Sunscreen Painting
This sunscreen painting experiment is the perfect way to keep your kids occupied while also teaching them about sun safety!
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- sunscreen lotion as needed
- 1 paintbrush
- 1 sheet black or dark-colored construction paper
- painter's tape optional
Instructions
- Paint a design on the sheet of construction paper using sunscreen.
- If desired, use painter’s tape to tape the painting to a plastic tray, baking sheet, cardboard box, or any other portable surface that you’ll be able to leave outdoors for a few hours.
- Place the painting outside and let it sit under direct sunlight for at least 2 hours. If you chose not to tape down the painting, place some items in the corners to hold the paper down in case of wind.
- After a few hours, take the painting back indoors and remove the painter’s tape. Most of the construction paper will be sun-bleached, but any area that was covered with sunscreen or tape will retain its original color!
Video
Notes
1. Picking the right day: Make sure to do this activity on a warm day where the sun is shining brightly and there isn't too much wind.
2. Securing your painting: To prevent the paper from flying away in the wind, secure it in place by placing painter’s tape or small objects in the corners, or by taping the back of it to a tray using adhesive tape.
3. Helpful tips:
- Stick with construction paper: Construction paper bleaches much more quickly than cardstock and will produce a more striking contrast.
- Avoid the shade: Place your painting in a spot that will be under direct sunlight for the whole time it’s outside.
- Get the full effect: Once your painting is done bleaching, compare the bleached paper to an unbleached one to see how much the color has changed. (Taping the corners also emphasizes the contrast because it protects part of the paper from the sun.)