Tempera

Tempera paints use a natural, biodegradable protein as a binder. The preservatives they contain are very mild, and non-toxic. That's what makes tempera safe and economical for the classroom.

Dick Blick also sells Egg Tempera, an artist quality paint that resembles the original paints used in fresco and hardboard painting during the Renaissance.

Once a bottle of tempera has been opened, and its contents have been exposed to air, it should be used as quickly as possible. Avoid exposing unused paint to air, and make sure that all bottles are tightly sealed after use. Never dip a brush directly into a bottle of tempera. Always store temperas in their original containers, and do not return unused paint to the bottle.

Dick Blick sells a variety of Dispensers for Liquid Tempera that are ideal for managing paint in a classroom. Use them to keep your classroom neat, and to extend the shelf life of your tempera paints.