Acrylic Art World All you need to know about acrylic painting and projects. Tue, 09 Aug 2022 22:17:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.3 https://acrylicartworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-Paint-32x32.jpg Acrylic Art World 32 32 The Best Spray Paint Brands – What to Know in 2022 https://acrylicartworld.com/the-best-spray-paint-brands/ Tue, 09 Aug 2022 22:17:34 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2766 Image Source: FreeImages Check out this article for everything you need to know about spray paint brands. From their color range and sub-brands, to the type of nozzle and viscosity,

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Best spray paint brands

Image Source: FreeImages

Check out this article for everything you need to know about spray paint brands. From their color range and sub-brands, to the type of nozzle and viscosity, there are so many factors that go into making a successful brand. And since spray paint is such a niche product, these small details can make all the difference between failure and success. Check out our top 5 best spray paint brands recommendations!

What is Spray Paint?

Spray paint is a quick-drying coating that is applied as a liquid and then immediately atomized into a mist. After the paint is applied, it usually dries in a couple of hours. Spray paint can be used on a variety of materials, including wood, metal, paper, plastic, and fabric. Spray paint cans come in many different styles and can contain either oil-based or water-based paint. Oil-based paints are best for use on porous materials such as wood, paper, and fabric, while water-based paints are better for use on non-porous materials such as metal and plastic.

Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Paint and Primer

As one of the oldest and most reputable brands in the industry, Rust-Oleum has been creating top-quality paints and primers since 1915. Their Universal All Surface Paint and Primer is a fantastic option for beginner and advanced painters alike. It’s a one-and-done type of product that can be used on multiple different surfaces. It can be used for indoor or outdoor painting, and for a variety of different materials such as wood, metal, masonry, paper, plastic, and vinyl. This product can be used as a primer, or as the final product. This gives you the freedom to choose the perfect color without having to mix or match multiple paints. When it comes to color choice, many people are often left wondering what colors are available. This product comes in a variety of gorgeous colors, including ivory, blue, black, white, red, yellow, and many more. No matter what surface you’re painting, you can be sure to find a color that works perfectly.

Krylon ColorMaster Spray Paint

Another fantastic option for beginners is Krylon ColorMaster Spray Paint. This product comes in a wide variety of color options, making it easy to find the perfect shade for whatever project you’re working on. Choose from a variety of shades, including black, cobalt, crimson, gold, lime, blue, white, and many more. Many of these shades can be used for indoor and outdoor painting, but always check the can for specific details. This product comes in both an oil-based and water-based version, so it’s best to choose the type that’s best for your project. Krylon is a great brand that has been creating top-quality paints for more than 30 years.Krylon’s ColorMaster line of paints is known for their consistency, which makes it easier to create a flawless finish each and every time. These paints are also very easy to clean up, making them ideal for indoor as well as outdoor projects.

What is the best spray paint for metal?

The best spray paint for metal is Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Paint and Primer, which can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. This product is perfect for those who are looking for an all-in-one paint and primer, making it easy to create the perfect finish. Be sure to follow the instructions on the can to achieve the best results. If you’re looking for a paint that can be used exclusively on metal, then we recommend Krylon Industrial Products. This product was designed with metal surfaces in mind, making it a great option for those who are looking for a specialized product.

What is the best spray paint for wood?

The best spray paint for wood is Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover 2X. This product is made for both indoor and outdoor use, making it perfect for just about any project. It offers a high level of coverage, making it a great option for both smaller touch-ups and large projects. No matter what type of wood you’re working with, this product can be used on it. This includes wood made from cedar, cedar wood, cypress, redwood, and more. If you’re looking for a specialized wood paint, then we recommend Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover 2X. This product is designed for indoor use and offers a high level of coverage. It can be used on all types of wood, making it a great option for both smaller touch-ups and large projects.

What is the best spray paint for plastic?

The best spray paint for plastic is Krylon Rust Preventative Paint. This product is designed for use on plastic surfaces, such as lawn chairs, garbage cans, and wheelbarrows. It’s formulated to protect plastic from rust and corrosion, making it a great option for any project that involves metal or other materials that could cause rust. This product can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects, making it a great option for those who have a variety of different projects on their to-do list. If you’re looking for a specialized product for plastic, then we recommend Rust-Oleum Plastic Restorative Spray Paint. This product was designed for use on plastic surfaces, making it a great choice for rust prevention.

