10 Tips for Painting With Acrylic Paints

- By RyanFeest

Publish Date : 2021-04-13 06:36:39

10 Tips for Painting With Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are water based and toxic free. The manufacturers have many premixed colors or you can choose to mix your own. These liquids are available in spray containers, tubes, and different sizes of bottles.

Brushes and a variety of objects may be used to apply these paints to any surface. But, as with any product you can achieve better quality, longevity, and refinement by preparing surfaces before paint application, adding fixing agents for thickening or texture, and applying protective agents after the project is completed.

Tip #1

Will this project be an indoor or outdoor product? Acrylics are water based and the surface needs to be protected from moisture, heat, mold and mildew. Select surfaces and acrylics supplies designed for either environment. Do research and ask the art clerks to learn which products to use on wood, glass, clay, paper, textiles, metal, and concrete or stone.

Tip #2

Plan your work and work your plan. Knowledge is key. Know exactly what you are creating. Select the correct tools. Determine which products will satisfy the desired outcome. Know how to safeguard or preserve the finished masterpiece. Avoid making mistakes by making a list or constructive notes before starting.

Tip #3

Consider the size of the project. As a beginning painter or craftsman start with small projects. You may not like the larger project and getting rid of it may be a problem. Starting small or making a sample can be considered a draft or a practice project before constructing a large project.

Tip #4

Familiarize your self with acrylic paints and know how to apply them.

Ink Acrylics have a fluid consistency and can be applied with an ink pen or brush on any surface which requires a drawing, finite painting, or projects such as rubber stamping.
Soft Body Acrylics are thicker than ink but lighter than the heavy body acrylics. This paint may be used on any art or craft project.
Thick Body Acrylics have the consistency of oil paint and will create the textured appearance associated with oils.
Student Grade: This is recommended for beginning artists as they will produce many paintings in order to learn and refine their skills and techniques. This paint may be thinned to create water-color effects or layered many times to have the thick texture of oil.
Professional Grade: Designed for the experienced artist and is more expensive. The higher the pigment content the more expensive the tint becomes.

Tip #5

Use different types of acrylics. fixing agents, and techniques to prepare surfaces, create assorted textures, or to finish the painted surface. Gesso, sealers, paint, additives, fixing agents, finishing sprays, and varnish may be used to prepare or finish the surface or the painting of any arts and crafts creation. There are also products which will help to prevent or retard mold or mildew damage.

Tip #6

Experiment with different painting themes or crafts. Try a variety of acrylic brushes and tools. Learn to mix your own tints as this will broaden your rainbow of colors. Make a sample card of all tints with portions to keep a permanent record. Experimentation will help to improve your skills and lead you to your specialty niche.

Tip #7

Attend classes, workshop, or watch videos to learn new techniques which others offer. Try to learn and practice at least one technique each week. Keep your knowledge of acrylics and their techniques updated.

Attend arts and crafts shows to view the various colors, themes, mediums, and techniques which other acrylic artists and craftsmen use.

Tip #8

Copyright your arts and crafts projects. Photograph and/or write down every paint, technique, brush or tool that was used to support your arts or crafts project. This information will be valuable should you need to duplicate original works or start mass production.

Tip #9

When experimenting or practicing, buy cheaper products. Overall this is a money-saving tip but more importantly you will learn using actual hands on experience. Your creation will be the results of using one type of acrylics or a mix of several types.

Tip #10

These paints in any form are easy to work with and produce excellent results. Relax and enjoy the journey of painting. Technology has made the process of mixing and application on any surface that the amateur or professional artists and craftsmen can enjoy and love what they do.