6 Best Black Tempera Paint for Laser Engraving (October 2026)
The best black tempera paint for laser engraving include the Crayola Washable Tempera Paint For Kids for an easy-to-store bottle, the Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint for gallon-size classroom batches, and the Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paint for a 32 fl oz bottle.
On this page (4 sections)
The best black tempera paint for laser engraving is Crayola Washable Tempera Paint For Kids, a 32 fl oz liquid paint with opaque coverage and a matte finish. For repeated or larger jobs, Handy Art and Colorations offer gallon-size choices, while a solid paint stick suits small applications.
Tempera paint is made for art and craft surfaces, so its craft coverage details do not promise a particular engraving result. The best fit depends on the base material, how evenly you can apply a coat and whether your workflow needs a small bottle or bulk supply.
For another laser-compatible material, see stiff felt for laser cutting.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for an easy-to-store bottleCrayola Washable Tempera Paint For Kids
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for gallon-size classroom batchesHandy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itThe Pencil Grip Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint
Best for no-brush application - 5
Check itColorations Paraben-Free Washable Black Tempera Paint
Best for gallon-size matte paint - 6
Best for wood and ceramic craftsCheck it
Which black tempera paints suit laser engraving projects?
Crayola is the highest-scoring starting point here because it combines opaque coverage, a matte finish and a 32 fl oz bottle. The other picks offer bulk sizes, a different finish or another application format.
We compared product features against the needs of someone choosing a black coating: coverage, finish, format, named craft surfaces and cleanup. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
These are craft paints, so confirm the coating with a small test on your material and laser setup.
| Product | Best for | Volume | Finish | Form | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crayola Washable Tempera Paint For Kids | an easy-to-store bottle | 32 fl oz | Matte | Liquid tempera | 9.7 |
| Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint | gallon-size classroom batches | 128 fl oz | Satin | Liquid tempera | 9.6 |
| Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paint | a 32 fl oz bottle | 32 fl oz | Semi-gloss | Liquid tempera | 9.5 |
| The Pencil Grip Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint | no-brush application | Semi-gloss | Solid paint | 9.2 | |
| Colorations Paraben-Free Washable Black Tempera Paint | gallon-size matte paint | 1 gallon | Matte | 9.0 | |
| Crayola Premier Tempera Paint | wood and ceramic crafts | 32 fl oz | Matte | Liquid tempera | 8.7 |
Crayola Washable Tempera Paint For Kids: Best for an easy-to-store bottle
- 32 fl oz squeeze bottle
- Opaque coverage
- Matte finish
- Washes from skin and most washable clothing
Opaque coverage and a matte finish make this a practical starting point for small projects. Its 32 fl oz squeeze bottle is smaller than a gallon jug.
Pros
- Opaque coverage
- Matte finish
- 32 fl oz bottle
Cons
- Not waterproof
Crayola Washable Tempera Paint For Kids is the top pick for trying a black coating on a modest number of pieces. The 32 fl oz squeeze bottle is easy to store, and the paint has opaque coverage and a matte finish.
A consistent coat matters when you want similar coverage across the work area. Spread the paint evenly and let it dry before engraving.
Crayola says this paint washes from skin and most washable clothing, which can make cleanup simpler during prep.
The paint is not waterproof, so consider whether moisture resistance matters for the finished item. Crayola describes it for absorbent craft surfaces such as paper, cardboard and paper-mâché.
The paint's craft description does not specify engraving performance, so use scrap material to see whether your machine settings give the result you want.
Choose it for a small or occasional project where you want liquid paint, opaque coverage and a matte finish. The bottle is smaller than the gallon options below, which may be easier to manage while you refine your coating process.
Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint: Best for gallon-size classroom batches
- 128 fl oz jug
- Opaque water-based paint
- Washes from most fabrics with soap and water
- Works best on paper, cardboard and canvas
The gallon jug suits repeated projects that need more paint than a small bottle. Its opaque water-based paint washes from most fabrics with soap and water.
Pros
- Gallon-size container
- Opaque paint
- Water-based
Cons
- Large container takes more storage space
Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint suits projects where you expect to coat many pieces or repeat a project. For larger engraving runs, compare bulk laser engraving blanks.
Its 128 fl oz jug gives you more paint than the 32 fl oz bottles, and Handy Art describes it as opaque and water-based.
