Quick answer: To use tempera paint, shake the bottle, pour small amounts onto a palette or into cups, and paint on absorbent surfaces like heavy paper, poster board, cardboard or primed wood. Use it straight for bold, opaque color or add a few drops of water to thin it, but avoid heavy watering, which makes it chalky. Apply in thin layers, let each dry for 10 to 30 minutes, and keep finished work flat because thick tempera can crack and flake when bent. Clean brushes and spills with soap and water.
Tempera is the paint most of us met first in school: bright, thick, washable and cheap enough to use by the jar. Knowing how to use tempera paint well, though, makes a real difference to how bold and lasting the results are. Small habits such as how much water you add, which paper you choose and how thickly you paint decide whether a picture glows or cracks off the page.
This guide explains what tempera paint is, how it differs from egg tempera and acrylic, and gives step-by-step methods, project ideas, techniques and fixes for common problems. If you are choosing a set for kids or a classroom, our guide to the best tempera paints for kids compares washable, non-toxic options.
What Is Tempera Paint?
The word tempera covers two quite different paints:
- Poster or school tempera: the bottled paint sold for kids and classrooms. It is a water-based paint with pigment, a binder (often cellulose, starch or a similar water-soluble binder, depending on the brand), fillers such as chalk or calcium carbonate, and preservatives. It dries matte and opaque.
- Egg tempera: a traditional fine-art paint made by mixing pigment with egg yolk. It was the main panel-painting medium in Europe before oil paint became dominant, and it is still used by some artists for its luminous, detailed finish.
When people ask how to use tempera paint, they usually mean school tempera, so most of this guide covers that. Egg tempera gets its own section near the end.
Is Tempera Paint the Same as Acrylic?
No. Both are water-based while wet, but acrylic uses a plastic polymer binder that dries flexible and water-resistant. School tempera usually stays water-soluble after drying and is more brittle. That makes tempera easier to clean up and cheaper, but less durable on non-porous surfaces and outdoors.
| Feature | School tempera | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Matte, chalky | Satin to glossy |
| Drying | Fast, usually minutes | Fast, minutes to an hour |
| Water resistance when dry | Low; can reactivate | High |
| Flexibility | Can crack when thick or bent | Flexible |
| Cleanup | Easy; many are washable | Easy while wet; permanent once dry |
| Best for | Kids, classrooms, posters, crafts on paper | Canvas, wood, outdoor projects, fine art |
Supplies You Need
- Tempera paint in primary colors plus black and white
- Brushes: chunky flat and round brushes for kids, plus a few smaller rounds for detail
- A palette, egg carton, muffin tin or paper plate
- Two water cups and paper towels
- Heavy paper: 80 lb or heavier drawing paper, construction paper, poster board, or watercolor paper
- Smocks or old shirts and a table covering
- Optional: sponges, stamps, cotton swabs, straws and textured objects for printing
How to Use Tempera Paint: Step by Step
1. Prepare the space
Cover the table with newspaper, butcher paper or a plastic cloth. Have smocks on and a wet cloth ready for quick wipes. Washable tempera cleans up easily, but some colors can still stain fabrics if left to dry.
2. Shake and pour
Tempera separates over time, so shake bottles well before use. Pour small amounts, about a tablespoon per color, into a palette. Pouring little and often reduces waste and stops paint from drying out in the palette.
3. Choose the right surface
Tempera works best on absorbent surfaces that give it something to grip. Heavy drawing paper, construction paper, poster board, cardboard and paper plates are all excellent. Thin printer paper wrinkles and tears when wet. On glossy or plastic surfaces, tempera tends to bead and flake.
4. Adjust the consistency
Most tempera is ready to use straight from the bottle. For smoother brushing, add a few drops of water. For washes or watercolor-like effects, thin more, but expect the color to become streaky and chalky. If paint is too runny, let it sit uncovered in the palette for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Paint large shapes first
Start with backgrounds and big areas using a large brush. Tempera dries fast, so work one area at a time and avoid going back over half-dry paint, which can lift and streak.
6. Layer once dry
Let each layer dry before painting on top, usually 10 to 30 minutes depending on thickness and humidity. Tempera is opaque, so light colors can cover darker ones, though white and yellow may need two coats.
7. Add details
Use a small brush, cotton swab or the end of a brush handle for dots, outlines and fine details once the base is dry.
8. Dry flat and store carefully
Dry finished paintings flat on a table or drying rack. Thick tempera can crack if the paper bends while drying or afterward. Store flat in a folder rather than rolling.
9. Clean up
Rinse brushes in warm, soapy water and reshape them. Wipe palettes clean or let paint dry and peel or soak it off. Washable tempera usually comes out of clothes with prompt washing, but check the label and pre-treat stains.
Tempera Paint Techniques to Try
Color mixing
With red, yellow, blue, black and white you can mix most colors. Add dark colors to light ones gradually, since a little dark goes a long way.
Sponge painting
Dip a damp sponge in paint, blot it, and press onto paper for texture. Great for trees, skies and backgrounds.
Printing and stamping
Brush paint onto leaves, cut vegetables, foam shapes or bubble wrap and press onto paper. Tempera’s thick consistency makes crisp prints.
Straw blowing
Thin tempera slightly, drop it on paper and blow through a straw to create branching shapes. Supervise younger kids so they blow, not sip.
Sgraffito
Paint a thick layer of one color over a dry layer of another, then scratch designs through the wet top layer with a craft stick to reveal the color beneath.
