Magnet painting combines science and art in a project that’s so easy to set up! This magnetic painting activity is STEAM (Science, Technology, English, Art, and Math) for kids! Trying to paint with magnets can be a fun and engaging activity for children of all ages, and it can help promote creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration.
Learn a bit more how magnets work and how to do the magnet painting activity with different objects, hardware, large magnets, and a few kiddos!
What is Magnet Painting?
Magnet painting is a type of sensory and art activity where children use magnets to manipulate metallic paint on a surface. This activity involves placing a piece of paper inside a small tray, and placing paint and magnetic objects on the paper.
Children and preschoolers can then use a magnet wand to move the paint around on the surface and create different designs and patterns and see what different textures each magnetic object makes on the paper.
Looking for more art activities? Try making marbled paper with shaving cream or marble painting.
How Does a Magnet Work?
Magnets work by something called “magnetic attraction.” These are like invisible forces that can attract or repel (push away) certain objects. The magnetic force is strongest at the ends of the magnet, which we call the “poles.”
There are two poles on a magnet: the north pole and the south pole just like the Earth.
And opposites attract! This means that the north pole of one magnet will attract the south pole of another magnet. But, if you put two north poles or two south poles together, they will repel each other.
When a magnet is close to a metal object, like a paper clip, the magnetic field can make the metal move.
The magnet will attract the paper clip and pull it towards itself. But, if you try to put two magnets together with the same poles facing each other, they will push away from each other.
You can help kids explore how magnets work by completing this magnet painting experiment with them.
What You Need To Use To Paint With Magnets
Suggested Supplies
To do this magnetic painting activity, you will need:
- Magnet wand or other large, strong magnet safe for kids
- Washable paint
- Finger painting paper
- Plastic tray (or use a cereal box like we did)
- Masking tape or painter’s tape
- Metal bells, bolts, screws, paper clips, washers, and other various metal items and magnetic metal objects you find in your house that you don’t mind getting covered with paint
- Plastic spoon (Use this to place the paint-filled bolts, screws, paper clips onto your page.)
Magnet Art Video
How to Set Up a Magnet Painting Activity
To avoid frustration and a better final product, take the time to do a bit of setup before starting this fun process art activity with young children.
First, cover the work area with newspaper or plastic sheets to protect it from paint spills.
Place a piece of white paper inside the plastic tray. Tape the paper to the tray to prevent it from moving during the magnetic painting activity.
Option 1: Squeeze small amounts of different colors of paint onto the paper. Leave some white space on the paper for the magnet wand to move the magnetic items through the top of the paint and across the paper to create a colorful art project that kids can stick to the fridge.
Option 2: Place the screws, nuts, paper clips, and magnetic items right into the paint. Then use a plastic spoon to place the magnetic items on top of the paper. Then use your magnetic wand underneath your box to make the items move and paint the sheet.
Instructions for the Magnet Painting Activity
Encourage children to explore the properties of the magnets by using the magnet wand to move the paint around on the surface by pulling or pushing the metal objects inside the tray.
Kiddos can create different designs and patterns by dragging various objects through the paint.
Before the paper is completely covered in paint, stop the activity Allow the painting to dry completely before removing it from the tray.
Once the painting is dry, allow kids to display their masterpiece on the fridge or elsewhere in the house.
Check out the magical paper towel painting activity to WOW your kids/students.
By completing this STEAM activity for young learners, you can encourage creativity, exploration, and fine motor skills all while introducing children to the properties of magnets and the basics of STEM.
Don’t have a box? No problem. Try using a paper plate instead of a piece of paper!
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