Other tips for choosing the best spray paint brand

Spray paint is an extremely versatile product, so it can be used on just about any surface. This means that it’s important to choose a brand that offers a wide variety of products. Additionally, it’s important to choose a brand that offers a variety of different viscosities. Viscosity is essentially how thick or thin the paint is, and it can have a big impact on how easy the product is to work with.

Conclusion

Spray paint is a quick and easy way to add color and texture to a variety of different materials. Whether you’re painting a piece of furniture or a wall in your house, spray paint is a great option. Now that you’re familiar with the best spray paint brands, it’s time to get creative! Choose the perfect color for your project and get to work. Paint can be a lot of fun, but it can also be messy. Be sure to follow the instructions on the can and wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, to protect yourself.

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Why Is My Spray Paint Cracking? https://acrylicartworld.com/why-is-my-spray-paint-cracking/ Tue, 09 Aug 2022 21:51:32 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2763 Image Source: FreeImages ‍When using spray paint, you want your art to stand out and be noticed. There are many different ways to use the paint to get the desired

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spray paint cracking

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‍When using spray paint, you want your art to stand out and be noticed. There are many different ways to use the paint to get the desired result. However, there may be times when you find that your spray paint has started cracking in an odd way. Why is this happening? What can you do about it? Read on for some helpful tips on cracking spray paint and what to do to prevent it from happening again.

What Causes Cracking In Spray Paint?

Cracking in your spray paint is caused by a number of different things. If you want to stop cracking in your spray paint, you’ll need to work out what the problem is first. Different types of paint cracking will require different fixes. The most common causes of cracking in your spray paint include temperature and humidity, in other words, the environment in which you’re painting.

Temperature: The temperature of your spray paint can have a lot to do with how your paint will crack. If your paint is too warm, then it may be too soft. If this is the case, then it will be more likely to crack while drying. Cracking while drying is caused by the paint expanding inside the can. If your paint is too warm, it will expand more than it should, putting pressure on the can. This pressure can cause the paint to crack inside the can.

Humidity: Humidity can also affect the way your paint dries. If the air is too humid, your paint may not dry quickly enough. If it dries too slowly, then it can also cause cracking in the paint.

How To Stop Spray Paint From Cracking

If your spray paint is cracking for any of the reasons listed above, you’ll need to do a few things to stop the cracking. If your paint is cracking because it’s too warm, then you’ll need to cool the paint down. To do this, you can leave the paint can in a bucket of iced water. Once the paint has cooled, it should be at the right temperature to use. If the humidity is causing your paint to crack, then you’ll need to dry your paint more quickly. You can do this by placing your paint in a well-ventilated area. Make sure your paint isn’t in direct sunlight, as this can dry your paint too quickly.

How to Handle Spray Paint Cracking on Metal

If your spray paint is cracking on metal, then you’ll need to change your paints. Metal is a lot harder than many types of paint, so your paint’s chemical properties likely include compounds that won’t stick to metal. To solve this problem, you’ll need to find a spray paint that is designed for metal. Cracking can also be caused by the coating inside your can drying out. To test whether this is the case, open your can, stir the paint well, then close it. If the cracking stops, then your paint is probably just dried out. If your cracking returns after a few days, then it’s likely that the paint isn’t sticking to the metal.

How to Handle Spray Paint Cracking on Plastic

If your spray paint is cracking on plastic, there may be a few different reasons why. If your plastic is glossy, then it’s likely to be acrylic. Acrylic paint can have issues with adhering to plastic. If your paint is cracking while drying, then it’s likely that it has been applied too thickly. If you’re using the right paint and you’re not applying it too thickly, then your plastic may be the issue. If your plastic has too high a shine to be acrylic, then your paint isn’t adhering to it properly. You can try sanding your plastic to make it slightly rougher. This will help your paint to stick better.

Why Spray Paint is Cracking on Second Coat

If your spray paint is cracking when you apply a second coat, it’s likely that the paint isn’t dry enough. This can be caused by the paint application process, or it can be caused by the paint’s drying time. If the drying time is too short, then you’ll need to wait longer before applying your second coat. Make sure you’re not applying the paint too thickly as well. If you are, then you’ll need to thin your paint a little.

