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1-2 years15-20 minEasy

Window Painting Art

I discovered window painting by accident when my toddler got hold of my washable markers and decorated the sliding glass door. My first instinct was panic. My second was to grab the camera. The sunlight streaming through her colorful scribbles was beautiful. After that, window painting became intentional. We tape paper to the window at her height, give her washable paints or crayons, and let her create. The vertical surface is easier for standing babies to reach than a table, and the light from outside makes every mark glow. Plus, cleanup is just a spray bottle and a squeegee away.

Window Painting Art

Age Safety Note

Use only washable, non-toxic paints or crayons—anything that touches the window might also touch baby's hands, which will definitely touch baby's mouth. Test your 'washable' products on a small window area first; some need extra scrubbing. Tape paper to the window rather than letting baby paint directly on glass—paper is easier to save as art. If painting directly on glass, choose a window that's easy to clean and not in a high-visibility location in case staining occurs. Supervise closely to prevent paint from spreading to walls, floors, or baby's face.

Why This Activity Works

Vertical surfaces engage different muscles than horizontal ones, building shoulder strength and core stability. Standing and reaching while painting is a full-body activity. The natural light shining through the window enhances visual focus and makes colors appear more vivid. For babies who struggle with seated tabletop activities, window painting offers a movement-friendly alternative. And there's something magical about light passing through artwork—it transforms simple scribbles into stained glass.

Materials Needed

  • Washable tempera paint

    Or window paint specifically made for glass surfaces.

  • Foam brushes

    Easier for small hands to grip than traditional brushes.

  • Window at baby's height

    Sliding glass doors or low windows work well.

  • Spray bottle with water

    For easy cleanup and fun 'erasing.'

  • Squeegee

    Makes cleaning the window quick and streak-free.

  • Drop cloth or towels

    For catching drips below the window.

Prep Tips (Before You Start)

  • 1Choose a window with good light—afternoon sun makes colors pop.
  • 2Lay a towel or drop cloth below the window to catch drips.
  • 3Pour small amounts of paint into cups or muffin tins for easy access.
  • 4Tape paper to the window if you want to save the artwork.
  • 5Dress baby in painting clothes or just a diaper for easy cleanup.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Set up at a window at baby's standing height (use a stool if needed).
  2. 2If saving artwork, tape large paper to the window at baby's reach.
  3. 3Offer paint and foam brushes. 'Let's paint on the window!'
  4. 4Demonstrate a few strokes, then step back and let baby create.
  5. 5Narrate colors and movements: 'Blue paint! You're making circles!'
  6. 6Point out the light: 'Look how the sun shines through your painting!'
  7. 7When paint runs low or interest fades, transition to cleanup.
  8. 8Spray water and squeegee together—cleanup is part of the fun!

Fun Variations to Try

  • •Use window markers instead of paint for easier cleanup.
  • •Paint directly on glass (no paper) and spray off for erasable play.
  • •Add natural items: tape leaves to the window and paint around them.
  • •Do this in bathtub with tub crayons for splash-zone art.

Cleanup Tips

  • Washable paint comes off glass with water and a squeegee—easy!
  • For stubborn paint, let it soak with wet paper towels before wiping.
  • Clean paint from hands and face with warm washcloths.
  • Check clothing and floor for drips before they dry.

Real Parent Story

"Ava is a mover. She doesn't sit. She doesn't stay still. Tabletop activities last about forty-five seconds before she's up and running. I'd given up on art with her until a friend suggested window painting. A vertical surface for a child who won't sit? Genius. We set up at our sliding glass door, and Ava stood and painted for fifteen solid minutes. FIFTEEN MINUTES. She could move her whole body—reaching up high, crouching down low, stepping side to side. The painting was wild: big sweeping strokes, dripping runs of color, an explosion of motion captured on paper. It's framed in our living room now. When I look at it, I don't see random scribbles—I see my daughter's energy, her movement, her joy. Window painting became our art solution. We do it weekly. Her attention span grows longer every time. The standing, moving format matches who she is as a kid. I'll never try to make my mover into a sitter again."

— Tanya, mom of 16-month-old Ava

Bonus Tips From Parents

  • Afternoon light creates the most dramatic 'stained glass' effect through paintings.
  • Use tape to create patterns—remove after painting for tape-resist window art.
  • Make it social: siblings can paint on the same window together.
  • Save paintings by photographing them with backlight before removing.

References & Further Reading

General guidance we rely on when writing activities. These are broad resources rather than sources for this specific craft.

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