This dog paw print painting is the perfect piece of art in any dog lover’s home.
It’s a keepsake you’ll cherish for a lifetime and one of the most sentimental décor pieces you’ll have!
You’ll only need a canvas, paint and a paintbrush. Oh, and a dog paw, of course.
Read on to learn how to make your own DIY paw print painting.
Paw Print Painting Tips
VIDEO
These tips will help you create the best paw print painting a pup could make!
Canvas
Most dollar stores carry canvases for cheap. Choose whatever size you plan on displaying. If you have a small dog, you could even choose a mini canvas for just a few prints.
Type of Paint
Choose a water-based paint that is non-toxic. Non-toxic acrylic craft paints, tempera or washable paints for children will probably work best.
Paint Color
I recommend choosing contrasting colors for the background paint and paw print paint. For my canvas, I painted the background dark blue and the paw prints gold. I love the metallic sparkle silver and gold give to the painting.
Dog Paw Prints
There’s two ways you can make the paw prints. The first option is to dip your dog’s paws into the paint and guide them to press it onto the canvas. This is easiest but sometimes it can make the paw toes “blend” together if it gets too painty. So, the other option is to take a glob of paint on a paintbrush and paint it onto your dog’s paw before pressing it. Try both ways to see which works best for you!
In any case, dog paws won’t look perfect. Although you can guide your dog’s paw, some might resemble more of an accident than a paw. That’s okay! It’s your dog’s artistry! You can also go back in later with a paintbrush to help define the paw print.
Where to Display Your Paw Print Art
Display your canvas wherever you choose: on a wall, in a shelf, or in your dog’s corner. I found a special place for mine in my dog’s water/food bowl shelf. I tucked it in behind and I think it looks so cute there 🙂
How to Make Dog Paw Print Painting
Follow the directions below.
DIY Paw Print Painting
Materials
- Canvas (size of your choice)
- Paint for background color
- Paint for paw prints (tips in article for paint suggestions)
- Large paint brush
- Thin paint brush
- Plate or dish for paint
- Paper towel or cloth
- Newspaper or sheet (to avoid painty paws tracking everywhere)
Instructions
- Paint the canvas your chosen background color and let dry.
- Pour the paw print paint into a dish.
- Cover the area with newspaper or an old sheet (extremely important when your dog has paint paws!)
- Place your dog’s paw into the dish and move it onto the canvas. Guide their paw to help press it down. It’s okay if it glides… that’s what makes it a dog painting. Try to go with the flow.
- Alternative: Using a paintbrush with a generous amount of paint, paint their paw pad and guide it onto the canvas, pressing it down.
- Repeat until you’ve painted all the paw prints you want.
- Have a damp paper towel or a cloth nearby to wipe your dog’s paw so they don’t track it everywhere.
- If paw prints are dull, go over the paw prints with a thin paintbrush. Accentuate the outline or fill it in.
- Paint a border around your canvas. To keep it simple, I chose small dots.
- Have your dog sign their name (or, you know, do it for them).
Hey! Did you make this? Show your dog’s creation! Tag us on Insta @YoCanineCom
