8 rainbow colors. Each large pad holds 1.75 ounces of ink, per the listing, which describes the ink as odorless, non-toxic and washable with soap and water or a wet wipe.
Ink pads are the fastest way to make a lot of prints, such as a classroom of Mother’s Day cards, because there is no paint to spread. Prints come out evenly every time.
Best suited for: Teachers, daycares and families making several prints at once.
Key features:
- 8 colors
- 7-inch pads
- 1.75 oz ink per pad
- Washable
- Non-toxic, odorless
Pros:
- Fast and clean
- Consistent prints
- Works for rubber stamps too
Cons and limitations:
- Flatter color than paint
- Lids must be closed to prevent drying
- Bulky to store
Buying consideration: Press the hand onto the pad, then hold the paper on a soft surface like a folded towel for a fuller print.
4. ABEIER Washable Finger Paint for Toddlers 1-3, 12 Colors — Best for creamy finger paint for little hands
ABEIER’s 12-color finger paint is sold for toddlers ages 1 to 3. The listing describes a thick, silky cream texture, a matte finish, ASTM D4236 conformance, safety for direct skin contact and washability from skin, fabrics and plastics. It also includes a small-parts choking warning and a reminder not to swallow.
Creamy finger paint coats palms evenly, which helps capture finger lines rather than blobs. It is also great for sensory play before or after printing.
Best suited for: Toddlers who love finger painting and parents who want handprints as part of play.
Key features:
- 12 colors
- Thick, creamy texture
- Matte finish
- ASTM D4236
- Washable from skin and fabric
Pros:
- Smooth, even coat
- Toddler age guidance
- Doubles as sensory play paint
Cons and limitations:
- Small container sizes
- Choking warning for small parts
- Thick paint can clog fine details
Buying consideration: Thin with a few drops of water if prints look heavy and lines fill in.
5. Hoiny 8 Colors 7-Inch Washable Ink Pads — Best for prints of hands, feet and paws
Hoiny’s set includes 8 large 7-inch pads in red, orange, pink, yellow, green, dark blue, sky blue and purple. The listing describes low-odor, water-based ink gentle for little hands, which washes off with warm water and mild soap, and notes not to leave it on skin too long for the easiest cleanup.
It is suggested for handprints, footprints and pet paw prints. The sturdy base and lid resist drying, and the listing suggests adding a little water if pads dry out.
Best suited for: Families making prints of kids and pets together, and classrooms.
Key features:
- 8 colors
- 7-inch pads
- Low-odor, water-based
- Soap and water cleanup
- Lid to resist drying
Pros:
- Large pad size
- Pet-friendly suggestion
- Rewettable if dry
Cons and limitations:
- Ink can stain if left on skin
- Mid price tier
- Fewer techniques than paint
Buying consideration: Wipe hands right after printing; the listing advises not leaving ink on skin for long.
6. Crayola Washable Project Paint, 6 Colors — Best for budget classic paint for crafts
Crayola’s 6-pack includes bold washable project paints in 2 oz bottles, with colors such as fuchsia, teal and blue violet. The listing describes smooth, creamy color that blends, resealable caps and washability from skin and most washable clothing. It is labeled for ages 3 and up.
Bright, unusual shades make handprint flowers, fish and birds pop on white cardstock.
Best suited for: Preschool and early elementary kids making handprint crafts.
Key features:
- 6 bold colors in 2 oz bottles
- Matte finish
- Resealable caps
- Washable from skin and most clothing
- Ages 3+
Pros:
- Lowest price tier
- Trusted washable formula
- Bright colors
Cons and limitations:
- Only 6 colors
- Labeled ages 3+
- No applicators
Buying consideration: Use a foam brush to paint the palm; it gives a smoother coat than a bristle brush.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Paint for Kids’ Handprints
Check age guidance
Many paints are labeled 3+. For babies and young toddlers, choose products that explicitly mention babies or ages 1 to 3, and always supervise.
Washable and gentle
Look for non-toxic, washable formulas that come off with soap and water. Wipe hands soon after printing.
Consistency for crisp prints
Creamy paint captures lines. Watery paint smears; very thick paint fills in creases.
