Finger
paint is used and enjoyed by children and adults alike. For many people,
the experience of painting with fingers as opposed to brushes can increase
the intensity and involvement of the painting process. Examples of contemporary
painters who make use of their hands and arms for paintings include
Tyler Ramsey and Jimmy Lee Sudduth.
An important aspect of finger paint is that it is non-toxic. Though
many varieties of paint are not capable of passing the skin barrier,
cuts and scrapes can allow harmful substances into the body. Adult painters
may use surgical gloves to reduce any risk. Children are better off
working with nontoxic paints only. They tend to be messier and stray
paint may end up in or around their mouths.
There are many newer varieties of finger paint to make finger painting
even more interesting for a child. Some come in glitter and glow-in-the-dark
colors. Others may be edible. Of course, parents or guardians may prefer
not to introduce their children to edible paints because a child may
not understand the difference between edible and non-edible types in
the future.