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Washable tempera paint is the default paint of preschools and elementary art rooms for a simple reason: it is bright, opaque, cheap by the ounce, and it comes out of most clothes and off most hands with soap and water. The word “washable” carries a lot of weight, though. Some formulas release from fabric more easily than others, and bright reds, purples and specialty finishes are always the hardest to remove.
The seven picks below cover the usual buying situations: a home starter set, a classroom bulk order, a big color range for older kids, and a neon specialty paint. Each review notes bottle size, color count, finish and the washability and safety claims the brand actually makes.
Quick answer: For most homes and small classrooms, the Colorations Simply Washable Tempera Paint, Rainbow Plus 8-Pack is the best washable tempera paint: eight 16 oz bottles of core colors, a paraben-free formula with the AP seal, and a matte finish that does not chip or crack. For full classroom stocking, Crayola Washable Paint 12ct gives 12 colors in 16 oz squeeze bottles from the most familiar kids’ art brand. If you want more colors in smaller bottles for home, the Nicpro 18-Color Set offers 8.45 oz flip-top bottles and a color wheel.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Colorations Simply Washable Tempera, Rainbow Plus 8-Pack — Best overall washable tempera
- Crayola Washable Paint for Kids 12ct (16 oz) — Best for classrooms
- Colorations Simply Washable Tempera, Set of 11 — Best large-bottle color range
- Nicpro 18 Colors Washable Tempera Paint Set — Best color variety for home
- Cra-Z-Art Washable Tempera Bulk Pack 10ct — Best value bulk pack
- JOYIN Washable Tempera Paint Set 42 PCS — Best for neon, metallic and glitter fun
- Positive Art Fluorescent Washable Tempera, 64 oz — Best for blacklight projects
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorations 8-Pack | Home and small classrooms | 8 x 16 oz; matte | Paraben-free, AP seal, allergen-aware | $$ |
| Crayola 12ct | Full classroom supply | 12 x 16 oz squeeze bottles | Trusted brand, washes from skin | $$$ |
| Colorations Set of 11 | Art rooms needing more hues | 11 x 16 oz; matte | Adds magenta, turquoise, brown | $$$ |
| Nicpro 18 Colors | Home color mixing | 18 x 8.45 oz flip-top; color wheel | Widest color range in big bottles | $$ |
| Cra-Z-Art 10ct | Budget bulk | 10 x 8 oz; gloss | Low cost, made in USA | $$ |
| JOYIN 42 PCS | Special effects and gifting | 42 x 2 oz; 5 finishes; 15 brushes | Neon, pastel, metallic, glitter | $$ |
| Positive Art Neon Green | Blacklight parties, refills | 64 oz pump bottle; single color | UV-reactive, pump dispenser | $$ |
How We Chose
These picks are based on the Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, how well each paint’s washability claims, bottle format and color range fit home and classroom use, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We did not paint with or launder these paints; washability and safety statements are the manufacturers’ claims.
- Stated washability: explicit claims about washing from skin and clothing.
- Safety labeling: ASTM D-4236, AP seal or CPSIA statements, plus allergen information where listed.
- Volume per color: bigger bottles cost less per ounce and suit classrooms.
- Color range: enough primaries and secondaries to mix, plus black and white.
- Dispensing: squeeze, flip-top or pump bottles that small hands and busy teachers can manage.
- Dry finish: matte or gloss, and whether the paint resists chipping and cracking.
Best Washable Tempera Paint Reviewed
1. Colorations Simply Washable Tempera, Rainbow Plus 8-Pack — Best for most homes and small classrooms
Colorations is a staple brand in early-childhood classrooms, and this 8-pack is its core set: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black and white, 16 oz each. With the three primaries plus black and white, kids can mix nearly any color, and the secondaries save time for younger children.
