Of all the art and science projects that I have done, lemon and watercolor science has been my #1 fave for YEARS! It’s a dazzling sensory activity that you can never get enough of.

- I discovered lemon and watercolor science years ago, and it was love at first sight
- We do lemon and watercolor Science throughout the year
- Materials
- How to make lemon and watercolor art
- Video tutorial
- What does lemon juice do to a watercolor?
- Questions to ask your child during lemon and watercolor science
- Lemon and watercolor science is a love of my life
- Frequently Asked Questions
I discovered lemon and watercolor science years ago, and it was love at first sight
The first time I did this project was with my preschoolers, and the mood was electric.
This project has it all:
- It smells good.
- It’s fun to look at.
- New colors blend right before your eyes.
- It’s messy and unpredictable and just outstanding.
In fact, I loved it so much that I had to show my college students that night, too. So I walked into class with a giant bag of lemons, my arms full of watercolors, and said, “There’s no time for a quiz tonight because it’s science time!”
And guess what? The college students were just as enamored with the project as the preschoolers. It’s everything.
🍋 Related: looking for more Science activities for kids? Our Virtual Preschool program is designed for teachers and preschool homeschooling families and is loaded with Science (+ much, much more!).
We do lemon and watercolor Science throughout the year
Because we do so many lemon activities, we are often gifted bags of lemons from people who have trees that overproduce.
This means we’re the lucky recipients of lemons throughout the year. This project belongs to no specific season, so we make lemon volcanoes in February, June, October, and every month in between.
I always joke that friends with lemon trees are the best kinds of friends. 😂
🍋 Looking for more lemon activities? These are fantastic:
Materials
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- Lemons
- Watercolors – here we used liquid watercolors, but pan watercolors work, too
- Thick paper – if you don’t have watercolor paper, use the thickest paper you have on hand (like cardstock)
- Thick paintbrushes
- Lemon juicer – optional, just for extra fine motor fun
How to make lemon and watercolor art
This activity is simple: Get a LOT of paint on your paper, then drop on lemon juice.
I used liquid watercolors here (and prefer using them over pan watercolors) because it’s easy to get a paper saturated with wet color. You want your paper to be soaked before adding the lemon juice.
I have two strategies to get my paper extra wet: (1) use thick paintbrushes as they hold more color and get your paper wetter faster, and (2) paint quickly!
Once your paper is wet, shiny, and colorful, squeeze on your lemon juice.
When the lemon juice touches the paints, you’ll see an immediate reaction. This is the very best part.
If using liquid watercolors, pay special attention to when the lemon juice touches the orange paint. For most of the colors, lemon juice lightens the paint color. But, for orange, the lemon juice makes it turn red! Very cool.
Video tutorial
What does lemon juice do to a watercolor?
Lemon juice has several things in it, including water, sugars, vitamins, and citric acid.
When the citric acid touches the watercolor paints, it has an immediate “bleaching” effect.
You’ll see this reaction right before your eyes! The colors change, mix, blend, and transform as the lemon juice touches and interacts with the watercolors. We love observing scientific reactions.
Questions to ask your child during lemon and watercolor science
- “What do you predict will happen when the lemon juice touches the watercolors?”
- “Why does the lemon juice change the color of the paints?”
- “What else could we add on top of watercolors to make the same effect as the lemon juice?”
- “Can you describe the lemon – how does it look, feel, smell, taste?”
- “What happens if we try adding lemon juice onto a dry painting?”
- “What else can we do with lemons?”
Lemon and watercolor science is a love of my life
And for a good reason! It’s easy, colorful, and gorgeous.
The next time you find yourself looking for an incredible STEAM activity or in possession of lots of lemons, give this activity a go.
Have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
They look beautiful! The “bleach” effect doesn’t go away and they look very similar to when they’re wet.
YES! This project connects science, art, and math.
Depends on the weather. In the Summer, we leave these outside and they’re dry in 20 minutes. In the winter it takes longer.
Can you use lemon juice from a bottle instead of real lemons?
Did you use a special paper (like one for watercolors) And, does it matter.
I ask because coming right out the chute, I want it to go well.
Thank you
I use watercolor paper because it’s designed to hold a lot of liquid, but you can use whatever paper you have that is thickest!
Absolutely!
Wow, thanks! I have been looking for an easy paper project for my art club kids. Girls will use their paper to make earrings. Thanks!
Can you use oranges instead of lemon?
You can, limes, too!
Hope they have the best time!
I love this idea! We have a unit of the 5 senses coming up and I plan to do this. Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy, and thank you so much for being here! xo, K
Are you able to do this using canvases?
I haven’t tried BUT I cannot think of a reason why it wouldn’t work!
Does this work with plain lemon juice from the bottle?
YES!!!
I’ve never seen that type of watercolor container before! Would you be able to share where I can get one?
Hello! They’re called “paint cups in a base.” Enjoy!