If you’re just looking for the best acrylic medium, I recommend Liquiditex BASIC Acrylic Medium Starter Kit.

Acrylic Medium For Fabrics

An acrylic medium for fabric is designed to make your acrylic paint more flexible and it improves adhesion to unprimed fabrics. For example, if you wanted to paint with acrylic paint on a canvas bag, you’d want the paint to take to the fabric and adhere to it without flaking off and cracking later. A medium would allow you to paint directly onto the bag preserving your design. 

Without a medium, you’d have to rough up the fabric to improve the acrylic paints adhesion to the finished project. Additionally, the acrylic paint will dry incredibly stiff making the final project difficult to use. The medium improves the final project’s flexibility and helps the paint adhere to the fabric without having to rough it up. Lastly, the medium can help control color bleeding, unlike thinning the paint with water or mediums unintended for fabric.

Some mediums have additional uses. In particular, the Liquitex Professional Acrylic Fabric Medium can be used to create a watercolor effect by diluting the paint even further with the medium. You can even achieve a wet-on-wet technique just like you can with watercolor paint making acrylic medium for fabric a versatile tool. 

What Is Acrylic Pouring Medium?

Acrylic pouring medium is designed to make your acrylic paint more fluid and easy to work with for the purposes of acrylic pour style art. If you’ve ever seen videos of someone pouring paint on a canvas creating beautifully marbled art, you’ve likely seen pour art that was done with an acrylic pouring medium. 

The medium works by diluting the paint while also adding more binders so that the paint will stick to the canvas without flaking, cracking, or drying inconsistently. The binders are what allows the acrylic paint to stick to a surface or itself. Some people try to make their pour art with water as a medium, but the results are inconsistent and can degrade the artwork over time. 

The benefit to using an acrylic pouring medium is that your work will not only stick without flaking or cracking, but it will also remain archival. Additionally, to achieve that perfect marbled look you’ll want to use a medium that will help the paint retain its vibrancy and gloss. If you use a medium unsuited for acrylic paint or water, your final product will lose its shine and color vibrancy.

What Are The Best Acrylic Mediums?

Finding the best acrylic mediums can be daunting, but we’ve done the work for you. We have recommendations for the best acrylic pouring medium, the best acrylic fabric medium, and best medium starter set. 

Best Acrylic Pouring Medium

We highly recommend the Liquitex Professional Pouring Effects Medium as the best acrylic pouring medium due to its affordability and dependability. Liquitex always delivers high-quality products that are affordable for even beginner acrylic artists. 

Key Product Features

• Creates even pours
• Increases paint flow
• High gloss finish

What We Like

• Price point
• Available in multiple sizes
• High quality

What We Don’t Like

• Hard to wash off of skin and surfaces
• Unable to be poured down a sink drain for disposal

Customer Reviews

“I love this product. I’ve been using it to make acrylic pour paintings, and it’s great.”

Amanda H.

“Just got done with my first two paintings and I’m impressed.”

KVI

Best Acrylic Fabric Medium

We highly recommend the Liquitex Professional Effects Fabric Medium as the best acrylic fabric medium due to its ability to reduce fabric stiffness and cracking. Liquitex offers several mediums for different types of projects, but its fabric medium is specifically tailored for working on unprimed canvases and projects. 

Key Product Features

• Improves blendability
• Improves acrylic adhesion to fabric
• Reduces dry paint stiffness

What We Like

• Low price point
• Heat setting is not required
• Controls color bleeding

What We Don’t Like

• Not available in multiple sizes
• Bottle doesn’t contain clear instructions

Customer Reviews

“I was using this to make my regular acrylic paints more suitable for fabric and it worked very nicely.”

JBS

“This product did exactly what it says it does with the added bonus of not having to heat set!”

Gary L.

Best Acrylic Medium Starter Kit

We highly recommend the Liquitex Basics Acrylic Medium Starter Set due to the number of options available to play around with. For any new beginner that wants to try mediums, this set will give you a variety of options so that you can figure out what your favorites are. 

Key Product Features

• Includes 5 types of acrylic medium – iridescent, gloss gel, coarse texture, modeling paste, gesso
• Alters texture, color, or thickness
• Maintains or adds stability

What We Like

• Multiple finishes
• Artist-grade quality

What We Don’t Like

• Tubes are only 2.5oz as opposed to the full size tubes you get when purchasing individually
• Higher price point

Customer Reviews

“I love this set of mediums. There is enough in each tube to do several paintings as well as sample them to try it out.”