The formula is now paraben-free and carries the AP seal for non-toxicity. Colorations states it is made in the USA, conforms to ASTM D-4236, and does not include latex, dairy, casein, egg, gluten, peanut, tree nuts or soy. The listing says it will not chip, flake or crack when dry, works on paper, canvas, wood, cardboard, cardstock and papier-mâché, and can be used indoors or outdoors with brushes, rollers and sponges.
Best suited for: Parents, homeschoolers, daycare providers and teachers who want a reliable core set in generous bottles.
Key features:
- 8 colors, 16 oz each
- Paraben-free, AP seal, ASTM D-4236
- Free of common allergens listed
- Matte finish; does not chip, flake or crack
- Paper, canvas, wood, cardboard, papier-mâché
- Made in USA
Pros:
- Strong safety and allergen information
- Large bottles for the money
- Core colors support mixing
Cons and limitations:
- No magenta or turquoise for brighter mixes
- Large bottles can be heavy for toddlers to pour
- Mid-tier price upfront
Buying consideration: Pour small amounts into a muffin tin or palette rather than letting children squeeze straight from 16 oz bottles.
2. Crayola Washable Paint for Kids 12ct — Best for full classroom supply
For a classroom that paints every week, Crayola’s 12-count set provides 12 colors in 16 oz easy-squeeze bottles: green, yellow, white, red, magenta, turquoise, violet, brown, blue, peach, orange and black. The addition of magenta, turquoise and peach broadens what kids can paint without mixing.
Crayola states the water-based paint washes from skin and most washable clothing, and the set is labeled non-toxic. It dries to a matte finish and is recommended for paper.
Best suited for: Teachers stocking a preschool, kindergarten or elementary classroom, and families with several children.
Key features:
- 12 colors, 16 oz squeeze bottles
- Washes from skin and most washable clothing
- Non-toxic
- Matte finish
- Includes magenta, turquoise and peach
Pros:
- Most trusted kids’ paint brand for many parents
- Squeeze bottles speed up setup
- Wide ready-made color range
Cons and limitations:
- Highest upfront price tier
- Recommended surface is paper
- Bulk quantity is more than a single child needs
Buying consideration: Budget for the whole school year; at 16 oz per color, one set typically supplies many class sessions.
3. Colorations Simply Washable Tempera, Set of 11 — Best for a large-bottle color range
This is the bigger sibling of the top pick: 11 colors at 16 oz each, adding brown, magenta and turquoise to the core palette. Colorations describes the paint as vibrant, creamy and opaque, best on non-greasy, absorbent surfaces such as construction paper, drawing paper, cardboard, plaster cloth and papier-mâché.
It shares the same safety credentials: ASTM D-4236, AP seal, and free of the most common allergens. The brand states its formula is designed to wash from most surfaces easily, and it dries to a vivid matte finish that resists cracking.
Best suited for: Art rooms and busy homes that want more pre-mixed colors and the same allergen-aware formula.
Key features:
- 11 colors, 16 oz each
- Adds brown, magenta and turquoise
- ASTM D-4236, AP seal
- Allergen-aware formula
- Matte, crack-resistant finish
Pros:
- More colors than the 8-pack
- Same strong safety profile
- Large classroom-friendly bottles
Cons and limitations:
- Higher price tier
- Absorbent surfaces recommended
- Overkill for occasional home painting
Buying consideration: Choose the 8-pack for home use and this set for art rooms that burn through color.
4. Nicpro 18 Colors Washable Tempera Paint Set — Best for color variety at home
Nicpro offers the widest color range in large bottles: 18 colors in 250 ml (about 8.45 oz) flip-top bottles, including lemon yellow, peach, magenta, violet, ultramarine, sky blue, turquoise, sap green, spring green and mars black. A color wheel is included for learning how colors mix.
The listing describes the water-based tempera as washable from skin, clothing and surfaces, and as meeting ASTM D-4236. Flip-top caps are designed to prevent spills, and the paint dries matte on paper, cardboard and stone.
Best suited for: Families and homeschoolers who want plenty of colors for color-mixing lessons without buying classroom-size bottles.
