Paint and Mediums

Artist Paint and Painting Supplies

There are many types of art paints each with unique effects and application techniques. Paints are mainly comprised of dry pigments and binders, but can also have solvents, fillers, and other additives. Pigments are finely ground, colored particles used to add color to paint. Binders hold the pigments together and help them adhere to the painting surface. Solvents help control the viscosity of the paint and additives are used to enhance the paint’s properties. Learn more about the different types of paints and their composition below:

Acrylic Paint is a fast-drying, versatile paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces by artists and crafters of all skill levels. It is comprised of pigments mixed into a combination of acrylic polymers and water. Acrylic paint comes in many textures and colors and can mimic the appearance of both oil and watercolor paints.




Oil Paint is known for its slow drying time and rich, intense color quality. Oil colors are composed of pigments suspended in an oil-based binder, usually linseed oil. Due to its oil content, oil painting solvents are used to thin the paint and create varying degrees of transparency as well as to clean brushes.




Watercolor Paint consists of finely ground pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder. This combination creates delicate, translucent washes of color that give the artwork a light and airy feel. Watercolors are a popular choice among artists of all skill levels and come in a variety of formats including tubes, solid cakes, and pans.




Gouache is a water-based paint similar to watercolor paint but with a higher pigment level and an opaque coverage. It also can be reactivated with water after it dries. This makes it great for bold, graphic designs, illustrations, and even mixed media projects where you want to layer colors.




Tempera Paint (also known as poster paint) is a creamy, easy-to-use paint that is popular amongst kids and classrooms. Modern tempera paints are specially formulated with safe ingredients and come in a wide range of vibrant colors and formats.




Encaustic Paint is a unique type of paint made with beeswax, damar resin, and pigments. The paint (generally sold in blocks or sticks) becomes liquid when heated, allowing it to be poured directly onto your surface or shaped with special encaustic brushes or other encaustic application tools. Heat guns are typically used to fuse the encaustic paint onto your surface. Encaustics can be modeled, layered, sculpted, textured, and even combined with collage materials.




Spray Paint is a liquid paint that comes in an aerosol can and uses compressed air to create a fine mist of color. It’s commonly used to cover larger areas such as murals, graffiti, decor, and mixed media projects. Different spray caps can be utilized to achieve a wide variety of effects, from precise lines for detailed work to fuzzy-edged lines for unique designs.




Airbrush Painting requires an airbrush, which is a small, hand-held tool that uses compressed air to spray a fine mist of specialized paints, inks, or dyes. This process produces smooth, even layers of color that are perfect for detailed work, realistic effects, and custom finishes on all types of surfaces – from canvases to cars, signs, and murals.




Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink brush painting that emphasizes the beauty of the brushstroke. Sumi-e ink creates rich, expressive lines and washes, which are ideal for capturing the essence of landscapes, nature scenes, and calligraphy.




Craft & Specialty Paint encompasses a broad category of paints designed for creative projects and hobbies. Some popular types of craft paint include acrylic craft paint, fabric paint, glass paint, glow-in-the dark paint, and wood paint. Choose from a wide range of colors and finishes to bring your DIY projects to life.

Paint Mediums & Varnishes

Beyond selecting the paint, it’s important to explore the potential benefits of using paint mediums and varnishes. While these add-ons are not strictly necessary, paint mediums and varnishes can be very useful for achieving specific effects and improving the overall quality of your paintings. Make sure the medium and varnish you select works with the type of paint you are using.

• Paint Mediums are substances that can be added to paint to change its consistency, texture, sheen, and even drying time.
• Paint Varnishes are protective coatings applied to a finished painting to seal and preserve it.

Painting Tools

In art, having the right supplies makes all the difference. Below are popular painting tools used to support or enhance your creative process at any and every stage:

Paint Brushes are used to apply paint to the painting surface. Paint brushes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and fibers designed for specific mediums and techniques.




Paint Palettes offer a durable and practical surface for mixing and applying paints. There are various options available to suit different painting styles and needs – from portable folding palettes for outdoor painting to ceramic palettes for working with hot wax or other heat-sensitive materials.




Painting & Palette Knives are perfect for mixing colors or applying paint directly to your canvas, palette knives help add texture and depth to your work.




Easels are used to hold and support the canvas while painting. Choose from sturdy studio easels, tabletop easels, portable plein air easels, and other options to suit any painting environment – indoors or out.