If you want to make tape resist art or signs with kids, try using paint sticks! It’s quick, easy, and virtually mess-free.
Updated June 2025
Looking for a low-mess art activity that still packs a creative punch? Tape resist art with tempera paint sticks is one of our favorites!
It’s quick to set up, easy to clean up, and but still super fun for kids of all ages. For this version, we used washi tape to make a simple message on paper, then painted over it with our neon paint sticks. When you peel away the tape—magic! Your message is revealed like a secret note hidden under the colors.
If you’re not familiar with Kwik Stix, they are tempera paint in mess-free stick form. They glide on smoothly, dry within 90 seconds, are smudge free, fill large areas quickly, and work well with other art supplies and on various surfaces. Plus the colors are vibrant. If you haven’t tried them yet, we highly recommend that you do!
Mess-Free Tape Resist Art
MATERIALS
- Kwik Stix paint sticks (we used the big kid version)
- White craft paper (or easel paper, poster board, etc.)
- Tape (you can also use blue painter’s tape or masking tape)
- Scissors
INSTRUCTIONS
- Choose your message
Decide on a short word or phrase you’d like to make. Something simple like LOVE, HI, WOW, or a child’s name works great.
- Create your message with tape
Use washi tape to form each letter of your message directly on the paper. You can tear or cut the tape into strips to shape the letters. Keep it simple—block letters are easiest!
Make sure the tape is stuck down firmly, especially around the edges, to keep paint from sneaking underneath. - Add color!
Now comes the fun part! Use tempera paint sticks to color right over and around your tape letters. You can blend colors, make patterns, or fill the whole page.
- Peel the tape to reveal your message
Carefully peel off the tape to reveal the crisp white letters underneath. Kids love this part—it’s like a little reveal moment every time!
Tempera paint sticks usually dry quickly, but give your art a few minutes to set before handling.
This is just one of the many ways you can do tape resist art! It’s perfect for a day when you want to make art without making a mess.
More Tape Resist Art Ideas for Kids
- How to Make Tape Resist Paintings for Kids
- Masking Tape Art for Kids
- 5 Tape Art Ideas for Kids
- How to Make Watercolor Resist Artwork with Tape
- 6 Washi Tape Art Ideas for Kids
- Tape Resist Skeletons
Thank you to Kwik Stix for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
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