Key features:
- 18 colors, 8.45 oz bottles
- Flip-top spill-resistant caps
- Color wheel included
- ASTM D-4236 non-toxic
- Matte finish; paper, cardboard, stone
Pros:
- Widest range in large bottles
- Flip-tops are easier for kids than screw caps
- Good for teaching color theory
Cons and limitations:
- Smaller bottles than the 16 oz sets
- Less brand recognition
- Some colors will run out faster
Buying consideration: Put the color wheel next to the palette and challenge kids to mix a color before reaching for the bottle.
5. Cra-Z-Art Washable Tempera Bulk Pack 10ct — Best for budget bulk
Cra-Z-Art’s bulk pack gives 10 colors in 8 oz bottles: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, brown, black and white. It is labeled washable and non-toxic and made in the USA, and the listing pitches it for teachers, daycare centers, parties and craft time.
The listing also describes it as classic finger paint, so expect a formula comfortable for hands-on painting. It dries to a gloss finish and is recommended for paper.
Best suited for: Budget-conscious parents, party planners and daycare providers.
Key features:
- 10 colors, 8 oz each
- Washable and non-toxic
- Gloss finish
- Suitable for finger painting
- Made in USA
Pros:
- Low cost per bottle
- Includes pink and brown
- Good for finger painting
Cons and limitations:
- Fewer safety details than Colorations
- Smaller bottles than classroom sets
- Paper recommended
Buying consideration: For toddlers, this is a cost-effective set for finger painting on large sheets of paper.
6. JOYIN Washable Tempera Paint Set 42 PCS — Best for neon, metallic and glitter fun
JOYIN packs 42 colors in 2 oz bottles across five textures: classic, neon, pastel, metallic and glitter. The kit adds 15 brushes, four palettes, a foldable brush and a cleaning bucket, so it is ready to use as a gift.
The listing states it meets ASTM D-4236, is non-toxic, and washes out with soap and water, and describes a crack- and flake-free finish. It also suggests uses on wood, chalkboard, canvas and windows.
Best suited for: Kids who love sparkle and variety; birthday gifts and party crafts.
Key features:
- 42 colors, 2 oz bottles
- Classic, neon, pastel, metallic, glitter
- 15 brushes, 4 palettes, cleaning bucket
- ASTM D-4236, non-toxic
- Soap-and-water cleanup
Pros:
- Most colors and finishes
- Complete kit with tools
- Great for gifting
Cons and limitations:
- Small 2 oz bottles
- Glitter and metallic may be harder to clean from fabric
- Many colors you may rarely use
Buying consideration: Keep the glitter and metallic bottles for special projects and use classic colors for everyday painting.
7. Positive Art Fluorescent Washable Tempera, 64 oz — Best for blacklight projects and refills
Positive Art sells single-color neon tempera in half-gallon pump bottles. This neon green is UV-reactive: it glows under a blacklight and still looks bright in daylight. The listing is clear that it is blacklight-reactive, not glow-in-the-dark, so you need a UV lamp for the effect.
The pump dispenses a measured shot instead of a tipped jug. Positive Art states it rinses from hands with soap and warm water and releases from most washable fabrics in a normal wash, is non-toxic, made in the USA to CPSIA standards and safe for ages 3+. It dries matte on paper, poster board, cardboard, canvas and wood.
Best suited for: Teachers and event planners running blacklight parties, spirit week, haunted houses or VBS, and classrooms restocking one color.
Key features:
- 64 oz single color with pump
- UV-reactive neon under blacklight
- Washable from skin and most fabrics
- Non-toxic, CPSIA, ages 3+
- Matte finish; made in USA
- Available in 7 neon colors
Pros:
- Pump reduces spills
- Buy only the color you need
- Distinctive blacklight effect
Cons and limitations:
- Single color only
- Not glow-in-the-dark
- Too much paint for small home projects
Buying consideration: Pair with a blacklight and dark paper for the strongest effect.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Washable Tempera Paint
Most washable tempera paints look similar in the bottle. These criteria separate the one that suits your kids, your space and your laundry.