The large container suits a classroom or workshop with room to pour paint into a smaller tray for brushing. Handy Art says it washes from most fabrics with soap and water and works best on paper, cardboard and canvas.
Its satin finish differs from the matte finish on the top pick.
A gallon is less convenient if you need only a little paint or have limited storage. A large supply does not remove the need to control coat thickness, since even application depends on your brush, sponge or other coating method.
Choose this option for batch work where the gallon jug is useful and a satin finish fits your process. For a medium amount of liquid paint, the 32 fl oz Handy Art option below takes up less storage space.
Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paint: Best for a 32 fl oz bottle
- 32 fl oz bottle
- Opaque coverage
- Smooth-flowing paint
- Made in the USA
This 32 fl oz option gives you opaque black paint without a gallon jug. Its semi-gloss finish differs from the matte finish of the top pick.
Pros
- Opaque coverage
- 32 fl oz bottle
- Cleans up with soap and water
Cons
- Semi-gloss finish
Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paint offers a middle ground between a 32 fl oz bottle and a gallon jug. It comes in a 32 fl oz bottle and is described as opaque, smooth-flowing paint that cleans up with soap and water.
Handy Art says the paint works best on paper, cardboard, canvas and posters. Its finish is semi-gloss, so choose it when that finish is preferable to a matte surface.
Handy Art describes this paint as AP certified and non-toxic, with use intended for ages 3 and up.
The semi-gloss surface is a visible difference from the matte finishes of Crayola Washable Tempera and Crayola Premier. That finish alone cannot tell you how a laser will mark through the coating, so try a small sample with the same surface and settings before moving to a finished piece.
Choose it for a 32 fl oz liquid option when you want opaque coverage and a semi-gloss finish. If you need a large supply, the gallon-size Handy Art or Colorations options may fit better.
The Pencil Grip Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint: Best for no-brush application
- 12 black paint sticks
- Solid tempera format
- Dries in 90 seconds
- Works on paper, cardboard and wood
The solid stick format avoids pouring or brushing liquid paint. The maker says it dries in 90 seconds, though the format may be less suited to coating broad surfaces evenly.
Pros
- No brushes or water needed to apply
- 12 black sticks
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Solid stick format may be less practical for large areas
The Pencil Grip Kwik Stix is the only solid-format option in this roundup. The pack contains 12 black paint sticks, and the product information says they dry in 90 seconds.
The twist-up format avoids brushes, cups and water during application. Named surfaces include paper, cardboard, wood and posters, and it can suit small projects where handling liquid paint would be inconvenient.
A stick may take more passes to cover a broad, flat area evenly than paint spread with a brush or sponge. That matters when a consistent coating is your goal.
Try it on a sample of the same material and check the coverage before using it on a larger piece.
Choose it for small areas or quick preparation when the solid format is useful. For large surfaces or repeat batches, a liquid bottle or jug gives you more control over spreading the paint.
Colorations Paraben-Free Washable Black Tempera Paint: Best for gallon-size matte paint
- 1 gallon bottle
- Matte finish
- About 10–12 sq ft coverage per gallon
- Paraben-free
Colorations offers a gallon of black tempera with a matte finish and stated coverage of about 10–12 sq ft per gallon. The coverage figure is for estimating paint supply.
Pros
- Gallon size
- Matte finish
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Large bottle may be excessive for occasional projects
Colorations is a bulk option for projects that need a gallon of black tempera. It has a matte finish and stated coverage of about 10–12 sq ft per gallon, which gives you a rough supply estimate for craft use.
The paint is described as washable and paraben-free. Colorations names paper, canvas, wood, cardboard, cardstock and paper-mâché as suitable surfaces and says the paint is intended for indoor and outdoor use.
That craft description does not tell you how it will behave under a laser.
Compare the gallon volume with your likely project area before buying. The stated coverage is for paint supply estimates, and actual use can change with surface texture and coat thickness.
Keep a scrap sample for checking the dry coating and engraving result.
Choose it when a matte finish and gallon-size supply suit frequent work. For smaller quantities, Crayola or Handy Art's 32 fl oz bottles reduce the amount you need to store.
Crayola Premier Tempera Paint: Best for wood and ceramic crafts
- 32 fl oz bottle
- Opaque coverage
- Matte finish
- Named surfaces include wood and ceramic
The 32 fl oz bottle has opaque coverage and a matte finish. Crayola names wood and ceramic among the surfaces for this paint.