Rona G

“So glad I got these. I am a beginner at painting but enjoy changing things up.”

Abraham V

How To Paint On Fabric Using A Medium

To use an acrylic medium, you mix the medium with the paint at a ratio consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some mediums can even create a watercolor wet-on-wet style effect. You’ll need to check the specific product that you purchase to see what type of effects it can create and how to create them. 

Be careful how you apply medium to your fabric. You have to be sure not to shake your medium, as it can make your final paint job look foggy rather than clear like you intended. If the medium looks like it has bubbles, let it sit until the bubbles disappear. 

After you’ve read the manufacturer’s instructions and prepared the paint to create the desired effect, apply the paint onto the fabric in a thin layer. You can use a brush, roller, or other desired application method as long as the paint doesn’t get too thick. Opt for several thin layers to blend rather than heavy layers to avoid cracking and extreme stiffness.

Determine whether heat is necessary and then dry the design as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Some mediums require heat to set the design, while others can just be left to air dry. Also, check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether your final project can be washed or dried while still maintaining your project’s original integrity.

Acrylic Pouring Medium FAQs

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How To Get Acrylic Paint Out Of Clothes Fast

Take a deep breath and don’t panic. Wet paint is far easier to get out of clothes than dry paint. If you act quickly, you’ll likely be able to save your clothes from permanent damage. 

Because of the nature of acrylic paint, when it’s wet, the pigments of the paint are still suspended in a wet acrylic polymer. It’s really tough to remove stains once the acrylic polymer dries. If you act quickly while it’s still wet, it can mainly be rinsed out with water. 

If you still have a paint stain even after flushing the garment with water, take the next step to pre-treat the clothing item with a stain remover, if you have one on hand. You can prevent the paint stain from being set into the clothing by using a pre-treatment or stain remover.

Once you’ve rinsed and pre-treated your clothes, you can put your clothing in the washing machine on warm with your laundry detergent to finish washing the stain out of your clothes. Using warm water is critical so that high heat doesn’t set the stain into the clothing item. Be sure not to dry the clothes with a dryer until the paint stain has been removed to avoid setting the stain into the clothing.

Lastly, if you don’t have access to a washing machine, you can wash your clothing in a sink with warm water and regular dish soap. Dish soap is gentle enough to use on clothes and will help to remove any remaining paint from your clothes. 

If you were searching for ways to get paint out of your clothes and the paint dried, don’t despair. We have some solutions for you to fix that problem, too. 

How To Get Dried Acrylic Paint Out Of Clothes

Okay, so you didn’t manage to get the acrylic paint out of your clothes before it dried. It’s okay, we might still be able to help you save your favorite t-shirt. You likely have several products around your home that will work for removing dried paint.

First, see if the paint can be removed by peeling it off the clothing item. Be sure not to do anything too aggressive to the fabric, because you don’t want to damage your clothes any further. You could also very carefully use a butter knife or a fork to see if you can lift any of the paint off. 

Next, look in your cupboards for an alcohol-based cleaner, such as:

• Alcohol-based hairspray
• Hand sanitizer
• Rubbing alcohol
• Nail polish remover

Spot test your clothing in an inconspicuous area to be sure that it won’t ruin your clothes. Once you are sure that your clothes won’t be ruined from the product you are using, you can proceed. 

You’ll want to dampen a cloth with your chosen alcohol-based product and apply it to the paint. Alcohol breaks down the bonds of the acrylic paint, so hopefully the paint will break down so that you can remove it. Keep doing this until the spot has disappeared or until the paint starts to transfer to the cloth. 

Once the paint has been removed as much as it will, you can launder your clothing on warm with a good detergent to finish treating it. If there’s still a stain, you may want to use a pre-treatment, as well. Make sure not to wash your clothes on hot to avoid setting the stain into the clothing further.

How To Get Oil Paint Out Of Clothes

You’ll need to use a different process to remove oil paint from your clothes than you do with acrylic paint. With an acrylic paint, the focus is on breaking the acrylic polymer bonds. However, with an oil paint, your usual paint thinner can break down the pigments. 

Using a clean cloth, you’ll want to blot the paint and rinse the fabric with water so that the paint doesn’t dry on the clothing. Test your paint thinner on an inconspicuous area of the clothing to determine if it’ll ruin the clothes. If not, you want to use the thinner on the paint spot repeatedly until the paint completely thins out. 

If the paint has already dried, you can use thinner to try and soften the paint up. Just like with the wet paint, use the thinner until the paint’s pigments have broken down. You should place a cloth or newspapers under the clothing while you do this to avoid getting paint thinner on your household surfaces.

