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Tempera is the workhorse of kids’ art. It is the paint in the big squeeze bottles at every preschool easel: thick, opaque, matte when dry and easy to wash off small hands. Because children use so much of it, the best tempera paints for kids balance three things that do not always line up: bright, smooth color, a reliably washable and non-toxic formula, and enough volume that you are not buying more every two weeks.
We compared six tempera and kids’ paint sets sized for homes, classrooms and camps, from 8 oz starter packs to 16 oz pint bottles. Along the way we explain what tempera can and cannot do, how it differs from acrylic and egg tempera, and the storage habits that keep a classroom supply from drying out or spoiling.
Quick answer: For classrooms, the Crayola Washable Paint 12-color set in 16 oz bottles is the dependable standard. For home use, the Cra-Z-Art 10-color washable tempera in 8 oz bottles gives the best balance of size and price. Schools with allergy policies should consider Colorations Simply Washable tempera, which lists freedom from common allergens.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Crayola Washable Paint, 12 x 16 oz — Best tempera for classrooms
- Cra-Z-Art Washable Tempera, 10 x 8 oz — Best value tempera for home
- Colorations Simply Washable Tempera, 8-Pack — Best allergen-conscious formula
- Fun Express Washable Tempera, 10 x 16 oz — Best bulk value for camps and VBS
- Positive Art Washable Tempera, 12 x 16 oz — Best wide color range in pint bottles
- Nicpro 14-Color Washable Kids Paint with Cups — Best complete kit with no-spill cups
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crayola Washable 12ct | Classrooms | 12 colors x 16 oz | Trusted washable formula | $$$ |
| Cra-Z-Art 10ct | Home painting | 10 colors x 8 oz | Made in USA, includes pink and brown | $$ |
| Colorations 8-Pack | Allergy-aware groups | 8 colors x 16 oz (128 oz) | AP Seal, allergen-free claims | $$ |
| Fun Express 10ct | Camps, VBS | 10 colors x 16 oz (160 oz) | Flip-top squeeze bottles | $$ |
| Positive Art 12ct | Color variety | 12 colors x 16 oz | Paraben-free, made in USA | $$$ |
| Nicpro 14 Colors | Starter kit | 14 x 8.4 oz + 10 no-spill cups | Cups, brushes, sponges included | $$ |
How We Chose
We did not paint with these products for this review. Picks are based on Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, how well each paint’s volume, washability, safety labeling and bottle design suit children at home and in school, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. A second Cra-Z-Art listing, an 8-color pack of 4 oz bottles, appeared in our search; it offers less paint for more money than the 10-color 8 oz pack, so we recommend the larger set instead.
- Washability: listed as washable from skin and most children’s clothing.
- Safety: ASTM D4236 conformance, AP Seal and non-toxic claims.
- Volume: ounces per color, a key cost driver for kids’ paint.
- Color range: primaries, black, white and helpful extras like brown and pink.
- Bottle design: squeeze tops and flip caps that small hands and teachers can manage.
What Tempera Paint Is (and Is Not)
Modern kids’ tempera, sometimes called poster paint, is a water-based paint with a chalky, opaque body that dries to a matte finish. It is designed for paper, cardboard and paper mache, and it stays slightly re-wettable after drying, which is why it washes off so easily. That same property means it can crack or flake if applied very thickly or on flexible surfaces.
It is different from acrylic, which dries to a permanent, flexible plastic film and stains clothing. It is also different from traditional egg tempera, an old fine-art technique that binds pigment with egg yolk; if you are curious about that, see our guide on how to use egg tempera paint. For a fuller look at the kids’ version’s strengths and weaknesses, read is tempera paint good?
Best Tempera Paints for Kids Reviewed
1. Crayola Washable Paint for Kids, 12 Colors x 16 oz — Best for classrooms
Crayola’s bulk set is a fixture in classrooms for good reason. You get 12 colors in 16-ounce easy-squeeze bottles, listed as tempera with a matte finish, non-toxic and washable. The large bottles go a long way, according to the listing, and the color range covers more than basic primaries.
Teachers often value consistency over anything else. When a class needs more blue in March, it helps to buy the same blue you used in September. Crayola’s widespread availability makes that easy.
Best suited for: Preschool through elementary classrooms, art rooms and daycares that paint most days.
Key features:
- 12 colors
- 16 oz squeeze bottles
- Washable, non-toxic
- Matte finish
- Tempera paint type
Pros:
- Large bottles for daily use
- Familiar washable formula
- Easy to restock individual colors
Cons and limitations:
- Highest price tier in this list
- Large bottles are heavy for kids to squeeze
- More paint than most homes need
Buying consideration: Decant into smaller squeeze bottles or cups for each table; it keeps the big bottles clean and lasts longer.
