Glow in the Dark Puffy Paint Recipe

Glow in the Dark Puffy Paint is a simple, hands-on art activity that combines texture, color mixing, and a little wow-factor when the lights go out. This glowing puffy paint recipe is easy to make, uses basic supplies, and keeps kids engaged from start to finish.

Dark background with glowing dots and text that reads “glow in the dark PUFFY paint,” with the website watermark bethannaverill.com.

Glow in the Dark Puffy Paint Supplies

This is one of those projects that looks fancy but secretly uses things you probably already have on hand. It’s also forgiving, which makes it great for group settings, classrooms, or sibling crafting sessions.

Here’s what you’ll need to make glow in the dark puffy paint:

White school glue
Foam shaving cream (not gel)
½ cup measuring cup
Glow in the dark paint (pink, orange, yellow, and green)
Bowl
Spoon
Small cups
Paint brushes
White cardstock paper

Once everything is gathered, you’re ready to mix.

How to Make Glow in the Dark Puffy Paint (Step-by-Step)

This paint comes together quickly, so it helps to have your paper and workspace ready before you start mixing.

Step 1: Gather your supplies.

Set out all of the materials on your work surface so everything is within reach. This paint is fluffy and fun, but it moves fast once mixed.

Supplies arranged on a tabletop including a glass bowl, can of shaving cream, plastic cups, measuring cup, spoon, white paper, and bottles of glow in the dark paint in yellow, pink, orange, and green.

Step 2: Mix the base puffy paint.

Add ½ cup of white school glue and ½ cup of foam shaving cream to a bowl.

Shaving cream dispensed into a clear glass bowl next to a measuring cup and spoon.

Glass bowl filled with white shaving cream with a spoon resting inside.

Use a spoon to gently mix until the texture is smooth and fluffy.

Spoon stirring white shaving cream inside a glass bowl.

Step 3: Divide the paint.

Scoop the white puffy paint into smaller cups, dividing it evenly depending on how many colors you want to use.

Shaving cream scooped into small plastic cups in blue, pink, orange, and green.

Step 4: Add glow in the dark paint.

Add glow in the dark paint to each small cup.

Green glow in the dark paint being squeezed into a plastic cup filled with shaving cream, with other glow paint bottles visible in the background.

Stir each cup until the color is fully incorporated and the paint is evenly tinted.

Plastic cups filled with pastel-colored puffy paint mixtures in blue, pink, orange, and green, with glow in the dark paint bottles behind them.

Step 5: Paint your design.

Use paint brushes to create pictures or designs on white cardstock paper. Thicker layers will glow more brightly later.

Step 6: Charge the glow.

Place the finished artwork under a bright light or in direct sunlight for 5–10 minutes to activate the glow effect.

Step 7: Enjoy the glow.

Take the artwork into a dark room and watch the puffy paint glow.

Dots of glow in the dark puffy paint glowing green and white against a dark background.

Please Share This Glow in the Dark Art Activity

If this glow in the dark puffy paint activity was a hit in your home or classroom, sharing it helps others find easy, low-prep art ideas too. Pin it, save it, or pass it along to another teacher or parent who loves simple sensory art with a big payoff.