How washable is washable?
Brands typically claim the paint washes from skin and most washable clothing. That is not the same as stain-proof. Rinse and launder painted clothes promptly, avoid hot water before the stain is gone, and expect deep reds and purples to need extra treatment.
Safety seals and allergens
Look for ASTM D-4236 or the AP seal. If a child has food allergies, Colorations lists that its formulas avoid latex, dairy, casein, egg, gluten, peanut, tree nuts and soy, which is the most detailed allergen information in this group.
Bottle size and dispensing
16 oz bottles are the classroom standard and the best value per ounce. 8 oz bottles suit homes. Flip-top and pump bottles reduce spills; screw caps keep paint fresh longer.
Color range
Eight colors with primaries, black and white cover mixing. Twelve or more adds magenta, turquoise and peach for brighter results. Specialty sets add neon, metallic and glitter for fun projects.
Matte or gloss finish
Most tempera dries matte, which looks clean on paper and photographs well. Gloss tempera like Cra-Z-Art has a little more shine.
Surface
Tempera is best on absorbent surfaces such as paper, cardboard and papier-mâché. It can crack or flake on slick, non-porous surfaces and is not weatherproof outdoors.
Learn More About Tempera
If you are not sure whether tempera or another washable paint is right for your kids, start with our comparison of tempera paint vs. washable paint, which explains how the two overlap. Curious about the traditional version? Our guide on how to make tempera paint covers both the classic recipe and simple kid-friendly versions. And before you hand a child a stretched canvas, read whether you can use tempera paint on canvas and what to expect from the finish.
For an easy first project, try painting a dinosaur for kids with a basic set of washable colors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating washable as stain-proof. Rinse and wash painted clothing promptly for the best result.
- Using hot water first. Heat can set some pigments; start with cool or lukewarm water.
- Painting on glossy surfaces. Tempera can flake off plastic and coated boards.
- Leaving caps open. Tempera thickens and dries out in open bottles.
- Pouring too much at once. Small amounts in a palette waste less and limit spills.
- Displaying tempera art outdoors. It is not weatherproof and will run in rain.
FAQs
Is washable tempera paint really washable?
Brands like Crayola, Colorations and Positive Art state their paint washes from skin and most washable clothing. Results depend on fabric, color and how quickly you wash it, so treat stains promptly.
What is the difference between tempera and washable paint?
Tempera describes the paint type, usually opaque and water-based for kids. Washable describes a formula designed to release from skin and fabric. Many kids’ tempera paints are washable, but not all washable paints are tempera.
Is washable tempera paint safe for toddlers?
Look for non-toxic labeling such as ASTM D-4236 or the AP seal and a stated age. Positive Art lists ages 3+. Supervise toddlers and keep paint away from mouths.
Can you use washable tempera on canvas?
Yes, though it can crack on flexible canvas if applied thickly. Colorations lists canvas among compatible surfaces. Thin layers and a primed canvas work best.
Does washable tempera paint expire?
It can thicken, separate or develop an odor over time, especially if caps are left open. Keep bottles tightly closed and stir before use.
How do you get tempera paint out of clothes?
Scrape off excess, rinse from the back of the fabric with cool water, apply a little liquid detergent, then launder as usual. Check the stain is gone before using a dryer.
Final Recommendation
For most families and small classrooms, the Colorations Rainbow Plus 8-Pack is the best washable tempera paint: large bottles, core colors and the most detailed safety and allergen information. Teachers outfitting a full room should look at Crayola’s 12-count 16 oz set or the Colorations Set of 11.
At home, the Nicpro 18-color set is the best for color mixing, and Cra-Z-Art is the budget bulk option. Choose JOYIN for sparkle and variety, and Positive Art neon when a blacklight is part of the plan.
