Short answer
Dot paint markers (also sold as bingo daubers or art dot markers) are squeeze bottles of water-based, washable paint with a large sponge dauber tip that stamps a round dot. Use them for toddler art, dot-to-dot activity pages, letters and color mixing. For fine dot art on rocks or canvas, use acrylic paint pens or dotting tools instead.
What dot markers are
A dot marker is a plastic bottle of liquid paint with a foam or sponge tip. Squeeze lightly or just press it to paper, and it stamps a round dot about the size of a coin. The Do A Dot Art listing describes 2.5 oz bottles with a large sponge tip dauber that makes perfect dots, in six colors, and says the markers were created over 30 years ago by a preschool teacher. Shuttle Art sells washable dot markers in sets from 10 to 40 colors, listed as non-toxic and water-based.
Dot paint markers and dot art tools compared
| Type | Tip | Paint | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washable dot markers (daubers) | Large round sponge | Washable water-based | Toddlers, preschool, activity books |
| Bingo daubers | Round sponge | Dauber ink; not all are made for kids | Bingo cards |
| Acrylic paint pens | Bullet 0.7 to 2.5 mm | Water-based acrylic | Dot art on rocks, canvas, wood |
| Dotting tools | Metal balls and rods | Craft acrylic | Even dot mandalas |
Use kids’ art dot markers rather than bingo daubers for young children: check that the pack says washable and non-toxic and gives an age range. More on labels in non-toxic paint markers.
What to make with dot markers
- Dot activity pages: printed circles to fill, often with letters, numbers or shapes. Activity books are sold with many sets.
- Rainbows and arches: one row of dots per color.
- Dot flowers: one center dot ringed by five petal dots, then a stem drawn with a crayon.
- Color mixing: stamp yellow, then blue on top while wet, and watch green appear.
- Names: write a child’s name in pencil and let them dot along the lines.
- Big pointillism: older kids can make a whole picture from dots, the way pointillist painters did.
Washable dot art markers: cleanup
Washable dot markers are made to wash from skin and most hard surfaces with soap and water. Fabric is the risk: rinse spots from the back under cold water while fresh, pretreat with a little liquid detergent and check before drying. Cover the table, use a smock, and put caps back on right away; the sponge tips are designed not to dry out, but an open bottle tipped over still makes a puddle.
Shuttle Art dot markers and Do A Dot Art
These are the two names most people search for. Do A Dot Art’s listing says its markers are made in the USA, gluten free and latex free, and that they never dry out. Shuttle Art sells its dot markers in more set sizes, some with free activity books, and lists them as washable, non-toxic and water-based. Shuttle Art also makes acrylic paint markers; see Shuttle Art.
Dot art for older kids and adults
When kids outgrow daubers, dot art moves to paint pens and dotting tools. Water-based acrylic paint markers make small, controlled dots on rocks, wood and canvas, and dotting tools pick up craft acrylic for raised dots. Start with a dotted outline around a simple shape, then try rings and gradients. The techniques are on dot rock painting; for marker sets, see acrylic marker sets, and for kid kits, rock painting kits.
Tips for using dot markers
- Press, do not scrub
Stamp straight down and lift. Scrubbing tears thin paper and floods the tip.
- Use thick paper
Cardstock or construction paper holds wet paint better than printer paper, which can soak through if a child presses hard.
- One color at a time
Cap each bottle before opening the next to avoid knocked-over bottles.
- Let it dry flat
Dot paintings are wet; dry them flat before hanging.
For water-based paint pens for older kids, see water-based paint markers.
Dot markers on Amazon
Washable daubers for kids and dotting tools for dot art, each listing checked by hand.
-
Do A Dot Art! markers, 6-pack rainbow washable paint markers
Six washable colors in 2.5 oz bottles with large sponge daubers; the listing says made in the USA and non-toxic.
- 6 colors
- Washable
-
Do-A-Dot Art! marker 25-count classpack
A classroom pack of 25 dot markers for groups.
- 25 markers
- Classpack
-
Shuttle Art dot markers, 15 colors
Fifteen washable colors, listed as non-toxic and water-based, for toddlers and preschool.
- 15 colors
- Washable
-
Augshy mandala dotting tools set, 19 pieces
Dotting tools for older kids and adults who move on to dot mandalas.
- 19 pieces
- Dotting tools
Each pick links to an Amazon listing we checked by hand. Prices, colors and pack sizes change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Questions people ask
What paints are used for dot painting?
It depends on the kind of dot painting. Toddler dot markers use washable water-based paint in sponge-tip bottles. Dot mandalas and dot art on rocks and canvas use acrylic paint, either craft acrylic picked up with dotting tools or water-based acrylic paint pens. Acrylic dries water resistant on porous surfaces, so finished pieces last.
What do you use dot markers for?
Stamping dots onto activity pages with printed circles, which builds hand-eye coordination and color recognition, plus free painting, letters and numbers, rainbows, simple flowers, color mixing by layering dots, and bingo cards. Older kids use them for big pointillism-style pictures made entirely of dots.
Do dot markers wash off?
Washable dot markers are made to clean up with soap and water from skin and most hard surfaces, and makers market them as washable. Clothing is less predictable: rinse spots promptly in cold water and wash before the paint dries in. Bright colors such as red and purple are the hardest, so a smock or old shirt is a good idea.
What markers do artists use?
Illustrators often use alcohol markers such as Ohuhu or Copic for smooth blends; lettering artists use brush pens such as Tombow; painters, muralists and rock painters use opaque acrylic paint markers such as Posca or Molotow; and ink artists use fineliners. Dot markers are mainly a children’s art tool, though artists do use dotting tools for dot art.
Do a dot marker hobby lobby?
We did not find Do A Dot Art markers on Hobby Lobby’s website when we searched, and store stock changes, so check its site or your local store before you go. Do A Dot Art and Shuttle Art dot markers are both sold on Amazon, and the Do A Dot Art listing describes its markers as made in the USA, washable and non-toxic.