Best Tempera Art Paints of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Tempera art paints are a popular choice among artists due to their versatility and ease of use. These paints are made from a mixture of pigment, water, and egg yolk or another binder, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency. They can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and wood, and are known for their vibrant colors and long-lasting finish. Additionally, tempera paints are non-toxic, making them a safe option for artists of all ages. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, tempera paints are a great choice for your next project.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Little Masters Tempera Paints Set Cover #TOP 1
Little Masters Tempera Paints Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aen Art 24-Color Tempera Paint Sticks Cover #TOP 2
Aen Art 24-Color Tempera Paint Sticks
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint Green Half Gallon Cover #TOP 3
Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint Green Half Gallon
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tempera Art Paints

Little Masters Tempera Paints Set

882722
Basic Color
Little Masters Tempera Paints Set Cover
Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paints Set, 16 oz, 1 Pound (Pack of 6)

Little Masters Tempera Paints Set is an ideal choice for young learners who love to paint. With a blendable formula, you can mix it with other colors to create unique art pieces. The opaque colors will not chip, flake or crack when dry, making them long lasting. What's more, the nontoxic and water-based formula makes it easy to clean with just soap and water.

What We Like
Blendable formula for unique creations
Long lasting appearance with opaque colors
Easy-to-clean with soap and water
Safe and nontoxic for young learners
#TOP 2

Aen Art 24-Color Tempera Paint Sticks

PTS-24
24 colors
Aen Art 24-Color Tempera Paint Sticks Cover
Aen Art Paint Sticks, 24 Colors Solid Tempera Paint Sticks for Kids, Quick Drying Washable Paint for Students, Christmas Gifts for Kids

The Aen Art Paint Sticks offer a quick-drying formula that lets you finish your artwork fast without worrying about mess or cleanup, making it perfect for kids and beginners. These sticks are washable, so you can easily remove paint from skin, clothes, or surfaces with just soap and water, saving you from stains. Made with safe, non-toxic materials, they are suitable for all ages and safe to use at home, in classrooms, or daycare. Plus, with 24 vibrant colors including classic, neon, and metallic shades, you get plenty of options to mix and create unique effects, encouraging creativity on various surfaces.

What We Like
Quick drying formula
Washable and easy cleanup
Non-toxic and safe
Wide variety of vibrant colors
#TOP 3

Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint Green Half Gallon

212-745
Green
Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint Green Half Gallon Cover
Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint, Half Gallon, Green,212-745 64 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

The Handy Art Washable Tempera Paint offers a safe and vibrant choice for young artists. It is certified non-toxic, so you can feel confident letting your kids use it without worry. The paint features bright and rich colors that cover surfaces well, making your creative projects stand out. It’s also a budget-friendly option, perfect if you’re just starting out or need paint in larger quantities. Plus, it washes out of most clothes, which means cleanup is easier and less stressful for you. This green tempera paint is a practical and fun addition to any art supplies.

What We Like
Non-toxic certification
Bright, opaque colors
Budget-friendly
Washable from clothing
#TOP 4

Shuttle Art Tempera Paint Sticks Set

SA TPS30+1
31 Piece Set
Shuttle Art Tempera Paint Sticks Set Cover
Tempera Paint Sticks, 30 Colors Solid Tempera Paint for Kids with 1 Drawing Pad, Super Quick Drying, Non-Toxic, Works Great on Paper Wood Glass Ceramic Canvas

The Shuttle Art Tempera Paint Sticks Set includes 30 vibrant colors and 1 drawing pad. These paint sticks are easy to use, quick-drying, and washable. They work great on a variety of surfaces, making them perfect for home doodling and school art projects. The set is non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D-4236, EN71, making it safe for toddlers and young children to use. If you have any questions or concerns, Shuttle Art provides excellent customer service.

What We Like
Quick-drying within 90 seconds
Mess-free and washable
Works great on multiple surfaces
Non-toxic and safe for children to use

S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Bulk Paint, 12 Bright Colors

Assorted
S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Bulk Paint, 12 Bright Colors Cover
S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Bulk Paint, Set of 12 in 11 Bright Colors, 8-oz Flip-Top Bottles, Great for Arts & Crafts, School, Classroom, Poster Paint, For Kids & Adults, Non-Toxic.

The S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Bulk Paint set includes 12 bright colors in 8-oz flip-top bottles that are washable, vibrant, and safe for kids of all ages. The highest quality pigments provide vibrant and opaque color with a smooth, rich consistency that dries quickly without flaking, cracking, or chipping. This paint is easy to use and perfect for endless arts and crafts projects, making it an economical choice that parents and teachers will love.

What We Like
Washable, worry-free painting activities
12 bright and vibrant colors with high-quality pigments
Endless fun for arts and crafts projects with various tools
Economical option for everyday paint projects
Safe and non-toxic for kids of all ages
#TOP 6

Aen Art 12-Color Tempera Paint Sticks

PTS-12
12 colors
Aen Art 12-Color Tempera Paint Sticks Cover
Aen Art Paint Sticks, 12 Colors Solid Tempera Paint Sticks for Kids, Quick Drying Washable Paint for Toddlers, Christmas Gifts for Kids

The Aen Art Paint Sticks are perfect for young artists who want a fun and easy way to create. With a quick-drying formula, your kids can finish their art in under 90 seconds without needing water or brushes, making cleanup a breeze. These paint sticks are washable, so you won’t have to worry about stains on clothes or skin, which is a big relief for parents. Plus, they keep kids entertained for hours, whether at home or on the go. Made from safe, non-toxic materials, these sticks are ideal for toddlers and kids, giving you peace of mind during creative play.

