As parents, we are always looking for new and exciting ideas to engage or encourage our kids' creativity, whether through drawing, colouring, or other hands-on activities. 

There are various options on the market for drawing or colouring, and acrylic paints are the most commonly used.

Although, with so many options available, we always wonder whether acrylic paint is safe for kids or not. So that we do not have to refrain them from exploring creativity or having fun.

In this blog, we try our best to provide you with all the ins and outs of acrylic paint and what you should check before buying products for kids. We’ll explore what to look for when buying products for your kids and how to make sure their art time is both fun and safe!

What is Acrylic Paint?

Made with pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion and plasticizers, silicone oils, deformers, stabilizers, or metal soaps, Acrylic Paint is fast-drying paint. Its fast-drying element makes it more popular among artists. Acrylic paints are used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, and even fabric.

Although acrylic paint is widely used for adult art projects, it’s important to evaluate whether it’s the best choice for kids, especially younger children.

Is Acrylic Paint safe for kids?

 While acrylic paint is often marketed as “non-toxic” and “kid-friendly,” it is not entirely safe for children. There are important risks and precautions that parents must consider before allowing their kids to use acrylic paints:

Label Misleading

The “non-toxic” label only applies to the paint in its liquid form. Once dried, acrylic paint may become harder to clean and may still pose risks. Acrylic paint is only for painting purposes and should never be used on skin or for face painting, despite some common misconceptions.

Ingestion Risk

Acrylic paint is not safe if ingested. Even though it may not cause serious harm, accidental consumption can lead to digestive discomfort or minor health issues. Always supervise children during use to prevent such incidents.

Skin Contact Risks

Although labelled “non-toxic,” acrylic paint can irritate sensitive skin and is difficult to wash off. It can also stain clothing, skin, and furniture. Ensure children wear protective clothing and wash off any paint from their skin promptly to avoid irritation or permanent staining.

Ventilation Concerns

Acrylic paints release fewer fumes than oil-based paints but can still pose risks if used in poorly ventilated areas. Prolonged exposure in small or closed spaces may affect health. Always ensure adequate ventilation during painting sessions.

Choking Hazard

Acrylic paint often comes in small containers with detachable lids that could pose a choking risk, particularly for toddlers. Keep all paints and their packaging out of reach of young children, and never leave kids unattended while using these materials.

As a parent or caregiver if you are concerned about the risks & maintenance of using acrylic paints for your kids or want safer paints where you don’t have even to supervise your kids while painting then opt for Dabble Finger Paints. Made with Coconut Oil, Distilled water & Food-Friendly Colours, Dabble Finger Paints are natural, Child safe and non-toxic. These paints are designed especially for toddlers so that they can explore & enjoy safe & mess-free art.

Reasons to choose Dabble Finger Paints for your Kids:

·         Non-toxic and Washable – Dabble Finger Paints are made with Coconut Oil, Distilled water & Food-Friendly Colours that are safe for Kids. Even if your kid gets paint on their skin, clothes, wooden furniture or in most of the fabrics, it’s very easy to wash. Also, If by any chance your child ingests the paint, there's no need to worry as it’s made from natural ingredients. However, ultimately these are colours and are not edible.

·         Easy to Use – Due to its Squeezy bottle packaging, Dabble Finger Paints are easy to use, even for toddlers. Because of its package, parents don’t have to worry about choking hazards.

·         Ready-to-use Bottles – Dabble Finger Paints are smooth like melted chocolate and help in developing multi-sensory skills, enhancing creativity and motor coordination.

·         Vibrant Colours – Comes in 8 vibrant colours that are easy to blend, helping kids explore the science of colours. The versatility of these colours makes it simple for children to create new shades, as they are designed to encourage experimentation and learning about colour mixing.

·         No Brushes Required – Dabble Finger Paints are designed for hands-on use, your kid doesn’t need any brushes to create art. And also because it's non-toxic and natural it doesn’t affect kids’ skin. They simply dip their fingers in Dabble Finger Paints and create magic.

·         No emission of Fumes – As Dabble Finger Paints are made of natural ingredients, it doesn’t release any strong fumes which makes it ideal to paint even in small or low-ventilated areas.

·         Designed for Toddlers – Dabble products are specially crafted for toddlers, focusing on their growth, development, and skill-building. It's not about a "one size fits all" approach—children’s needs are unique, and they require art products tailored to their developmental needs.

(Caution: for sensitive skin or a history of allergy, do a patch test and avoid using it on the face)

Conclusion
Though acrylic paints may seem child-friendly, their potential risks—ranging from ingestion and skin irritation to ventilation and choking hazards make them unsuitable for kids’ use. Hence if you want your kids to have a safe and toxin-free art experience choose Dabble PlayArt products, made with natural ingredients that are designed specifically for kids.