Next, you’ll want to soak the affected clothing in soapy water overnight to remove any excess oils or thinner, as they are a fire hazard. You can’t just place your clothing into the washing machine right away or it could catch on fire. Be sure not to skip this step!

Lastly, you can pre-treat and launder your clothes normally to finish cleaning the paint out of the clothes. Double check that the stain has been removed and dry the clean clothes. If the stain hasn’t come out of the clothes, repeat pre-treatment and washing before moving to the drying stage to avoid setting the stain into the clothes.

Getting Paint Out Of Clothing FAQ

Related article: Learn how to use acrylic paint on fabric here!

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So, how do you store acrylic paint?

1. Seal them away from air and moisture
2. Make sure they stay in an environment between 65° and 75° year round

Acrylic paint should be stored in an airtight container, such as a plastic carry container, mason jars, or even those jewelry bead boxes. Because acrylic paint is water based, it needs to be away from wet or damp locations.

I personally keep mine in my walk in closet along with all my painting materials, or in my garage if the temperature is between the 65 °– 75°. Some artists have a designated area to paint and store all their materials, like a spare room or studio. I also highly recommend buying a portable thermostat to easily monitor the humidity and temperature in the room like this one from Amazon. I have one of these both in my closet and garage.

Some artists like to store their paint bottles in these portable plastic containers. I like this options if it has a lid, that way you can seal it and make sure no moisture gets in. I have some paints stored this way, and some in mason jars. In another one of my articles, I talk about how to store acrylic paint in glass jars.

If your acrylic paints are properly stored, most can last over 10+ years. Some paints do expire, so always make sure to check the manufacture’s label.

Where to Store Your Acrylic Paints

In my opinion, it’s best to keep your paints stored in a studio or room where you can monitor the temperature. I also keep my acrylic paints in the garage without any issues. Some paints can go down to 50 ° without problems, but the above mentioned temperature is always best.

So, if you’re looking to store your acrylic bottles in containers, then I recommend the plastic storage bins with lids. That way when they’re sealed, no moisture can get it and ruin your paints.

If you want to store larger amounts of paint, then mason jars may be for you. Not only are they neat, but you can see the actual color without even opening the bottle.

I have dozens of mason jars filled with paint and they do tend to last a while. Mason jars have a universal use, so the lids ensure your paints will remain airtight and sealed. You can also use them to store your paintbrushes and other art supplies.

Not only can you store your paints in mason jars, but a neat project is to paint the jar with the paint inside to give it that extra touch. Some people only paint the top of the lid, while others like myself paint the whole jar. It makes a really cool project on the side. Glitter is even involved!

What Temperature Should Acrylic Paint Be Stored at?

Acrylic paints are water-based paints, so that means they dry much faster than oil paints. Because they’re oil based, they can be very sensitive to extreme temperatures. Too much cold can freeze your paints, while extra heat can dry your paint out and leave it useless.

That’s why storing your paint at 65° or 75° every day is incredibly important.

Acrylic Paints and Moisture

When using acrylic paints, moisture can help prevent your paint from getting too lumpy on your palette. However, in the case of paint storage, moisture can destroy your paint. In the past I accidentally left a set in a hot car and they got completely ruined. They weren’t even worth re-hydrating them.

Acrylic paints need to be kept at a stable temperature. Too much fluctuation and they will separate, get ruined, or develop mold, and mildew.

Here are a few places you should absolutely avoid keeping your paints:

1. Near running water (think bathrooms, kitchens, and pipes)This can also damage acrylic paintings hung in your bathroom.
2. Near the washer or dryer
3. Next to walls that might absorb moisture
4. Next to your HVAC or air conditioning unit
5. Outside in a shed
6. Near a sink or drain

How Long Can You Store Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint can be stored for over 10+ years if done properly. In one of my articles I talk about if acrylic paint expires, and how long it can be stored. I personally go through paints pretty quickly. Sometimes my tubes don’t even last 2 months, so I don’t worry that much about mold or them drying out, however for people that don’t paint that frequently storing them is a bigger dilemma.

A major consideration to keep in mind is the length of time you expect the paint to be stored. When acrylic paint is used up quickly, it is less likely that the temperature or moisture levels will affect the lifespan of it. The longer you store your paints, the higher the risk of developing mold, or even drying.

If possible try to plan ahead and keep in mind the amount of time you plan on storing your paints and plan your repository accordingly.