Tempera resist
Draw with crayon or oil pastel, then paint over with thinned tempera. The wax resists the paint, so drawings show through.
Faux stained glass
Draw thick black outlines with a marker or paint, then fill shapes with bright colors for a stained-glass effect.
Tempera Color Mixing Chart
A small set of tempera colors goes further with a few reliable mixes. Start with small amounts and add the stronger color gradually.
| Target color | Mix | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | Yellow + a little red | Start with yellow; red is stronger |
| Green | Yellow + a little blue | Add more yellow for a bright spring green |
| Purple | Red + blue | A magenta-leaning red gives a cleaner purple |
| Brown | Orange + a little blue | Adjust with red or yellow for warm or golden browns |
| Pink | White + a touch of red | Always add red to white, not the reverse |
| Skin tones | White + yellow + red, darkened with a little brown or blue | Mix a range from light to deep |
Using Tempera on Different Surfaces
| Surface | Works? | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy paper and poster board | Excellent | The ideal surface |
| Cardboard | Very good | Prime with white tempera for brighter colors |
| Wood | Good on raw or sanded wood | Seal afterward if handled often |
| Canvas | Fair | Thin layers only; it can crack on flexible canvas |
| Windows and glass | Temporary designs | Mix with a little dish soap for easier removal; test first |
| Fabric | Not recommended | Washes out; use fabric paint instead |
| Rocks and outdoor items | Poor without sealing | Rain can wash tempera away; acrylic is better |
Tempera Project Ideas by Age
| Age | Project ideas | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | Sponge stamping, handprint animals, color mixing in a zip bag | Use washable tempera and large paper taped to the table |
| 5 to 7 | Paper plate animals, crayon resist, bubble wrap prints | Offer chunky brushes and a limited palette |
| 8 to 10 | Painted cardboard masks, landscape posters, stained-glass designs | Introduce smaller brushes and layering |
| 11 and up | Pop art portraits, sgraffito, poster design with lettering | Encourage planning sketches and color schemes |
Classroom and Group Painting Tips
- Pre-fill cups with lids so colors can be stored between sessions without drying out.
- Use one brush per color at shared tables to keep colors clean.
- Set up a drying rack or clothesline area before painting begins.
- Label work in pencil on the back before painting, since wet paper is hard to write on.
- Keep a bucket of soapy water for brushes at the end of the session so cleanup is quick.
How to Make Tempera Paint Last Longer
- Seal it: a light coat of clear acrylic spray or brush-on sealer protects finished pieces from smudging and moisture. Test first, since sealers can slightly darken or reactivate tempera.
- Avoid thick layers: thinner coats crack less.
- Keep it flat: do not roll or fold tempera paintings.
- Display away from moisture: bathrooms and windows with condensation can make tempera smear.
- Close bottles tightly: tempera dries out and can grow mold if left open or contaminated.
A Brief Guide to Egg Tempera
Egg tempera is mixed fresh by combining pigment paste with egg yolk, typically diluted with a little water. It is applied in thin, quick-drying layers, usually with fine brushes and hatched strokes, on a rigid panel prepared with traditional gesso. It cannot be applied thickly and does not blend wet like oil. Its appeal is a luminous, matte surface and very fine detail.
Because dry pigments can be hazardous to inhale, egg tempera is an adult medium that calls for careful handling. Anyone curious about it should start with a dedicated guide or class rather than experimenting with loose pigment at the kitchen table.
Troubleshooting Tempera Problems
Paint cracks or flakes after drying
Paint was applied too thickly or the surface is flexible. Use thinner layers and stiffer paper or cardboard.
Streaky coverage
Too much water. Use paint closer to bottle consistency and apply a second coat once dry.
Colors smear when touched
Tempera can reactivate with moisture, including damp hands. Let it dry fully and seal if needed.
Paint beads up
The surface is glossy or non-porous. Choose paper or cardboard, or add a drop of dish soap for temporary window art.
Bottle smells sour
The paint may be contaminated. Avoid dipping dirty brushes into bottles and replace spoiled paint.
Common Mistakes
- Pouring too much paint, which dries out before it is used.
- Watering paint heavily to make it last, leaving pale, chalky results.
- Painting on thin printer paper.
- Rolling finished paintings to send home.
- Expecting tempera to survive outdoors without protection.
FAQs
What is tempera paint used for?
School tempera is used for children’s art, classroom projects, posters, crafts and temporary window designs. Egg tempera is a traditional fine-art medium used on rigid panels.
Is tempera paint washable?
Many tempera paints are labeled washable and clean up from skin and most surfaces with soap and water. Check the label, as not all tempera is formulated to be washable from fabrics.
Do you add water to tempera paint?
Only a little, if needed. Tempera usually works best close to bottle consistency. Heavy watering weakens color and coverage.
How long does tempera paint take to dry?
Thin layers often dry in 10 to 30 minutes. Thick layers can take longer, and humidity slows drying.
Can you use tempera paint on canvas?
You can, but use thin layers because tempera can crack on flexible canvas. Acrylic is usually a better choice for canvas paintings you want to keep.
How do you seal tempera paint?
Once fully dry, apply a light coat of clear acrylic spray or brush-on sealer. Test on a scrap first, since some sealers may smear or darken tempera.
Final Thoughts
Using tempera paint well comes down to the right surface, the right consistency and thin layers that dry flat. With those basics, it is one of the most rewarding and forgiving paints for kids, classrooms and quick creative projects. When you are ready to stock up, compare washable, non-toxic sets in our guide to the best tempera paints for kids.
