Painting Easter eggs is an age-old tradition that still brings joy, creativity, and togetherness every spring. It’s the perfect way to give the season and Easter a colourful start. Whether you choose to paint Easter eggs, dye them with natural colourants or decorate them with markers, each egg becomes a little artwork that reflects your style. In this complete guide, you’ll discover everything about painting eggs, colouring eggs, and decorating Easter eggs. From materials and basic techniques to creative variations and inspiring themes.

If you’d love to dive even deeper into Easter creativity, take a look at our Easter page.

Why painting Easter eggs is so much fun

Painting Easter eggs is an activity that everyone can enjoy. You don’t need complicated supplies to get beautiful results; even simple egg dye gives you countless options. It’s relaxing on your own, but also perfect to do with children, family or friends. While painting, you’re fully in the moment: choosing colours, planning patterns, carefully turning the egg… it’s almost meditative.

Besides being creative, decorating eggs is also a lovely way to brighten your home. Coloured eggs instantly create a cheerful, festive look and suit any style — from modern to traditional. You can use them in table decorations, Easter baskets or hang them on branches. No wonder painting Easter eggs remains so popular every year.

What you need to paint Easter eggs

Painting eggs requires surprisingly little, but the right materials make everything easier and the results even better. This applies to both colouring Easter eggs and decorating them with pens or paint.

Basic supplies:

• Eggs (hard-boiled or blown out, depending on use)
• Paint for Easter eggs / egg dye (usually water-based)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Glass jars or small bowls for dye baths
• Vinegar for better adhesion
• Kitchen paper or cloths
• Spoons or an egg holder
• Markers for decorating Easter eggs
• Colourants for dyeing eggs with colouring agents

Tips for sustainable or alternative materials

• Choose organic eggs or eggs sourced directly from a local farm.
• Use natural dyes such as onion skins, turmeric or beet juice.
• Work with wooden or ceramic eggs that you can repaint every year.
• Recycle glass jars or small bowls to prepare your colour baths.

With these materials, you can start painting each Easter egg exactly the way you like.

Step-by-step guide: how to dye Easter eggs

The process of dyeing Easter eggs is simple, but good preparation makes a big difference. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Prepare the eggs.

Hard-boiled eggs should be cooked for 8–10 minutes. If you want to keep the eggs longer, blow them out by making two small holes.

2. Leave them to dry and cool.

Pat the eggs dry with kitchen paper. A clean, dry surface helps the dye adhere better.

3. Prepare your dye or colouring.

Mix egg dye or colouring powder with warm water and a splash of vinegar.

4. Colour or paint the eggs.

Dip the egg into the dye for an even colour, or paint patterns with a brush.

5. Allow each egg to dry thoroughly.

Place the eggs in an egg box or on a drying rack.

6. Decorate the Easter eggs.

Add details using markers, glitter, tape, stickers or other materials.

With this basic method, you can create endless variations in colours, patterns and techniques.

Dyeing eggs with natural colourants

Why choose natural dyes

Natural dyes are 100% safe, environmentally friendly and affordable. They create beautiful, soft, authentic tones that suit a natural Easter theme. Dyeing eggs with onion skins, red cabbage or beetroot is especially popular with families who enjoy a more conscious way of celebrating Easter.

Natural colour sources and their shades

• Turmeric → yellow
  
  Creates a warm, sunny tone that develops quickly.

• Beetroot juice → red/pink
  
  Perfect for soft pink pastels or intense reds when left longer.

• Red cabbage → blue/purple
  
  Magical results! With vinegar it turns purple, with baking soda it becomes blue.

• Onion skins → orange/brown
  
  A classic method for warm earthy tones.

• Spinach → green
  
  Produces light, spring-like greens.

• Blueberries → purple
  
  Ideal for deep, natural purple tones.

• Coffee or tea → brown/beige
  
  Perfect for neutral, rustic shades.

How to make natural dye – step by step

1. Fill a pan with 500 ml of water.

2. Add your chosen colour source (e.g., two handfuls of onion skins).

3. Simmer for 15–30 minutes.

4. Strain the mixture.

5. Add 1–2 tablespoons of vinegar.

6. Submerge the egg until it reaches the desired colour.

7. Leave it to dry, and repeat if you want a deeper shade.

This is a wonderful way to combine Easter egg dyeing with sustainability.

Creative ways to paint or decorate Easter eggs

Dip-dye or ombré eggs

Dip the egg gradually deeper into the dye to create a soft colour transition. A lovely technique for minimalist coloured eggs.

Marbled eggs with oil or shaving foam

Mix a few drops of paint with oil and roll the egg through it. This creates unique marbled patterns that make your Easter egg stand out.

Painting eggs with paint or markers

Use acrylic paint or egg-safe markers to create patterns, flowers or abstract designs. Decorating Easter eggs with markers is especially fun for children and beginners.

Creating patterns with tape or elastic bands

Mask off parts of the egg and paint over them. When you remove the tape, clean geometric lines or shapes appear.

Metallic or chalkboard paint for a modern look

Metallic gold, rose gold or chalkboard black gives your Easter eggs an elegant, contemporary appearance.

Decorating and embellishing: extra ideas

Glitter, stickers and washi tape

Ideal for adding sparkle to your Easter table decorations.

Easter eggs with faces or chick designs

Draw eyes, beaks or little ears onto the eggs. Perfect for children and highly decorative.

Easter basket or table decorations with painted eggs

Place your painted eggs in a basket, bowl or nest of sisal fibres for a charming Easter display.

Inspiration: themes and colour ideas for your Easter eggs

Let your creativity run free with themes like:

• Pastel Easter: soft pink, baby blue, mint green and pale yellow

• Boho style: earthy tones, organic shapes and dots

• Botanical: green leaves, flowers or herb-inspired designs

• Scandinavian: white, wood and minimalist patterns

• Rainbow eggs: cheerful, colourful and perfect for children

• Elegant metallic: gold, silver and rose gold for luxurious Easter eggs

You can match your coloured eggs to table linen, napkins or other Easter decorations for a harmonious look.

Frequently asked questions about dyeing eggs

How long should you boil eggs before dyeing?

Boil them for 8–10 minutes for firm, hard-boiled eggs.

Can you eat eggs after painting them?

Yes, as long as you use food-safe dyes and keep the eggs refrigerated.

Is it safe to dye eggs with markers?

Only use water-based markers if the eggs will be eaten afterwards.

Can you dye eggs using kitchen paper?

Yes! Wrap the egg in kitchen paper, drip dye onto it and let it dry for a tie-dye effect.

How do you paint an egg?

Use a soft brush and thin layers of paint and rotate the egg gently.

Can you dye eggs with onion skins?

Yes, this is a natural, safe method for warm orange tones.

Can you paint plastic or wooden eggs?

Absolutely! They’re perfect for decorations that you can reuse each year.

Why do we dye eggs at Easter?

The egg symbolises new life, fertility and the arrival of spring.

Dyeing eggs with children: tips & safety

Child-friendly paint and preparation

• Use water-based paint
• Choose washable markers
• Protect the table with a cloth or newspapers
• Let children practise on paper first

Fun ideas for toddlers and young children

• Stamping with corks or cotton buds
• Decorating with stickers
• Rolling eggs in a tray with paint for surprising patterns
• Finger painting on blown-out eggs

Self-easter-egg dyeing is a cheerful, creative tradition that brings joy every year. Whether you choose natural dyes, acrylic paint, or markers, tape or glitter, there’s always a technique that suits you. With the tips, ideas and inspiration from this guide, every painted egg becomes a small work of art. Enjoy crafting, and have a colourful Easter!