Pros
- Opaque coverage
- Matte finish
- Wood and ceramic are named surfaces
Cons
- No stated coverage amount
Crayola Premier Tempera Paint is a 32 fl oz black paint with opaque coverage and a matte finish. Crayola names paper, cardboard, wood and ceramic among the surfaces for this paint.
That range of craft surfaces makes it a flexible choice if one project uses different materials. For layered sign designs, compare two-tone acrylic for laser cutting.
Crayola describes the color as richly pigmented and the paint as offering one-coat coverage, but no coverage amount is stated.
Plan a small test rather than assuming the paint will cover every surface in one pass.
This is a liquid paint, so you can spread it with a brush or sponge. Its matte finish is similar to the top pick, though it is a different Crayola paint.
The craft surface guidance does not tell you how the coating will respond to engraving.
Choose it for projects involving wood or ceramic when the 32 fl oz bottle and matte finish fit. For more wood-specific options, compare paints for laser cut wood.
If washability matters more, compare it with Crayola Washable Tempera.
What should you check before coating a workpiece?
Check the base material, coating consistency and drying time before engraving. For wood inserts, compare laser wood inlay materials before choosing your stock.
Craft paint may be a convenient coating, but its craft uses do not confirm that the material or process is appropriate for your machine. For wood surface repairs before engraving, see wood fillers for engraving.
Start with a small scrap from the same material as your project. For a comparison of two common woods, see poplar vs basswood strength.
Apply a thin, even layer, allow it to dry, and use machine settings recommended for that material and equipment.
Keep the room ventilated and follow the laser manufacturer's safety instructions.
If the project is glass, compare the coating options in our guide to best paint for laser engraving glass and see Using Tempera Paint for Cleaner Glass Laser Engraving. For wood projects, our guide to Top 7 Best Wood For Laser Engraving can help with the base material choice.
Is tempera the right coating for metal?
Tempera is a craft paint, and these product descriptions do not confirm it as a metal marking compound. If metal marking is your goal, read does tempera paint work when engraving metal and our guide on How to Use Laser Marking Spray (Cermark) on Metal.
For a different coating format, compare the best spray paint for laser engraving. Select a method that fits the material and your machine, then test it on scrap before using it on a finished item.
How do you choose the right black tempera paint?
Choose by project size and the way you want to apply the coating. Crayola Washable Tempera is the top-scoring pick, Handy Art and Colorations suit larger supplies, and Kwik Stix offers a solid format for small areas.
Pick Crayola Washable Tempera for opaque, matte coverage in a 32 fl oz bottle. Choose Handy Art Washable for a gallon jug, Handy Art Little Masters for a 32 fl oz semi-gloss option, or Colorations for gallon-size matte paint with stated craft coverage.
Use Kwik Stix when a solid stick is convenient, and Crayola Premier when its named wood and ceramic craft uses match your project. Whatever you choose, test a dry coat on the same material before engraving.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for an easy-to-store bottle
Crayola Washable Tempera Paint For Kids
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for gallon-size classroom batches
Handy Art Little Masters Washable Tempera Paint
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
Can black tempera paint help with laser engraving?
Black tempera may work as a coating in some laser engraving workflows, but results depend on the material, paint layer and laser settings. These paints are described for craft surfaces such as paper, wood and cardboard, which does not confirm engraving performance.
Test a small scrap with the same material and settings before coating a finished piece.
Which black tempera paint is easiest to apply evenly?
Liquid paint can be spread with a brush or sponge across a broad area, while a paint stick can suit small marks. Crayola Washable Tempera and Handy Art Little Masters are liquid options with opaque coverage.
Apply a consistent thin coat, then let it dry before engraving.
Is tempera paint waterproof after it dries?
No. Crayola Washable Tempera and Colorations are identified as not waterproof.
Keep coated pieces away from moisture unless you have confirmed that the finished process is suitable for the item.
A painted coating is also not a substitute for checking whether the base material is safe to engrave.
Should you use tempera paint on glass or metal?
Tempera may work as a coating in some workflows, but the surface and engraving method matter. Read our guides to best paint for laser engraving glass and does tempera paint work when engraving metal before choosing a coating.
Test on a scrap piece first.
