Art Classroom Supply List for Teachers
A well-planned art classroom supply list saves teachers time, reduces waste and keeps lessons running smoothly. This Haanz Art Guide is written for primary and secondary art teachers, Sunday school and club leaders, and anyone running a group art class. It covers what to stock for drawing, colour and craft, how much to plan for, and how to store it all in our humid climate.
How to plan your art classroom supply list
- Start from your scheme of work. List the topics for the term, such as drawing, colour mixing, printing or clay, and note the materials each one needs.
- Count your groups. Many items can be shared between two or four students. Brushes, palettes and water pots work well as table sets.
- Split shared and personal items. Pencils, erasers and sketchbooks are often personal. Paint, clay and large paper are usually shared.
- Buy large containers for paint. Big bottles poured into small pots waste less than many tiny tubes.
- Keep a simple stock sheet. Note what you have at the start of each term and what runs out first.
Drawing supplies
- Pencils: the Graphite Drawing Pencil is sold one grade at a time, so you can stock plenty of HB and 2B for everyday work, plus some 4B and 6B for shading lessons.
- Colour pencils: a Camel Colour Pencil set -24 per table gives enough colours for most tasks.
- Oil pastels: Camel Oil Pastels -25 shades are bright and blend easily, with no drying time, so work can go straight into a folder.
- Paper: loose sheets of Drawing Paper – 100gsm A3 are handy for practice work and class displays.
- Erasers, sharpeners, rulers and a few spare pencil cases for students who forget theirs.
Painting supplies
- Paint: Art Rangers Tempera Paint 500ml comes in large, ready-to-use bottles in 11 colours, including gold and silver. Pour small amounts into trays so the main bottle stays clean.
- Brushes: the Bomeijia Brush Set 12Pcs gives each table a mix of shapes and sizes.
- Palettes: a Mixing Tray 14Holes Oval Shape has plenty of wells for colour mixing lessons.
- Water and cleaning: the Brush Bucket – Large works as a brush washer and holder in one, with a lid for carrying.
- Protection: Kids Long Sleeve Apron -M keeps uniforms clean. Old newspaper on desks saves a lot of scrubbing.
See classroom-friendly items in Junior Artists and Poster Paints & Tempera. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.
Craft and 3D supplies
- Clay: Art Rangers Air Dry Modeling Clay 500g-White air-dries with no oven needed and can be painted once dry. Wrap opened clay tightly in plastic so it stays soft.
- Glue, scissors, coloured paper, card and recycled materials such as boxes and bottle caps.
- A few sets of simple clay tools to share around the class.
For younger classes, read Kids Craft Materials Guide. Our School Art Supply List is a handy list to share with parents.
Storage and care in a humid classroom
- Keep paper flat and dry. Store it in closed drawers or plastic boxes away from windows and damp walls.
- Close paint lids tightly. Wipe the rim first so lids do not stick.
- Dry brushes flat or tip up. Never leave brushes standing in water. It bends the hairs.
- Label table sets. A box per table with its own brushes, palette and pencils makes handing out and collecting quick.
- Use student helpers. Monitors for paper, paint and cleaning make clean-up faster and teach responsibility.
More ideas are in Storing Art Supplies in Humid Weather.
Frequently asked questions
How many brushes do I need for a class of 30?
If students work in groups of four, around eight table sets is a good start. Add a few spares, as brushes are often lost or damaged.
Which paint is easiest for a school art room?
Tempera or poster paint is popular because it is opaque, ready to use and washes out of brushes with water. Large bottles help reduce waste.
Do you deliver islandwide?
Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Not sure what to choose? Call / WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you build an art classroom supply list for your school or class.
More Haanz Art Guides
How to Draw a Realistic Eye in PencilRead the guide →
Air Dry Clay for Beginners: Types, Drying Tips and PaintingRead the guide →Air Dry Clay Projects: 8 Easy Ideas for Home and SchoolRead the guide →
Oil Colours for Beginners: Paints, Mediums and First StepsRead the guide →