Why Does Paint Feel Rough After Spraying?

If your paint feels rough after spraying, then it’s likely that you’re not spraying at the right distance. Make sure you’re spraying your paint at the right distance. If you’re too close, then your paint will be rough. If you’re too far away, then your paint will be too thin. If you’re painting on a large surface, then you may be experiencing this due to the amount of coverage you’re getting from your paint can. If you’re painting on a small surface, then you’ll be able to feel the paint’s texture more. If your surface is large, then you might want to use a smaller paint can. This will give you more coverage, making your paint feel less rough.

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The Difference Between Acrylic and Latex Paints https://acrylicartworld.com/acrylic-vs-latex-paint/ Thu, 15 Jul 2021 12:53:25 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2737 Two of the more difficult paint types to distinguish from one another, and a source for lots of confusion, are latex paints and acrylic paints. Both are types of acrylic

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Two of the more difficult paint types to distinguish from one another, and a source for lots of confusion, are latex paints and acrylic paints. Both are types of acrylic paint, both are considered water-based, and both are–simply put–a combination of a pigment and an acrylic binding substance. Though the substance is an acrylic mixture, these paints, in their wet form are water-soluble and considered water-based paints.

The reason for the confusion is simply the labeling conventions of paint manufacturers. You might have read that the difference between “latex” and “acrylic” is that latex is water-based and acrylic is “chemical” based. This is a meaningless statement; both paints are considered water-based and both contain “chemicals.” Those labeled “acrylic” paints, in general, are those that contain more acrylic polymers than those labeled “latex.” 

There are also acrylic paints used by artists; however, in this article I am honing in on those used for house painting and construction projects. In this discipline, acrylic paints have nearly made oil paints obsolete, and now the competing paints are the two main types of acrylic paints, latex and acrylic, as I’ve outlined above.

It’s also worth noting that acrylic latex paints, a combination of both acrylic and latex, are also available.

The Pros and Cons of Working With Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are often more specialized and have a higher content of acrylic polymers. The polymers aid in the paints durability, flexibility, and adhesion qualities — which also raises their cost. To help you choose the right paint for your project, I’ll include some benefits and drawbacks to using acrylic paint.

Pros of using acrylic paint

  • Resilience. Acrylic is a better choice for outdoor projects such as building exteriors and backyard furniture. Consider using it for interiors that get a lot of use, too, such as cabinets or trims. The flexibility and durability means it will withstand temperatures, wear and tear, and sunlight.
  • Adhesion. Acrylic paint can be more specialized for adhesion to particular surfaces. Pay attention to the surface you are painting. If it is resistant to new coats, likely you can find an acrylic paint that will adhere.

Cons of using acrylic paint

  • Cost. Although there is a range in prices, generally acrylic paints cost more than latex. Weigh your options by considering the characteristics that are absolutely vital to your particular project.
  • Toxicity and fumes. The higher content of acrylic polymers means acrylic paint is slightly more toxic than latex. Keep this in mind when painting interiors or in enclosed spaces, and make sure you have the proper ventilation.

The Pros and Cons of Working With Latex Paint

Quick clarification: Latex does not come from the rubber plant, as the name suggests. As I already outlined above, it is simply an acrylic paint labeled “latex” to distinguish between the more basic acrylic mixture and the acrylic mixture with a higher polymer count (called “acrylic” paint).

Latex paints are the more common choice for most projects, and there are a few good reasons for this. Here are some of the pros and cons to give you an idea.

Pros of using latex paint

  • Coverage. Latex paints provide excellent coverage, requiring fewer coats, and therefore they are frequently used for painting large surfaces such as interior walls–or in any situation where you need a lot of it. The exception to this is exteriors and areas that would benefit from more durability.
  • Dries quickly. Latex tends to dry even quicker than acrylic paint, and certainly quicker than oil paint.
  • Cost. Latex paint is cheaper than other paints, making it your most affordable option. Its reduced polymer count may comprise its performance for particular projects, but it also brings down the price.