Containers for Acrylic Paint Storage

I myself prefer mason jars, or the plastic container boxes with the lids. I feel they keep the moisture out and my paints are safe in there. Some people also prefer to store the actual tubes and bottles in storage cubes, and as long as they’re in a good temperature setting, it’s totally fine.

Original Bottle Container

Acrylic paint should come in a durable package, although student quality paints generally ship in plastic tubes, while professional quality acrylic paints usually come in more robust containers and tubes. The metal tubes like the ones I have, tend to get colder if below the recommended temperature.

The most important thing when storing your acrylic paint: Make sure they container doesn’t have any cracks that could let moisture and air damage your paint.

Since acrylic paints are made water based, exposure to the air is a huge problem. Paint can dry out or grow mold and mildew. Both of these problems are basically non-existent when the paint is sealed in an air tight container.

Short term storage of paints in original tubes or bottles will most likely be the ideal way to store your paints. With my paint tubes, I will keep them in the original tube but in a plastic storage box. For the paints that I have more of and use less, I will put those in mason jars.

If you want to store them in mason jars, it makes more sense to have more of the paint that you plan to store in there. Usually the colors I go through fast are white and black, along with others, but I always seem to be restocking black. Those colors and other custom mixed colors I usually prefer to store in mason jars.

If those jars happen to be ones that I painted the outside of, I keep them and use them as household decor.

Other Containers for Acrylic Paint Storage

• Squeeze bottles, click here for the bottles I recommend
• Tupperware
• Old food containers
• Old coffee containers

If you want to get creative and have a unique storage space for your acrylic paints, here are some neat ideas:

If you love craft paints and have quite a bit, this wall storage shelves idea is super cool..

This carry box is convenient if you plan on traveling with your paints.

If you have an extra makeup box, this idea is pretty unique.

I hope this article answered all your questions on how to store acrylic paint. Don’t forget to check out all my other articles for everything you need to paint with acrylics. My Recommended Products page has all my top picks.

Happy Painting!

The post How to Store Acrylic Paint (With Pictures) appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

You may also be excited to paint, only to find your paints lumpy inside the bottle. But don’t worry, in this article we will go over everything you need to know on how to fix lumpy acrylic paint.

So, how do you fix lumpy acrylic paint? If the lumps are on the painting, you can gently sand them down and re-paint it. If the lumps are in the container, then you can add a little paint thinner to restore the paint.

How to Fix a Lumpy Acrylic Painting

What You’ll You Need:

Wet Dry Sand Paper (220 grit) I recommend this one from Amazon because of the amount you get and it’s a great quality one to use on acrylic paintings.

So, if your paint is lumpy on your painting, what you need to do first is place your painting on an even and hard surface. You want to gently wipe anything that could be on it such as dust, with a cloth. You’ll want to get your 220 grit sandpaper and very gently go over the little bumps, without adding too much pressure so you don’t remove the paint.

You should notice the lumps going down and eventually completely away. Just make sure to be consistent on all the lumps so your painting can look even. Although it might be time consuming, depending on how many lumps you have, it’ll definitely be worth it in the end.

Next, you want to repaint over the sanded down area, you can even use a darker color if you want that extra coverage.

How to Fix Lumpy Acrylic Paint in Containers

What You’ll Need:

Fine Mesh Mini Strainer This one from Amazon is my top pick because it’s small in size, perfect for paint, durable and a bang for your money. Acrylic Paint Thinner like this one is great for restoring that lumpy paint.

Sometimes we don’t close the lids properly, or the paints we have are just too old. We might have even stored them in the wrong temperature, and they clumped together. So with that said, how do we fix lumpy acrylic paint in containers? Well, you will need to add some acrylic paint thinner to the paints an stir them until you no longer feel the clumps. You can check out the paint thinner I recommended above, it works extremely well with acrylic paints.

However, if the paint is very clumpy and dried, it might not be able to be saved. Sometimes there is just no reversing the dried up paint chemicals, and you are better off buying new paints.

How Do You Prevent Brush Strokes Marks When Painting?

Avoiding brush marks and streaks is every artist’s ultimate goal while painting. We spend a lot of energy working on the project, so we of course want it to look professionally done.

So what’s the secret? Well first you need the right paintbrush. If you’re not painting with the right one for your canvas, wood or surface you are working on, it will potentially lead to brush marks and run the painting. For regular canvas paintings, I use flat brushes, and for other surfaces like cabinets or larger projects I sometimes use a roller. It works amazing and dries super fast!