What We Like
Quick drying formula
Washable and easy cleanup
Long-lasting entertainment
Safe, non-toxic materials

Nicpro 18 Colors Washable Paint Set

MG583
18 Colors
Nicpro 18 Colors Washable Paint Set Cover
Nicpro 18 Colors Large Washable Paint Set for Kid (8.4oz,250 ml), Acrylic Bulk Paint Supplies Non Toxic Children Tempera Paint for Art, Craft DIY, Poster & Finger Paint, School, Home,Classroom, Party

The Nicpro Washable Paint Set offers 18 vibrant colors that will inspire creativity in kids. Each large 250ml bottle is easy to squeeze, helping you avoid spills and waste during art projects. The washable formula ensures that cleanup is quick and simple, making it perfect for both home and school use. Plus, the paint is non-toxic, so you can feel confident letting your children explore their artistic side safely. With included art sponges and a color wheel, blending colors becomes a fun activity that encourages imaginative play.

What We Like
Vibrant color selection
Easy cleanup
Non-toxic formula
Large volume bottles
#TOP 8

Crayola Washable Brown Tempera Paint 32oz

54-3132-007
Brown
Crayola Washable Brown Tempera Paint 32oz Cover
Crayola Washable Tempera Paint For Kids, Brown Paint, Classroom Supplies, Non Toxic, 32 Oz Squeeze Bottle

The Crayola Brown Washable Paint is perfect for kids who love arts and crafts. It comes in a large 32-ounce squeeze bottle, making it easy for you to control the amount of paint used without mess. The paint washes off skin and most washable clothes, so cleanup is simple and stress-free. With a creamy texture, it offers great coverage and dries to a smooth, matte finish that won’t crack or flake. You can use this paint on various surfaces like construction paper, cardboard, or papier-mâché, giving you plenty of options for creative projects.

What We Like
Large 32-ounce bottle
Washable from skin and clothes
Good coverage and opacity
Matte finish without cracking
Works on multiple surfaces
#TOP 9

TBC Tempera Paint Sticks

TBC Tempera Paint Sticks Cover
TBC The Best Crafts Paint Sticks,12 Classic Colors, Washable, Non-toxic, Tempera Paint Sticks for Kids and Students

TBC Paint Sticks are the perfect art supplies choice for baby, students, and beginners. With vibrant and bright colors, these washable paint sticks can be overlapped and mixed, making them suitable for different surfaces like paper, wood, and poster card. The easy drawing and quick-drying feature, thanks to the solid paint sticks containing beeswax, allow for smooth and effortless application. The convenient and mess-free design, with a telescopic and break-resistant structure, ensures no waste and keeps hands clean. Additionally, these non-toxic paint sticks are easy to clean with wet paper towels or water. Let your creativity flow with TBC Paint Sticks!

What We Like
Vibrant colors
Quick-drying
Convenient and mess-free
#TOP 10

S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Bulk Paint Set

LT5K
Assorted
S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Bulk Paint Set Cover
S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Bulk Paint, Set of 12 in 11 Bright Colors, 32-oz Easy-Pour Bottles, Great for Arts & Crafts, School, Classroom, Poster Paint, For Kids & Adults, Non-Toxic.

The S&S Worldwide Color Splash! Liquid Tempera Bulk Paint Set includes 12 bright colors in 32-oz easy-pour bottles that offer washable, vibrant, and non-toxic options for kids and adults. The creamy formula ensures rich coverage that dries quickly without flaking, cracking, or chipping. This economical paint set nurtures artistic talents and allows for endless art and craft projects at an affordable price.

What We Like
Washable and easy to clean off skin, fabric, and surfaces with soap and water
12 bright colors that dry quickly with a smooth, rich consistency
Endless fun and creativity for art and craft projects with different tools and techniques
Economical and affordable for everyday paint projects
Safe, non-toxic, and latex-free for kids of all ages
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is tempera paint best used for?

Tempera paint is versatile and commonly used for various projects like craft projects, school classroom projects, posters, theatre props, painting windows, color mixing exercises, and more. However, it yields the best results when used on paper, cardboard, and poster board.

2. Which is better acrylic or tempera paint?

Both tempera and acrylic paints have their advantages. Tempera paints are vibrant, opaque, quick-drying, and cost-effective. On the other hand, acrylic paints are more versatile, blendable, durable, and leave a smoother finish. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the project and personal preference.

3. Do professional artists use tempera paint?

While some professional painters still make their own egg tempera paint, it is not as commonly used by artists today. This is mainly due to the availability and ease of use of other types of paints like oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints.

4. Why do artists use tempera paint?

Artists use tempera paint, specifically egg tempera, for its unique qualities. It offers a glowing quality that was highly favored by Renaissance painters for capturing ethereal biblical scenes. Tempera is more transparent than oil paint and holds less pigment, resulting in a distinct visual effect.

5. What are the disadvantages of tempera painting?

One of the main disadvantages of tempera painting is the need to apply it in thin layers, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, tempera paintings generally cannot achieve the same deep color saturation as oil paintings.

6. Do tempera paintings last?

True tempera paint, specifically egg tempera, is long-lasting, and many paintings created centuries ago still exist today. However, modern-day tempera paints or poster paints are not as durable and can easily be removed from the surface with water. Most historical egg tempera paintings were created on wood panels.

7. What is the difference between tempera paint and regular paint?

The main difference lies in their permanence when dry. Tempera paint is washable and can be reactivated with water, making it semi-permanent at most. On the other hand, acrylic paint dries permanently and is known for its lightfast qualities.

Editor's Notes

During our tempera art paint research, we found 24 tempera art paint products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 82,903 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tempera art paints list. We found that most customers choose tempera art paints with an average price of $14.97.

The tempera art paints are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tempera art paints, including Handy Art, Aen Art, Shuttle Art, S&S Worldwide, Nicpro. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.