Is It Worth It To Make DIY Color Powder?

(Updated March 1, 2025)

Color powder has become a popular staple for a wide range of events including festivals and celebrations of all sizes. It’s vibrant, fun, and can be used for a ton of different activities. But is the DIY color powder route really worth the time, effort, and potential mess? Let’s learn more about what it takes to create color powder at home and help you decide if it’s the right choice.

What Do You Need for DIY Color Powder?

DIY color powder has just a few basic ingredients, most of which you can find at the grocery store.

Basic Recipe (Makes approximately 1 pound):

1 cup cornstarch
⅓-½ cup water
1 oz bottle food coloring

For a Larger Batch (Makes approximately 4 pounds):

4 pounds cornstarch
1 package of food color dye
4 foil pans for drying
Disposable gloves
4 cups water

You’ll Also Want Equipment:

Mixing bowls and spoons
Baking sheets
Food processor or blender
Protective gear (gloves, mask, old clothes)

The Process of Making Color Powder at Home

Here’s a realistic guide to making your own color powder:

1. Preparation

Start by clearing a workspace. Remove anything you don’t want covered in a fine layer of cornstarch powder. Lay down old newspapers or tablecloths to protect surfaces. Put on old clothes and protective gear – food coloring stains are extremely difficult to remove.

2. Mixing

Carefully pour the cornstarch into a large bowl (pour slowly to avoid creating a cloud of powder). Gradually add water while stirring to create a thick paste – think peanut butter consistency, not pancake batter. Add food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired color intensity. Remember that the powder will appear lighter when dried.

3. Drying

There are two main methods for drying:

Air Drying Method:

Spread the paste thinly onto baking sheets or foil pans
Leave it out to air dry completely (the surface will form cracks when dry)
This can take 1-3 days depending on humidity and thickness

Oven Method:

Spread the paste onto heat-safe baking sheets
Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (170°F or less)
Place the sheets inside with the door cracked open
Bake for about 30-60 minutes, checking frequently
For the final stage, heat at 350°F for 30 minutes with the door cracked

4. Processing

Once completely dry, break the hardened mixture into pieces and process in a food processor or blender until it becomes a fine powder. Work in small batches and be careful – this step creates the most airborne powder.

5. Storage

Store your finished powder in airtight containers or ziplock bags until ready to use. Keep in a cool, dry place.

Is DIY Color Powder Cheaper?

Let’s break down the costs:

For a 4-pound batch, materials cost anywhere from $22-$28 plus tax (depending on where you shop). For comparison, we sell our bulk color powder at about $6.25 per pound, or $25 for 4 pounds (at the time of this post).

This means DIY color powder may or may not save you extra money. In fact, you’re more likely to be in the red unless you:

Already own the equipment needed
Don’t factor in your time (several hours spread over 1-3 days)
Don’t count cleanup time
Get lucky and nail the recipe your first time
Don’t ruin your favorite clothes or countertops in the process

I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t quite seem worth it – especially if you need a large amount of color powder for an event.

Is DIY Color Powder Safe?

Making your own color powder means that you know exactly what you’re putting into it. But is it safe? That depends on the quality of your ingredients, how you store the powder before use, and how you use it.

Potential Hazards

Mold and bacteria: If the mixture doesn’t dry completely, mold can develop and be distributed throughout the powder
Allergic reactions: Unless you pay close attention to your ingredients, DIY powder may trigger unexpected reactions
Staining: Homemade color powder often causes more permanent staining than commercial bulk powder designed to wash away easily

Professional Standards

At Color Powder Supply, we make sure that every batch of color powder is made with the highest quality ingredients. It’s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and easier to clean than most of our competitors (DIY powder included).

Is It Worth It to Make Your Own Color Powder?

So, is it worth it to make your own color powder?

DIY might be worth it if:

You’re creating a small, personal project
You enjoy crafting and have plenty of time
You have a well-ventilated workspace you don’t mind getting messy
You’re willing to accept less vibrant colors

Buying commercial powder is likely better if:

You’re planning a larger event (school function, fundraiser, etc.)
Time is a limiting factor
Safety and consistency are priorities
You need significant quantities
You want maximum vibrancy
Easy cleanup is important

The Bottom Line

While making color powder at home is completely doable, the experience comes with challenges. For most people planning color events, the time, effort, and potential issues involved often outweigh the minimal cost savings of the DIY approach.

For events of any significant size, professionally manufactured color powder offers better quality, safety, and convenience. The extra dollar per pound provides peace of mind, more vibrant colors, and far less hassle – allowing you to focus on planning an amazing event rather than spending days in your kitchen covered in cornstarch.

Whether you choose the DIY route or professional color powder, we hope your colorful event is a success!