Guides
What Is a POP Painting Kit? A Simple Guide
Jay Karn · 6 October 2026 · 3 min read
A POP painting kit is a small white statue that you paint yourself. The statue is made of POP. The kit also has colours and a brush, so you can start as soon as you open the box.
POP means plaster of Paris. It is a white powder that becomes hard when it is mixed with water and left to set. It can be made into any shape, like an animal, a Ganesha or a vase.
POP, plaster and gypsum: are they the same?
Yes, for a painting kit they mean the same thing. Plaster of Paris is made from a stone called gypsum. So people use many names for the same kit:
- POP painting kit
- Plaster of Paris painting kit
- Plaster painting kit
- Gypsum painting kit
- Statue painting kit or figurine painting kit
If you search for any of these, you are looking for the same kind of kit. On our site we call them gypsum painting kits.
What comes in a POP painting kit?
- The POP statue. It is white and plain, ready to paint.
- Colours. Our kits have tempera colours. Tempera is a water-based paint.
- A brush.
You only need a few things from home. A cup of water, an old cloth and some newspaper to keep the table clean.
How is it different from painting on paper?
On paper, you first have to draw. Many kids and adults find drawing hard, so they give up. With a POP statue, the shape is already made. The eyes, the ears and the lines are all there. You only add colour.
When you finish, you also have a real thing to keep. You can put it on a shelf or a study table, or give it to someone.
Which paint is best for POP?
Water-based paints work well on POP. Our kits come with tempera colours. Acrylic colours also work. Do not add too much water to the paint. POP soaks up water, and watery paint will look patchy.
Is a POP painting kit safe for kids?
Yes. Our kits are for kids of 4 years and above, and the colours are non-toxic. Small kids should paint with an adult nearby. As with any paint, it should not go in the mouth.
How to paint a POP statue
- Spread newspaper on the table.
- Paint the big parts first, with light colours.
- Let one colour dry before you paint next to it.
- Paint the small parts last, with the tip of the brush.
- Leave it to dry. The colours dry in about 20 minutes.
We have a full guide with more tips here: how to paint a gypsum figurine at home.
How to take care of a painted POP statue
- Keep it dry. Do not wash it. Water can spoil the colour and make POP soft.
- Clean it with a dry cloth or a soft dry brush.
- Handle it with care. POP can chip or break if it falls.
POP painting kits to start with
Who is a POP painting kit good for?
- Kids of 4 years and above, as a holiday or weekend activity.
- Adults who want to relax with a simple hobby.
- Gifts. See our Diwali gift ideas for kids.
- Birthday parties. See our return gift ideas for kids.
Common questions
What is the full form of POP in a POP painting kit?
POP means plaster of Paris. It is a white material made from gypsum. It is set into a shape, like an animal or a Ganesha, which you then paint.
Is a POP painting kit the same as a gypsum painting kit?
Yes. Plaster of Paris is made from gypsum, so a POP painting kit, a plaster painting kit and a gypsum painting kit are the same kind of kit.
Which colours are used on POP statues?
Water-based colours are used on POP statues. Our kits come with tempera colours. Acrylic colours also work well.
What age is a POP painting kit for?
Our POP painting kits are for kids of 4 years and above. Adults enjoy them too.
How long does a POP painting kit take to finish?
Most kits take under an hour to paint. The colours dry in about 20 minutes.
Want to try one?
Pick a design you like. The box has everything you need to start.
See all POP painting kits