2. Cra-Z-Art Washable Tempera Paint, 10 Colors x 8 oz — Best for home painting
Cra-Z-Art’s 10-pack hits the sweet spot for families: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, brown, black and white in 8 oz bottles, 80 ounces total. The listing says the paint is made in the USA, washable and non-toxic, with a gloss finish.
Including pink and brown is more useful than it sounds. Kids paint a lot of animals, people and trees, and having those colors ready reduces muddy mixing. Eight-ounce bottles are also easier for children to squeeze than pints.
Best suited for: Families with one to three children who paint regularly at home.
Key features:
- 10 colors including pink and brown
- 8 oz bottles (80 oz total)
- Washable, non-toxic
- Made in USA
- Gloss finish
Pros:
- Strong value per ounce
- Manageable bottle size
- Helpful color selection
Cons and limitations:
- Gloss finish differs from the classic matte tempera look
- No brushes or cups
- Bottles may need shaking after storage
Buying consideration: Shake bottles before each session; tempera can separate as it sits.
3. Colorations Simply Washable Tempera Paint, Rainbow Plus 8-Pack — Best for allergen-conscious classrooms
Colorations focuses on early childhood settings, and this paraben-free 8-pack includes red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black and white. The listing describes AP Seal certification, ASTM D4236 conformance and a formula without latex, dairy, casein, egg, gluten, peanut, tree nuts or soy.
It is described as not chipping, flaking or cracking when dry and is listed for paper, canvas, wood, cardboard, cardstock and paper mache, indoors and outdoors. It is made in the USA.
Best suited for: Daycares, preschools and families managing food allergies who want detailed ingredient information.
Key features:
- 8 colors x 16 oz, including black and white
- Paraben-free
- AP Seal and ASTM D4236
- Allergen-free list
- Made in USA
Pros:
- Clear allergen information
- Crack and flake resistance claims
- Broad surface list
Cons and limitations:
- Fewer colors
- Only 8 colors, so pink and brown must be mixed
- Higher cost than basic tempera
Buying consideration: At 128 ounces in total, this set suits group settings; families may prefer a smaller home pack.
4. Fun Express Washable Tempera Paint Set, 10 Colors x 16 oz — Best for camps and VBS programs
Fun Express delivers 160 fluid ounces of washable tempera in 10 flip-top 16 oz squeeze bottles. The listing describes ASTM D4236 certification, an eggshell finish and a formula that cleans from skin, classroom tables and most children’s clothing with warm water.
Flip-top lids make dispensing easier during busy craft sessions, and the seller pitches it for easel painting, sponge crafts and cardboard box projects, which matches how camps and community programs use paint.
Best suited for: Summer camps, VBS programs, scouts and community events that need a lot of paint at a reasonable price.
Key features:
- 10 colors x 16 oz (160 oz)
- Flip-top squeeze bottles
- ASTM D4236
- Eggshell finish
- Washable formula
Pros:
- Excellent bulk value
- Easy-pour flip tops
- Good for large projects
Cons and limitations:
- Color list repeats black in the listing details, so check the actual mix
- Pint bottles are bulky
- Less known brand for color consistency
Buying consideration: Order early for summer programs and check the color list when it arrives so you can plan projects around it.
5. Positive Art Washable Tempera Paint, 12 Colors x 16 oz — Best for a wide color range in pint bottles
Positive Art offers 12 tempera colors in 16 oz bottles: red, orange, green, blue, yellow, black, violet, white, brown, pink, turquoise and light purple. That range gives children more ready-made shades than the standard eight.
The listing describes it as paraben-free, washable, conforming to ASTM D4236 and made in the USA, with soap-and-water cleanup and a gloss finish.
Best suited for: Classrooms and homeschool groups that want more variety than basic rainbow packs.
Key features:
- 12 colors including turquoise and light purple
- 16 oz bottles
- Paraben-free, ASTM D4236
- Made in USA
- Gloss finish
Pros:
- Wide palette
- Pint size for heavy use
- Clear safety information
Cons and limitations:
- Higher upfront cost
- Gloss finish rather than matte
- Large bottles to store
Buying consideration: Turquoise and light purple are great for skies and flowers; pair them with white to teach tints.
6. Nicpro 14-Color Washable Kids Paint Kit with No-Spill Cups — Best for a complete starter kit
Nicpro’s kit is not tempera; the listing describes it as a washable acrylic paint for kids. We include it because many parents searching for tempera want the same thing: washable paint plus the tools to use it. It comes with 14 colors in 8.4 oz bottles with flip-top caps, 10 no-spill paint cups with lids, 10 brushes and 2 sponges.
It complies with ASTM D4236 and comes with a Children’s Product Certificate, according to the listing, and rinses from hands, clothes and tables with soap and warm water. Because it is acrylic-based, test washability on fabric before relying on it.