Cons of use latex paint

  • Not great for exteriors. Latex paint and acrylic paint are both water-based; however, the fewer acrylic polymers in latex paint makes it less durable outdoors, and a poor choice for painting wood — particularly untreated wood. If it’s not specialized for these surfaces like acrylic paint is, the water content is likely to cause problems with changing temperatures and on porous materials.
  • Less flexible. Latex paint is less elastic and therefore should not be your first choice for cabinets, window and door trim, or surfaces with lots of repeated use.

When to Use Latex vs. Acrylic Paint

So, should you use latex or acrylic paint?

If you’ve ever painted the exterior of a house, you know it’s a huge time and energy consuming project and you want to do it as infrequently as possible. Even if you hire professionals, the cost of their labor makes it an endeavor you hope to have done seldom. Using the highest quality acrylic paints, even though they are more expensive, could help you stretch out the time between painting significantly — maybe even up to ten years. Ultimately you’ll be saving money!

I often come across cheap or free patio furniture at estate sales or on the curb — the catch is that they are usually pretty worn or need a paint touch up. Because the furniture is cheap or free, I don’t hesitate to spend a little more money on acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is always a better choice for outdoor projects, and in this case it’s still affordable.

Acrylic paints are also much better for painting wood.

Latex paint is hands down the best option for interior use, and I have always used it for painting the walls of my bedroom, kitchen, etcetera. It has fewer fumes, dries quickly — both characteristics are important for your living environment.

Distinguishing between latex and acrylic house and construction paints sounds confusing until you realize they are basically different ratios of the same mixture. I hope this article clears up some of that confusion and proves useful for determining which option is best for your particular project.

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The Difference Between Acrylic and Gouache Paints https://acrylicartworld.com/gouache-paint-vs-acrylic-paint/ Thu, 15 Jul 2021 12:37:47 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2732 In this article I will go over the characteristics and usage of two paint types: acrylic, and the lesser known gouache. Acrylic is a popular painting medium, well loved for

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In this article I will go over the characteristics and usage of two paint types: acrylic, and the lesser known gouache.

Acrylic is a popular painting medium, well loved for its versatility and, at least in the world of arts and crafts, its low cost. Gouache is often described as an opaque watercolor; it is thicker than watercolor, however, and does not allow the surface on which you’re painting to show through.

Both acrylic and gouache are water-based paints, easy to clean, and affordable.

Because acrylic paint technology has advanced so far, there does exist “acrylic gouache” just like there exists acrylic paints that mimic watercolors, oils, inks — you name it. Typically when we talk about acrylic paint, however, we are referring to the popular standard; a low cost, medium thickness paint with a plastic (“acrylic”) binding agent, which adheres the pigment to the liquid base.

More on “acrylic vs. gouache” below.

The Pros and Cons of Working with Acrylic Paints

The exploration of mediums by artists in the early-mid 20th century, especially the rejection of traditional European techniques by some of the Mexican artists in the 1930’s-50’s, such as painter and muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros (who taught and hugely influenced Jackson Pollock, among other American artists), was integral to the development of the modern and extremely versatile acrylic paints we now depend on across disciplines.

Today, acrylic paint can be specialized for any use. Acrylic gouache is an example of this specialization. In order to make the acrylic paint resemble gouache, the ratio of pigment to base is adjusted, and ingredients are added to create a matte finish. Once dry, however, the acrylic medium is no longer water-soluble–meaning you cannot re-wet and re-work the paint the way you can with gouache.

Here is a quick list of the highlights and drawbacks of using acrylic paint.

Pros of using acrylic paints

  • Colors dry the same. The color you put down wet, while using acrylic paint, will be the same color you see after it has dried. This is true whether you are using standard acrylic paint or the acrylic gouache, and is famously not true for watercolor and traditional gouache paints.
  • Quick drying. Acrylic paints dry quickly, which means you can more conveniently layer your colors without them blending. Because acrylic paint is no longer water-soluble when it has dried, the colors will not mix together.

Cons of using acrylic paints

  • Quick drying. How quickly acrylics dry is often considered a perk, as I’ve outlined above; however, if you’re using acrylic gouache and you value the characteristics of gouache paint, you’ll likely want them to stay wet for longer. Gouache can be reanimated and re-worked by adding water, but acrylic gouache is like all acrylic paints in that once it is dry, it is locked in place.

