Paint Type
Tempera Paint
Thinking about tempera paint? Start here to compare common craft surfaces and understand where its decorative finish fits best.
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Tempera paint overview
This reference covers modern ready-mixed tempera commonly used for school art and crafts. It is typically water-based, quick-drying, opaque, and intended for decorative projects; traditional egg tempera is a separate artist painting system.
Tempera paint compatibility
Tempera products vary, so use only surfaces listed by the manufacturer and treat ordinary washable tempera as a decorative craft paint.
| Surface | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer | Finish | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Excellent for school art and crafts | Use paper sturdy enough for the amount of paint and water. | Usually not required. | Decorative; protect finished work from water and abrasion. | — |
| Wood | Good when the product approves wood | Use clean, dry wood and smooth rough areas. | Product-specific. | Best for decorative craft use rather than weather or heavy handling. | — |
| Ceramic | Good when the product approves ceramic | Use clean, dry ceramic and test adhesion, especially on a glazed surface. | Product-specific. | Decorative only unless the complete system states otherwise; not for food-contact surfaces. | — |
Tempera paint articles
Baseline reviewed August 2026 against current manufacturer guidance. A useful primary reference is Crayola Artista II Washable Tempera Paint.