If you thought a squeegee was just for streak-free windows, think again. The humble squeegee has quietly found its place in the world of DIY crafting, offering an easy and fun way to create truly amazing artwork. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on brushes and paint, with squeegee art you can focus on the process of creation, and explore colour blending and texture in a fun, spontaneous, and often unexpected way.
The beauty of squeegee art lies in its accessibility. Anyone can pick up a squeegee and start creating stunning pieces without the pressure of perfection. So whether you’re looking for an exciting new hobby, or for a fun activity for the kids, this beginners guide will tell you how to paint, squeegee style, as well as letting you know what you’ll need to get going.
The Joy of Acrylic Squeegee Painting
Silkscreen printing with a squeegee (Credit: Joe_Potato via Getty Images)
At its heart, squeegee art is about embracing spontaneity. That’s why it’s called a ‘process art’, where it’s not all about the end product, it’s about experimenting with creativity and finding out what happens along the way.
There’s no need for brushes, special pens, fancy equipment, or even drawing or art skills. You just need a squeegee, a range of acrylic paints, and a willingness to let your imagination run wild!
Using acrylic paint, squeegee art has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially through social media. So without further ado, let’s find out how to paint with a squeegee.
What You Need to Start Squeegee Painting
The basic materials to start a squeegee art project (Credit: Wirestock via Getty Images)
You really don’t need much to kick off a squeegee art project. Here’s a list to help you get started.
A Squeegee
If you want to paint with a squeegee, you’re going to need a squeegee, the type you use to clean windows, or the ice off your car. The important bit is to use the rubber side, not the hard plastic side.
Your Canvas
Most people start off with white card, but you can use any colour card or paper you like. You can also use watercolour paper or even a piece of canvas for a more textured look and feel.
The Paint
Acrylic paint is the most popular type of paint for squeegee art. It dries quickly, adheres well to most surfaces, and the colours stay really vibrant. If possible, buy a set of acrylic paints that come in squeezable plastic bottles so you can add effects, like blobs of different sizes or wavy lines.
Paper Plate
It’s useful to have a paper plate on hand to use as a palette if you want to mix different colours together. A small craft stick is handy to do the actual mixing!
Other Materials
The only other things you’ll need is a plastic sheet or some old newspaper to cover your workspace, and an apron, because things may start to get a bit messy!
With these basic tools and materials, you’ll be ready to explore the craft of squeegee art. Set up your workspace, prepare your paints, and let your creativity flow!
Squeegee Art: A Step-by-Step Guide
Squeegee art (Credit: Cavan Images via Getty Images)
If you want to make some incredible and unique work using acrylic paint, squeegee art is for you, so follow these step-by-step instructions:
Create Your Workspace
Squeegee art can get a little bit messy, so cover your working area with old newspaper, or a disposable plastic tablecloth.
Secure Your Canvas
Lay your paper, card or actual piece of canvas flat on your work surface and secure it with some tape so it doesn’t slip around.
Apply Your Paint
Take your paint bottles and be as creative as you like. You can start with dots of different coloured paint, or you can do vertical, horizontal, or wavy lines, you can even try to write your name!
Squeegee Time!
Take hold of your squeegee and rest the rubber edge at the top or side of your canvas. Next, applying light pressure, drag your squeegee down or across the paper or fabric. You can go straight, bendy, wavy, or any which way you like! That’s the beauty of using paint with a squeegee. There are no rules, no instructions to follow, and no-one to tell you what to do. It’s entirely up to you!
Finishing Up
All you need to do now is wait for your paint to dry completely, and you have a wonderful and completely unique piece of squeegee art!
What Can You Make?
Squeegee art is great for making birthday cards (Credit: slavadubrovin via Getty Images)
There are loads of great things you can make with a simple squeegee! In art, you’re only limited by what you can think of. A piece of abstract art is the simplest idea, but once you get a little more into it, you can create really stylish wall hangings, cut your card into smaller sections and turn them into birthday or Christmas cards, or even mount circular designs onto thick cardboard and make a set of drinks coasters. You can really do whatever you like!
Squeegee Art: Colourful Creativity!
Squeegee wall art (Credit: Os Tartarouchos via Getty Images)
From bold abstract designs to subtle effects, squeegee art can transform your home décor projects, greeting cards, and wall canvases into amazing works of art. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or you’re looking for a stress-free weekend activity, this accessible craft invites you to experiment, unwind, and explore your creative potential.
