10 Acrylic Painting Tips

It’s common knowledge that acrylic paints are one of the most versatile substances around as they can be applied to any surface that is free from oil and wax. While this means they can be used on everything from canvas to clothes, acrylics are also renown for drying up very quickly. Not only is it popular with both beginners and professional artists, acrylic paint is great for encouraging creativity and exploring new painting techniques. So to ensure you are making the most of this fantastic substance, here’s some acrylic painting tips to help you!

10. Use As A Glue

Acrylic paint can be used as a glue in a collage for example if it is used thickly and the item is light enough. This is ideal for creative purposes since it is strong when it dries.

9. Spray Your Palette With Water
Since acrylic paint dries very quickly, it is important to spray your painting palette with water every now and then and also while you are painting.

8. Keep Acrylics In Good Condition
Only squeeze out a small amount of paint at a time since acrylics dry so quickly. In addition, investing in a small spray bottle and a ‘stay wet’ palette may be a good idea.

7. Blending Colours Quickly
If you wish to blend colours, you need to act quickly to beat the drying time. If you’re using paper, dampening it with water will give you more working time.

6. Improve Flow Without Losing Colour
It is possible to improve the flow of a colour without losing the strength of it by using a special medium instead of just water.

5. Easy To Create A Sharp Edge
You can create a hard or sharp edge easily with the use of masking tape and without damaging an existing layer. Simply put the masking tape onto and remove from dried acrylic paint.

4. Use Thin Layers With Glazes
In order to create transparent glazes, you should build up in thin layers carefully with the brush so that the underneath colours will show through.

3. Can Be Used Like Watercolours
When applied thickly with a little bit of water, all acrylic colours can be opaque. However if diluted properly, they can also be used in the same way as watercolours or for airbrushing.

2. Clean Carefully
Don’t use anything other than water and soap to clean your brushes, this means no solvents or white spirits. In addition, make sure all the paint is removed from the bristles before the next use.

1. Blot Your Brushes
As well as keeping a water jar or spray next to your brushes, you should also keep some paper towels or a cloth to wipe them. This will help to prevent drops of water from getting onto your painting project.

Whatever creative project you plan on getting stuck into, these useful tips are sure to help you with successful acrylic painting. For our full range of acrylic paints, please click here.