Tips for Avoiding Brush Strokes

• Don’t press too hard. If the brush fibers start to fan out, you are pressing too hard.
• Smooth over your details
• If you miss a spot or made a mistake, smooth it with sandpaper when dry and the next coat will fix it.
• Apply thin coats and reapply often.
• Paint in the same direction

The type of paint you use matters as well. I always prefer satin artist grade acrylic paints, as to students matte quality. You’d be surprised even the brand makes a difference because of the quality you are paying for.

I really hope this article helped you with your painting project! Don’t forget to check out my other articles and my Recommended Products Page for my tops picks with everything you need for painting with acrylics.

Happy painting!

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There are a few ways to dispose acrylic paint. If you have a large amount of cans or tubs that you know you won’t be using anymore, you can start by donating them to many charities or groups in your area. A simpler way of disposing your acrylic paint is to simply let is dry and throw it out.

If you decide to dispose of paint in the trash, it must be dried out or hardened. What I usually do is rinse my brushes out and if it’s close to nothing left on the palette, I will rinse it out in the sink as well, but usually I will let it dry before throwing anything away. I reuse a palette with dried up paint until there’s no more room, and then I will replace my palette. It all depends on how much paint you need to dispose of really.

If it’s just tubes and small cans, then I suggest letting it dry out. If you have tons and tons of cans, then a paint hardener might be a better option.

To dry out a can of water-based paint that’s less than a quarter full, simply remove the lid and leave it in a well-ventilated place for a few days. Speed drying of fuller paint containers by adding mulch, kitty litter, shredded paper or a commercial paint hardener. I have used this Homax Paint Hardener in the past, and it worked quite well.

Can You Pour Acrylic Paint Down the Drain?

Acrylics are a more environmentally friendly alternative to oil paint because they are water based. However, you should not pour this rinse water down drains because many of the paints still have toxic chemicals.

Even non-toxic” paints, the pigments and acrylic polymers are difficult for water treatment plants to handle, so it’s best to avoid putting acrylics down the drain.

Overall, it is better to dispose of acrylic paint in solid, rather than liquid, form. Here are some tips for getting rid of your acrylic paints:

• Use only what you need, and store leftovers in airtight containers. If you know you won’t be painting again for a long time, let the excess dry before disposing of it in your solid waste rather than pouring it down the drain.

• Wipe your paint off your brushes before rinsing by squeezing out as much paint as you can into an old rag or newspaper (allow these to dry before tossing out). This will keep your rinsing water cleaner for longer periods.

• Alternatively, keep an unwanted canvas aside specifically for wiping off that extra paint. You’ll have a painting that evolves along with you.

• Keep a large open container, like a 5 gallon bucket, where you can dump your dirty water. Cover with a wire cover to keep out kids and pets, and leave the bucket out to evaporate, after which you can peel out the dried paint.

• If you have room, keep a series of buckets going. Let the fullest one settle, then decant the clearer water off the top. Let the remainder evaporate, while using another bucket for your more recent dirty water.

• If you can’t let your water dry, at least strain out what you can before disposing of the water. Pour the dirty water into a bucket lined with pantyhose. Holes in the bucket will let the filtered water through; alternatively, fill the bucket with the dirty water and then pull out the pantyhose.

• Be extra careful when handling and disposing of toxic pigments. Never pour these down the drain. (This applies to oil paints too.)

Is Acrylic Paint Recyclable?

Yes, you can recycle all paint, especially water based paint like acrylics. Acrylic paint is the most commonly donated or recycled type of paint.

First, make sure you store your water-based paint in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials. Avoiding a fire hazard is your number one priority. If you open a can, make sure to cover it up with an air-tight seal. You can usually reattach the paint can lid.

You can also donate your used paint cans to other organizations (e.g. schools) that will use them.

Oil-based paint can’t be recycled at all, so you’ll need to dispose of them at the proper facility. Interesting enough, you can dry out the paint with used kitty litter or newspaper to avoid flammability.

Recycling water-based paint might be an option in your city. Some cities offer special programs or events for disposing of the latex / water-based paint.

Over the years I have disposed of tons of acrylic paints. For the ones I didn’t dispose of, I recycled and donated in my city. There are always programs that are accepting donations near you, so make sure to check that out before you dispose of them in the trash.

Paint Items You Might Need to Dispose of

There are several kinds of materials you might need to dispose of when using acrylic paints. These can include:

• Solvents found in paint or paint thinners
• Left over water from acrylic and water-based paints
• Paints that contain oils or heavy metals
• Rags that have come in contact with any of the materials above (e.g. paints, solvent, water spill off, etc.)
• Any item with the Prop 65 label from California
• Aerosol cans

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