Applicator
Sponges, foam brushes or ink pads coat hands evenly. Dipping hands into a puddle usually creates blobs.
Color plans
Black or a single bold color suits keepsakes; many colors suit crafts. Choose based on what you will make.
Surface
Cardstock and watercolor paper hold prints best. For canvas keepsakes, washable paint works on primed canvas; seal the dry print so it resists moisture.
How to Get a Clean Handprint
- Wash and dry the hand so oils do not resist the paint.
- Apply a thin, even layer of paint with a foam brush or sponge, or press onto an ink pad.
- Place the paper on a soft surface, like a folded towel or a magazine.
- Press the hand down flat, then gently press each finger and the palm from above.
- Lift straight up in one motion.
- Wipe the hand immediately with a damp cloth, then wash with soap and water.
- Let the print dry flat before handling.
For more ideas and troubleshooting, see our full guide to foot and handprint painting for kids. Fingerprints make perfect ladybug spots; combine them with our easy ladybug painting for kids.
Handprints Beyond Paper
Paper is the easiest surface, but handprints also make lovely gifts on other materials. On a small primed canvas, a washable paint print can be framed without glass once it is dry and sealed with a clear spray or brush-on varnish. Air-dry clay or salt-dough ornaments take an impression rather than paint; press the hand in, bake or dry as directed, then paint the dried ornament with acrylic, which is fine because it no longer touches skin.
Fabric is trickier. Washable kids’ paint is designed to come out of clothing, so a handprint on a tote bag or apron will fade in the wash. For fabric keepsakes, paint the child’s hand with a fabric paint labeled safe for skin contact, or make the print on paper and transfer the design with fabric markers. Whatever the surface, an adult should handle any sealing, baking or varnishing step.
Handprint Art Ideas by Season
- Spring: handprint flowers and fingerprint bees.
- Summer: handprint fish and footprint suns.
- Fall: handprint turkeys and fingerprint apple trees.
- Winter: footprint snowmen and handprint reindeer.
- Keepsakes: yearly handprints on the same size card for a growth record.
Preserving Handprint Keepsakes
Let prints dry fully, then frame them behind glass or keep them in an acid-free sleeve. For canvas or wood keepsakes, a clear sealer protects the paint from moisture and handling. Label the back with the child’s name and date; it seems obvious until years later when every print looks the same size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much paint: lines fill in and prints blob.
- Printing on a hard table: palms do not contact flat paper evenly.
- Rushing a wriggly child: wait for a calm moment or try while napping for babies.
- Using craft acrylic on skin: choose washable, skin-safe paint or ink.
- Forgetting to label: date every print.
- Leaving ink on skin: wipe right away for easiest cleanup.
FAQs
What paint is safe for baby handprints?
Use products labeled non-toxic and safe for babies’ skin, such as baby hand and footprint ink with a sponge applicator. Wipe the skin right after printing.
How do you get a clear handprint from a toddler?
Apply a thin layer of paint with a sponge, place paper on a soft surface, press the hand flat and lift straight up. Practice a couple of times first.
Can I use ink pads for handprints?
Yes. Large 7-inch washable ink pads are sized for hands and feet and give fast, consistent prints with less mess.
Does washable paint fade on handprint keepsakes?
Washable paint is designed to come off skin and fabric, but on paper it stays put once dry. Keep keepsakes out of direct sunlight and frame or seal them.
How do I remove paint from a baby’s hand?
Wipe immediately with a damp cloth, then wash gently with mild soap and warm water. Avoid scrubbing delicate skin.
What paper is best for handprints?
Cardstock or watercolor paper. They are thick enough to resist wrinkling and give crisp prints.
Final Recommendation
For babies, the Nabance sponge-head tube is the easiest way to capture tiny hands and feet. For toddler and preschool crafts, EXTRIC’s 12-color washable paint offers bold color and age guidance that includes little ones. Davlan and Hoiny ink pads are the cleanest options for quick prints, with Hoiny also suggested for pets. ABEIER finger paint gives a creamy coat for toddlers, and Crayola’s washable project paint is the budget pick for preschool crafts.
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