Acrylic Paint

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a versatile paint commonly used by artists and crafters of all skill levels. Most acrylic paints manufactured for fine art or craft applications are water-based. Water-based acrylics are made of pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. The pigment gives the paint its color while the acrylic polymer emulsion, made of acrylic resin and water, holds everything together. As the paint dries, the water from the emulsion evaporates, leaving the resin particles to form a film and hold the pigment in place.

The Advantages of Acrylics

Acrylic paints' versatility makes them suitable for beginners and professional artists alike. The wide range of techniques, coupled with their ease of use and clean up, make them a favorite among many artists. Below is a breakdown of their key strengths:

• Fast Drying Times: Acrylics dry much quicker than oil paints, typically within 20-30 minutes, so artists can layer colors quickly and experiment with techniques like glazing and impasto.
• Versatility: Acrylic paint can adhere to a variety of surfaces including canvas, paper, hardboard, wood panels, metal, glass, fabric, and more. They are also available in a range of viscosities and colors.
• Flexible Application: Acrylics can be thinned with water for watercolor-like washes, or used thick for bold opaque effects. They can also be mixed with acrylic mediums and gels to create different effects. This opens up a range of creative possibilities!
• Durability: Artwork made with acrylics can last for a long time. Acrylics dry to a durable, flexible film that resists cracking and fading. They also resist oxidation and chemical decomposition, and will not yellow over time. While water-resistant, acrylics are not completely waterproof. Sealing acrylic artwork can offer additional protection.
• Easy Clean-Up: Since most acrylic paints are water-soluble, they clean up easily with just soap and water while wet. This means there’s no need to use harsh solvents, making them a good option for artists sensitive to solvents.
• Affordability: Acrylic paints are generally less expensive than oil paints, making them a budget-friendly option for artists and crafters.

Types of Acrylic Paints

There are a variety of acrylic paints and grades to choose from. Professional or artist grade delivers the highest concentration of pigment while student grade has characteristics similar to artist grade acrylics but with lower pigment concentrations and a smaller range of colors. Learn more about student grade art materials and how they compare to professionals in our Student Grade Guide. The breakdown of the specific types of acrylic paint and their best uses are below:

• Heavy Body Acrylics are high viscosity, thick consistency paints with a texture similar to peanut butter. They retain brush strokes and texture well and are ideal for impasto techniques. Available in both professional and student grade options.
• Soft Body Acrylics are low viscosity, medium consistency paints. They retain subtle brush strokes and have smooth blending and layering capabilities. Soft body acrylics are good for a wide range of fine art techniques. Available in both professional and student grade options.
• Fluid & High-Flow Acrylics have a thin, fluid consistency similar to glue or heavy cream. They dry to a level finish with minimal visible brush strokes. Fluid acrylics are suitable for pouring techniques, airbrushing, abstract art, and fine detail work. Available in both professional and student grade options.
• Acrylic Gouache is a type of acrylic paint designed to act like traditional gouache. It dries to a matte, opaque finish like traditional gouache and does not reactivate when wet like acrylics. Acrylic Gouache is typically used by watercolorists, illustrators, and artists using decorative art techniques.

Preparing Your Surface For Acrylic Paint

No matter what type of surface you’re painting on, make sure it’s free from dust, dirt, and other debris. Then, if needed, prime your surface by applying one or two coats of acrylic gesso. Gesso creates a uniform base and improves the adhesion of acrylic paint. Wait for the gesso to dry completely before painting for optimal results. Generally, paint adheres best to absorbent surfaces like primed canvas. Non-porous surfaces, like glass or plastic, usually need to be primed with acrylic gesso or medium to help the paint adhere long-term.

Painting Techniques

Acrylic painting offers a wide array of techniques to bring your artistic vision to life. From traditional brushwork to experimental methods, here are some ideas to help you explore the possibilities:

• Dry brushing: Load a dry brush with minimal paint and apply it lightly to the canvas, creating a textured effect ideal for rendering fur, hair, or foliage.
• Wet-on-Wet (Alla Prima): Apply wet paint to a wet surface for blending and seamless color transitions. This technique showcases brushstrokes and creates a dynamic, painterly feel.
• Stippling: Use the tip of a brush to apply paint in dots or small marks, building up color and texture gradually. Stippling can create an impressionistic effect or add intricate details.
• Impasto: Apply thick layers of heavy body acrylics or paint mixed with gel medium using a palette knife or brush for a dimensional, textured effect.
• Glazing: Thin acrylics with a glazing medium to create translucent layers of color. This technique adds depth and complexity to your work.
• Acrylic Pouring: Combine fluid acrylics with pouring medium to create abstract, free-flowing patterns. Tilt and manipulate the canvas to control the movement of the paint.
• Mark-Making and Texture: Experiment with tools like sponges, brayers, stencils, palette knives, etc. to add texture and unique marks to your paintings.

Using Varnish with Acrylics

Although a varnish is not essential for acrylic paintings, it offers several benefits. It creates a protective layer over the painting and can make the colors appear more rich and vibrant. Varnish also comes in different finishes - including matte, satin, and gloss. Learn more about varnishing your painting with our varnishing guide.

How to Store Acrylic Paints

Proper storage of acrylic paint is essential to maintain its quality and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to keep your paints fresh and ready to use:

• Temperature: Store paints in a cool, dry place with a consistent temperature between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Extreme heat or cold can alter the paint's consistency and make it unusable.
• Sunlight: Avoid storing paint in direct sunlight, as it can cause the pigments to separate and degrade.
• Containers: Transfer leftover paint from palettes or mixing containers into airtight containers to prevent them from drying out. If your paints thicken over time, you can try reviving them with a little bit of water.

Explore our selection of Blick Brand Acrylic Paints. Find acrylics for all skill levels and art projects.