The Pros and Cons of Working with Gouache

Gouache is sometimes called body color, opaque watercolor, or poster paint. Although the term “gouache” is French, it was adapted from the Italian “gauzzo”–meaning “mud.” It is like mud in that it is a simple mixture and dries with a matte finish. For a time it was created by mixing watercolor paints with a white pigment to make it opaque.

Gouache became a popular medium amongst cartoonists and designers. It is personally one of my favorite mediums for its re-workability (just get it wet), and its beautiful matte finish. As with any medium, of course there are drawbacks, too. Here are a few pros and cons of working with gouache.

Pros of using gouache paint

  • Water-soluble. Gouache can be re-worked even after it has dried, simply by re-wetting it. Though this can take some getting used to, it is a very convenient trait and allows you to make changes as your ideas evolve.
  • Options. When using gouache you have the option of tubes or pans. Gouache in tube form is already wet, though you can still add water to adjust the thickness to your own standards. Gouache in pan form is dry and you add your own water, which means you have a little more control over its consistency from the start. Acrylic gouache only comes in tube form.

Cons of using gouache paint

  • Choosing a surface. Such a wet medium like gouache limits your options for materials on which to paint, but not by much, and you can get creative. Generally, the thicker and more durable the paper or board on which you are painting, the better, as thinner papers will warp and tear easily when wet. There is specialized paper for watercolor and gouache, but you can also experiment with materials to find what works best for you.
  • Colors differ when dry. When gouache is wet the color looks different than it does when it is dry. This means it can be hard to know what the final product will look like, but I promise you will get to know the colors, wet and dry, over time.

When to Use Acrylics vs. Gouache

So, should you use gouache paint vs. acrylic for your project?

Acrylic paints are better for special projects, while gouache is primarily used for painting.

The versatility of acrylic paint and its ability to be specialized make it a great choice for a wide variety of uses. Acrylic paint makes the best fabric paint, in particular, because it is fairly elastic even when it’s dry — a necessary trait for such a malleable material.

Common uses for acrylic paints include:

There are several unique uses for gouache paint. Watercolor artists frequently use gouache to add highlights to their watercolor paintings; the opacity of the gouache makes a bold mark that stands out against the translucent watercolors.

Animation artists have been known to utilize the re-workability of gouache paint in their craft. It is extremely convenient to be able to simply re-wet an area of their painting to make a slight change, without redrawing the entire image

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Acrylic vs. Oil Paint: Learn the Difference! https://acrylicartworld.com/difference-between-oil-paint-and-acrylic-paint/ Sat, 03 Jul 2021 14:48:52 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2660 The most simple distinction between acrylic and oil paints is that acrylics are water-based, whereas oils are — as the name implies — oil-based. Acrylic paints are called acrylics because

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The most simple distinction between acrylic and oil paints is that acrylics are water-based, whereas oils are — as the name implies — oil-based. Acrylic paints are called acrylics because an acrylic substance or mixture is used to combine the pigments and the water, since pigments and water do not combine well on their own. The pigments in acrylic paints also add other desirable qualities such as, thickness, vibrancy and preservation of color, and more.

Combining pigments with oils is not a problem and although paint manufactures have perfected the process in more recent times, simple techniques for doing so have been around for thousands of years. To make acrylic paints, a pigment, a binder, and a vehicle are required. Oil paints require only the pigments and the oil.

Both types of paint are used widely across disciplines, although the versatility of acrylic makes it a popular choice for home and industrial projects, and many artists, particularly more advanced painters, still prefer to use oil paints. There are many reasons one might prefer oils over acrylic or vice versa, and this article will help you better understand each medium.

The Pros and Cons of Working with Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints were developed throughout the mid-20th century, beginning in 1934 when the BASF chemical company in Germany created the first usable acrylic dispersion formula. A decade later a mineral spirits acrylic paint was developed, attracting fine arts painters; however, it wasn’t until 1953 that acrylics resembling what we use today were developed by paint manufacturers simultaneously in Mexico and the US.

