Potato Printing
The classic print-making technique — cut a potato in half, carve a raised design, coat in paint, and press onto paper or fabric. Endless variations from simple shapes to complex repeating patterns.
Painting
Ages 3–1130 minsEasyIndividual or class
Watch on YouTube
Search: "potato printing art primary school kids" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- Large potatoes (1 per 2 children)
- Knife (adult use only)
- Poster paint
- Paint trays or plates
- White or coloured cartridge paper
- Aprons
How to do it
- Adults cut potatoes in half cleanly — the cut surface is the printing face.
- Carve a simple raised shape into the cut surface using a knife or lolly stick (star, heart, leaf, letter).
- Pat the potato surface dry with kitchen paper.
- Press the potato firmly into paint (or use a brush to apply paint to the surface).
- Press firmly onto paper without sliding, then lift cleanly.
- Re-apply paint between each print.
💡 Tips
Let children cut their own simple designs using a lolly stick pressed into the potato surface — safer and develops fine motor skills. Potatoes keep for a full day wrapped in damp kitchen paper.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.