Painting knows many mediums and methods, with acrylic paint being one of the most popular and versatile options. This blog helps you discover if acrylic paint is the right medium for you by exploring its unique properties and uses.

What is acrylic paint?

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying type of water-based paint that contains pigment mixed with a polymer emulsion. It is versatile, can be applied thickly or thinly, and becomes water-resistant and flexible when dry.

What do you need for acrylic painting?

For painting with acrylics, you'll need: acrylic paint, various sizes and types of brushes, a palette, palette knives for mixing, a canvas or painting paper, a spray bottle with water, and basic cleaning materials such as rags or paper towels.

What kind of surface is best for acrylic paint?

Acrylic paint works best on a porous and sturdy surface. Canvas, painting paper, and wooden panels are popular choices. These surfaces are often pre-treated with a primer or gesso to ensure good adhesion and optimal colour rendition.

Do you need water for acrylic paint?

Yes, water is needed for acrylic paint to rinse your brushes, thin the paint for a watercolour-like effect, or keep the paint workable because acrylic paint dries quickly.

How do I get started with acrylic painting?

To start an acrylic painting, ensure you have all your materials ready. Then, lightly sketch the composition on your canvas and apply base layers with thinned or undiluted acrylic paint, depending on the desired texture and effect. Wait for the first layer to dry before starting more detailed work.

Characteristics of acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is known for its versatility and ease of use. Below are some key characteristics:

• Fast-drying: Acrylic paint dries much faster than oil paint, often within minutes. This makes it ideal for artists who want to work quickly or apply multiple layers without waiting long between them.
• Water-soluble: Acrylic paint can be thinned with water for a watercolour effect or applied in thick layers for a texture similar to oil paint.
• Durable and flexible: Once dry, acrylic paint is highly durable and resistant to cracking and fading. It can be applied to a variety of surfaces.
• Mixability: Although acrylic paint dries quickly, colours can be effectively mixed on the palette or directly on the canvas to create a wide range of shades and effects.

How to thin or thicken acrylic paint effectively?

Thinning: Acrylic paint can be thinned with water to create transparent layers or improve consistency for pouring and watercolour techniques. Slowly add water and stir well until the desired consistency is achieved. If you want to retain a stronger colour, you can use an acrylic medium like matte medium or gloss medium instead of water.

Thickening: To thicken acrylic paint, add an acrylic gel or paste. These products are available in various consistencies, from soft to extremely thick, and can be mixed with the paint to alter the texture. Use a palette knife to mix the gel or paste through the paint until it has the desired thickness.

How long does it take for acrylic paint to dry?

Acrylic paint typically dries quickly, usually within 15-30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the thickness of the paint layer and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. It usually takes 24 hours for the work to fully cure and harden.

Can I use acrylic paint on different surfaces?

Yes, acrylic paint can be used on various surfaces such as canvas, wood, paper, cardboard, stone, fabric, and metal. It's essential to prepare the surface properly by priming it with a suitable primer for acrylic paint.

What is the best way to mix acrylic paint to create new colours?

Mix acrylic paint on a palette using a brush or palette knife. Start by mixing the primary colours (red, blue, yellow) to create secondary colours (green, orange, purple). Experiment with different ratios and colours to create new shades. Keep a note of your mixing ratios to ensure that your results will remain consistent.

How can I correct mistakes when painting with acrylic paint?

For small mistakes, acrylic paint correction pens or damp cloths can be used to remove the paint while it's still wet. For more extensive corrections, wait until the paint is completely dry and then paint over the faulty area. If the mistake is stubborn, you can apply a layer of acrylic gesso to cover it before starting over.

What is the best way to store and protect my acrylic paintings?

Acrylic paintings can be protected with a varnish layer to guard against dust, UV radiation, and yellowing. Choose a varnish for acrylic paint and apply it with a soft brush in thin, even layers. Store the paintings in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Are there special techniques for painting with acrylic paint?

Yes, some special techniques include pouring, the palette knife technique, impasto, glazing, sponging, splattering, and mixed media. Each offers unique opportunities for creating interesting textures and effects.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of painting with acrylic paint compared to other types of paint?

Advantages of acrylic paint include fast drying time, versatility, water solubility, lack of strong odour, durability, and the ability to adhere to various surfaces. Disadvantages include a limited blending time on the palette, less suitable for traditional glazing techniques, and sometimes less colourfast than oil paint.

What painting styles can you create with acrylic paint?

Acrylic paint is suitable for various painting styles:

• Portraits: Due to its fast drying time, multiple layers can be applied quickly, which is ideal for refining skin tones and details in portraits.
• Landscapes: The bright and vibrant colours of acrylic paint are perfect for capturing natural scenes.

Tip! Follow this tutorial for beginners to learn how to paint a beautiful sunset.

• Abstract art: Artists appreciate acrylics' fast drying time and versatility for experimental and texture-rich abstract works.
• Mixed-media projects: The compatibility of acrylic paint with other materials makes it a favourite for mixed-media art.

 How to: painting with acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is a versatile and popular medium among artists due to its fast drying time, durability, and versatility. It can be used for various painting techniques, from thin, transparent layers to thick, expressive impasto effects. Here are the basic steps and tips for painting with acrylic paint:

Step 1: Gather materials

Make sure you have all your paint colours, brushes, palette, palette knives, water, and anything else you may need on hand. Also, remember to choose and prepare a surface.

Step 2: Prepare the surface

If painting on canvas, first apply a layer of gesso to seal the surface and prevent the paint from being absorbed into the canvas. Let the gesso dry thoroughly before starting to paint.  When painting on wood, it's also recommended to prepare the panel with gesso.

Step 3: Start painting

If desired, lightly sketch your composition with a pencil or start painting directly on the canvas.

Thin the acrylic paint with water for transparent layers, or use it undiluted for more opaque colours.

Experiment with different brushstrokes and techniques, such as pouring, scraping, sponging, and palette knife techniques.

Work from general to specific and from background to foreground. Let each layer dry before applying a new one.

Step 4: Mix and create colours

Mix colours on your palette to create new shades. Use colour theory as a guide for mixing colours and creating harmonious palettes.

Step 5: Correcting mistakes and finishing

If you make mistakes, let the paint dry and then paint over them. Acrylic paint is forgiving and allows you to paint in layers. Once you're satisfied with your painting, let it dry completely before varnishing it to protect it from dust and discolouration.

Tips:

Try out different techniques, and be bold and experiment.

Work quickly, especially when mixing colours, as acrylic paint dries fast. Because it dries so quickly, it's handy to have a spray bottle of water on hand to keep the paint workable.

Use mediums such as gel or paste to add texture to your painting.

Clean your brushes immediately after use to keep them in good condition.

We hope we've inspired you to start painting with acrylic paint, too. You can create unique and expressive works of art with acrylic paint by playing with colours, textures, and techniques. Happy painting!