I let the little guys finger paint with pudding in the bath tub! That way the kid and the mess is contained... and if they eat it all is well. I tape wax paper to the floor and to the wall. Great photo ops in bright clothes against the white tile. I think though, by 2 DD was painting at the easel in the kitchen. I put down a drop cloth and had her in a smock.. but it wasn't as messy as I thought. Have fun! I should get the paints out again, it has been a while.