Though acrylic paint is incredibly versatile and can be customized for a wide variety of needs, even closely mimicking other paints like oils or watercolors, it isn’t perfect for all uses. Here are some benefits and drawbacks to acrylic paints.

The Advantages of Using Acrylic Paints

  • Variety. There are so many varieties of acrylics. Today, you can choose from a whole spectrum of body, or thicknesses. There are full bodied acrylics, soft bodied, fluid, even acrylic inks. 
  • Customization. Likewise, there are countless mixing mediums on the market to use with your acrylic paints to customize their texture, handling, vibrancy, drying time, and preservation qualities.
  • Drying time. Acrylic paints are known for drying quickly. I know speedy drying time isn’t universally desirable; depending on the project, your techniques and preferences, you may actually consider this a drawback. As mentioned above, there are mediums–such as gels and retarders–you can use to slow the drying process.
  • Adherence. Acrylic paint can readily be used with other mediums due to its ability to adhere to a wide variety of surfaces. A caveat to this is that when using acrylics and oils together, the acrylics must be applied first. I will explain this “fat-over-lean” rule in more detail in the last section.
  • Convenience. There are no solvents required in the use of most acrylic paints. Keeping your brushes clean is quick and easy; just use lukewarm water. Soap is optional.

If you decide acrylic paint is right for you project, I highly recommend using Arteza Acrylic Paints. Amazon will frequently have amazing deals you can’t find anywhere else!

The Disadvantages of Using Acrylic Paints

  • Quick drying. As mentioned above, this characteristic is both a benefit and a drawback of acrylics. Although there are mediums to increase the time they take to dry, it’s not quite the same as oils. For those accustomed to the lasting workability that comes with oil paints, acrylics dry too quickly and permanently. For industrial uses or when painting a room in your house, on the other hand, quicker is typically better.
  • Appearance. There is a visual quality with oils that you can’t fully achieve with acrylics, though you can alter them to get pretty close. There is said to be a greater color variation visible in tinting and shading when using oils. I’ll explain more about why oils tend to look more vibrant below in the next section.
  • Toxicity. During the drying process is when chemicals such as propylene glycol and ammonia release into the air and can be potentially harmful. Though acrylic paints are mostly safe to use, some varieties may be more toxic than others and adequate ventilation and disposal is always important.

The Pros and Cons of Working with Oil Paints

The use of oils as a binding agent for pigments is nothing new; oil paints have been used extensively throughout history. In fact, the first known example is a Buddhist mural that dates back to 650 AD. Pigments are most useful when dispersed in a medium that binds or “fixes”–and drying oils such as linseed, poppy, walnut, and safflower oils, were discovered early on to be the most effective. Linseed oil paint in particular rose to prominence in the 13th century, and linseed remains the most popular oil with which to manufacture paint today.

Most of those reading this will have had the experience of visiting a museum and seeing an oil painting created centuries ago, vibrant colors and textures still intact. Oil paints are truly time-tested. There have always been quirks and inherent struggles that come with painting in oils, however, and the development and continuous improvement of acrylic paints in recent times has certainly given oil paints some competition.

Let’s go over some of the benefits and drawbacks to working with oils.

The Advantages of Using Oil Paints

  • Visual Quality. There is an unbeatable visual quality achieved with oil paints. This is likely due to the fact that a high ratio of pigment to oil can be used–thus most oil paints contain more physical color than acrylics or other paints. Current manufacturing techniques have eliminated imperfections in the mixing process, as well as the oil extraction process, further perfecting the appearance of oil paints. Therefore many of the flaws that have existed with oil paints over centuries, have been greatly minimized.
  • Drying time. If you’re accustomed to working slowly, there is a real benefit to how slowly oil paints dry. It’s highly variable and dependent on technique, thickness, and environment, but the average drying time for oils is anywhere between several days to weeks. And by dry, I mean “sufficiently dry”–enough to continue working. Oils do not dry in the same way water-based paints dry–water content evaporating into the atmosphere; instead, the exposure of the oils to the air eventually causes them to harden and lock. This extra time allows for frequent reworking, something artists familiar with the medium come to rely on.
  • Tradition. Fine art painters tend to enjoy the tradition of oil paints, and many continue to mix their own–despite advancements in commercial manufacturing–combining pigments and oils according to their own unique preferences.

