Does anyone know better ways to splatter paint? I guess Im just scared of getting too messy but I accidentally used my eyeshadow brush, thinking it was a regular paint brush. Well by the time I realized it was too late so thats what I've been using. Thanks for looking and happy Friday.

Paint splattering is kinda messy but try this - Get a good amount of paint on the bristles and hold your free hand over the paper. Then tap the brush against your free hand, splattering the paint on to your paper.
Easier to show than to explain, but I hope that makes sense!

You can also try using stencils for a less messy way. Or-if you have a die or punch that has splatters, cut them out and use the negative as your stencil. Brush your paint on or pounce it on (maybe with a sponge or stippling brush) to get a more textured look.

Have fun!!

you can use a toothbrush and a flat metal or plastic strainer I think they called in english.
we used to do this at school. Usually with thin paint tho so you might want to water down your paint to get a better splatter effect.
It wont give an even pattern but you'll see small and bigger splashes of paint. You can use different colours over eachother.

I've always used an old toothbrush. Get just a small amount of paint on the bristles, hold it over your paper, and drag your thumbnail over the bristles so the paint splatters. Don't use a lot of paint on the bristles. If you're using an acryllic paint it should wash right off.

I agree about the toothbrush. They work great, or a stiff, natural hair paintbrush.If you have an old show box or something similar (the flats I buy my catfood in work great) make a good little backsplash...to catch any flyaway splatters!

When I have my students splatter, this is what I have them do, or else I will end up with elementary paint wars! lol

Another toothbrush user here. Be sure to cover anything you don't want to get paint on.

Sound like good ideas. Thanks much.

Sorry, but.... How on earth did you mistake your eyeshadow brush for a paint brush? Do you store your makeup and craft stuff together?


Other suggestions are very good. As Tiffany said, put your project in a cardboard box while doing the splattering. This helps to keep the mess contained.

• Bxr-Linda Said:

I just grabbed it w/o thinking.....I somehow lost it, wondering where it was, one day I was working and grabbed it. One of the kids must have picked it up

I use a paper box lined with paper tools for my splatter station it's also my glimmer mist station....I am like the others like the old toothbrush as my tool of choice.

Just tried the toothbrush trick and it worked great!

I will try that too....

Good idea! I've been wondering how to do this - and get the right look.