DIY Scratch Art

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Did you know you can make your own DIY scratch art? It’s actually pretty easy! The cool ​art can be used for everyday use or special occasions! Take a look at how easy it is to create your own DIY scratch art paper.

This DIY Scratch Art is simple to make with your kids or for your kids. Keep them entertained on rainy days or during car trips!

Making your own scratch art paper is a simple and fun activity your kids will enjoy!  You need basic supplies like crayons, black acrylic paint and a touch of soap to get started and you will be well on your way to making some colorful designs with a rainbow of colors.  

Who Invented Scratch Art?

Scratch art is also known as engraving art, foil art, or artfoil. People use a scratching tool to remove the black layer of the project and reveal beautiful colors underneath their art. It’s a simple art project that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Scratch art was invented by Bill Russell back in the 1980s. Scartch art back then replaced engravings on metal, wood, and other surfaces. Artists use it to create beautiful black and white images. We aren’t that fancy and just use it for crafting, but we’re so glad it became popular!

How to Make Scratch Art Paper Video:

scratch art with crayons on counter

Materials Needed to Make DIY Scratch Art

The supplies needed to make this activity are objects you most likely already have. Anything you don’t have, run over to Walmart or the Dollar Tree to find. Most of my crafts involve simple art supplies you can find for cheap or at no extra cost!

  • white cardstock paper *
  • Crayola Crayons or Oil Pastels
  • black craft paint – I used Black Apple Barrel Paint
  • dish soap, such as dawn or regular dish detergent
  • mini wooden skewers (these work best for younger kids with little hands)
  • foam brush

TIPS

  • I recommend using card stock instead of regular white paper because it is sturdier and will hold up better when the scratching process begins.
  • Oil Pastels will make a brighter finished product but they tend to be more expensive than crayons. You can use either supply.
  •  Acrylic paint is non toxic but not necessarily washable off of clothes. If you are working with younger kids you can use a washable kids paint or black tempera paint.
supplies needed: soap, crayons, pain and paper

Step by Step Instructions

Make these ahead of time for your kids to enjoy later or let kids create their own scratch boards!

  1. With your crayons, color all over your paper. Try to add small areas of colors and cover the entire sheet. Use as many colors as you can. You will want to press firmly to make the crayon as dark as possible. I choose vivid colors that will stand out against the black paint. You want the areas to be dark and waxy-looking. Any white areas won’t scratch off.
  2. Add about 2 tbsp of black paint to a cup or a small bowl. Add about 1/2 TBSP of soap and mix them together with a foam paint brush. Be sure to mix slowly to avoid making bubbles in the mixture.
  3. In long strokes, paint the black paint on top of the crayon-colored paper. You want the paint to cover the paper so you can’t see any of the markings underneath. Cover everything but don’t make it too thick. This will make it difficult to scratch off. I usually do two very light coats instead of one thick paint layer. Let the first coat of wet paint dry before applying the second.
  4. Allow the entire page to dry fully. This might take an hour or so.
process pictures for scratch art paper

What Can I Make With My Designs?

These DIY scratchboards can be used for all sorts of things. We like to have them on hand just for fun. I will make multiple sheets and store them in a container or bag for the kids to use any day. Sometimes we break them out and use them to make cards for friends’ birthdays or to write messages to each other.

Use them to draw smiley faces, practice writing names, draw shapes, butterflies, flowers, and so much more. Let kids draw and doodle their creative ideas all over the page. Sometimes all they want to do is scratch off every inch of the black paint just to see what’s underneath.

Other Scratching Tool Options

If you don’t want your kids using wooden or bamboo skewer tools for their DIY scratch art, they can also use toothpicks or any other hard-edged tool. I have seen people take the soft part of a Q-tip and use the plastic piece for scratching. Any skinny stick, popsicle stick, or wooden chopstick will work well! You can even find stylus tools on Amazon.

Using Other Surfaces for Scratch Art

Instead of using construction paper or cardstock, try using other objects to create your own DIY scratch art. If you have some scrap wood or canvas lying around, repeat the process listed above on it. The outcome will be some beautiful art you can keep for years to come. They also make great gifts because loved ones can display them knowing they won’t get torn! Kids of all ages will enjoy this scratch art project.

diy scratch art paper with doodles on counter

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