Best suited for: Families buying their first paint setup who want cups and brushes in the box.
Key features:
- 14 colors x 8.4 oz
- 10 no-spill cups with lids
- 10 brushes and 2 sponges
- ASTM D4236 and CPC
- Flip-top caps
Pros:
- Everything needed to start
- No-spill cups store leftover paint
- Large bottles
Cons and limitations:
- Not tempera, despite similar use
- May behave differently on fabric than tempera
- More parts to manage
Buying consideration: Use the lidded cups to save mixed colors between sessions instead of pouring fresh paint every time.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Tempera Paints for Kids
Washable vs regular tempera
Washable tempera is formulated to lift from skin and fabric. Regular tempera may be slightly brighter but can stain. For children under eight, washable is the safer choice.
Volume and value per ounce
Kids use a lot of paint. Divide the price by total ounces to compare sets. Pints are best for classrooms; 8 oz bottles suit homes.
Safety certifications
Look for ASTM D4236 conformance and the AP Seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute. Allergen information can matter in group settings.
Color selection
Basic rainbow packs cover primary and secondary colors plus black and white. Extras like brown, pink and turquoise reduce mixing frustration for younger kids.
Finish
Classic tempera dries matte. Some kids’ paints dry glossier. Matte looks traditional and photographs well; gloss looks brighter.
Bottle and cap design
Flip tops and squeeze bottles are easier than screw caps. Wide-mouth jars suit dipping but dry out faster.
Simple Tempera Techniques Kids Love
- Tint and shade ladders: mix a color with increasing amounts of white, then black, to teach value.
- Crayon resist: draw with a white crayon first, then paint thinned tempera over it to reveal hidden lines.
- Sponge texture: dab tempera with a kitchen sponge for trees, clouds and fur.
- Straw blowing: thin tempera with water and blow it across paper with a straw for spidery shapes.
- Fold prints: drop paint on one half of a sheet, fold and press for symmetrical butterflies.
- Cardboard sculptures: opaque tempera covers printed boxes in one or two coats, perfect for robots and castles.
Because tempera is opaque, it also covers mistakes well. A child who dislikes part of a painting can let it dry and paint over it, which is a useful lesson in revising work rather than starting over.
How to Store Tempera So It Lasts
- Close caps tightly after every session.
- Store bottles upright in a cool place; avoid freezing and hot cars.
- Shake before use to remix separated paint.
- Never pour leftover paint back into the main bottle.
- Toss paint that smells sour or shows mold.
- Label lidded cups with the date if you save mixed colors.
New to the medium? Our step-by-step guide on how to use tempera paint covers brushes, thinning and surfaces. Then try a project such as the easy ladybug painting or dinosaur painting for kids, both well suited to opaque tempera.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Painting too thick: heavy tempera layers crack and flake when dry.
- Using it on glossy surfaces: tempera does not bond to plastic or glazed ceramic.
- Expecting permanence: tempera is re-wettable; seal projects you want to keep.
- Buying tiny bottles for groups: they run out fast and cost more per ounce.
- Storing in hot or freezing spaces: temperature extremes ruin texture.
- Mixing all colors at once: limit choices to keep colors bright.
FAQs
Is tempera paint safe for kids?
Kids’ tempera paints are generally designed to be non-toxic. Look for ASTM D4236 conformance or the AP Seal, supervise young children and avoid letting them eat paint.
Does tempera paint wash out of clothes?
Washable tempera usually comes out of most washable clothing. Rinse in cold water promptly and launder as normal. Regular tempera can stain more.
What is the difference between tempera and acrylic paint for kids?
Tempera is chalky, matte and re-wettable, so it washes off easily. Acrylic dries to a permanent, flexible film that stains clothing but lasts longer on surfaces.
Can you use tempera paint on canvas?
Yes, but it may crack if painted thickly or if the canvas flexes. Thin layers and a sealer help. Acrylic is better for permanent canvas work.
How long does tempera paint last once opened?
Stored tightly closed in a cool place, it often lasts many months. Discard paint that smells sour, grows mold or turns rubbery.
Why does tempera paint crack?
Thick layers, flexible surfaces and very dry conditions cause cracking. Apply thinner coats and paint on paper, cardboard or primed boards.
Final Recommendation
Classrooms that paint every day will get the most from Crayola’s 16 oz washable set. Families should start with the Cra-Z-Art 10-pack in 8 oz bottles, which balances price, volume and helpful colors. Choose Colorations when allergen information matters, Fun Express when you need maximum ounces for a camp, and Positive Art when you want a broader palette in pint bottles. If you are buying a first setup and want cups and brushes in the box, Nicpro’s washable kit is a convenient alternative, as long as you know it is acrylic-based.