Winsor & Newton have a professional oil set with 10 colors that’s worth checking out here.

The Disadvantages of Using Oil Paints

  • Drying time. The most common complaint about the use of oil paints is likely coming from someone just starting out in the medium, but it’s a valid complaint nonetheless. Until you’ve gotten comfortable with your technique, reworking or adding sections slowly over time, the pace at which it dries can feel inhibiting and even stifle your creative flow. It takes practice and patience; however, solvents such as turpentine, among others, have been known to help speed things along.
  • Toxicity of solvents and mediums. Oil paints on their own will not release toxins into the air during the drying process, but the mediums and solvents commonly used with oils, such as turpentine, will. Proper ventilation is always a good practice.

When to Use Oils vs. Acrylics

Knowing more about both types of paint should help you decide which one is best for your project. As someone with experience using both, I can provide you with some simple examples of when I might choose one or the other.

Painting on fabric. Printmakers often use acrylic inks in their practice and this once gave me the idea to linoleum-block print some t-shirt using the acrylic paint I had lying around. They turned out great!

Acrylic paint is a great choice for fabrics because their flexibility means they are less likely to crack with so much movement. Though you could prime the fabric, it’s not necessary. Oils on fabric would require sufficient priming, otherwise they’d seep through and you’d end up with a mess.

Painting a composition. If I planned on creating a landscape or portrait on stretched canvas or a wood panel, I would almost always choose oil paints. The convenience of acrylics, to me, is what makes them so tempting; however, there is a richness to the color and texture with oils that I haven’t seen matched with acrylics.

Many artists have composed underpainting with acrylics, only adding touches in oils on top. There are creative reasons for doing this I am sure, but given the price of oils and the price of acrylics, this could be a money saver for those who want to retain that richness and vibrancy of oil paints on a budget. The “fat-over-lean” rule is a reminder to always apply the thicker, slower drying mediums on top of the quick drying mediums. This ensures that your surface isn’t solidifying only to crack over time as the underlayer continues to dry and contract. So using oils and acrylics together is a great idea, as long as you apply them in the right order!

Home decor. Oil paints are rarely used for large scale projects anymore such as interior or exterior house painting. Acrylics are so advanced now, that the versatility, durability, and customization often outweigh what oils have to offer in this context. Whether for painting the walls, or adding stencils or decorative murals, I’d choose acrylic paints in this scenario.

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The Difference Between Acrylic and Watercolor Paints https://acrylicartworld.com/the-difference-between-acrylic-and-watercolor-paints/ Sat, 03 Jul 2021 14:45:03 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2678 Acrylic and watercolor paints are both popular mediums for artists. There are a few similarities between the two paints, but they remain very distinct from one another. I will explain

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Acrylic and watercolor paints are both popular mediums for artists. There are a few similarities between the two paints, but they remain very distinct from one another. I will explain why that is in this article, as well as some advantages and disadvantages to each.

Watercolor painting has been practiced throughout history and because watercolors are such a simple medium, they have remained relatively unchanged over time — think ancient Chinese scroll paintings. Both paints are water-based, but watercolors can be rewetted while acrylic is not water soluble once it has dried.

Watercolor paint is made up of a pigment (natural or synthetic) and a binder (often this is gum-arabic), and–depending on the type you use–extra additives for performance and a bit of water. Soft watercolors that come in tubes and can be squeezed out are pre-mixed with water, whereas the most popular kind comes as a pallet of dry cakes with a very low water content. You mix in the water by wetting your brush.

Though acrylics are also water-based and can be diluted and used similarly to watercolors, there are key differences. Acrylics lose their water-solubility once dry, as mentioned above, and therefore you can’t overlap colors like you can with watercolors. Acrylic paints come in so many varieties, some of which are customized to more closely mimic watercolors. Even so, achieving the signature fluidity and layering of the latter is nearly impossible.

The Pros and Cons of Working With Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints were developed in the 20th century after the German chemical company BASF created acrylic resin in the 30’s. By the 40’s, innovations in these synthetic paints led to their use not only for commercial and industrial applications but also for fine arts. The water-based version of acrylic paint that we know so well today, came into popular use in the late 1950’s.

We know acrylic paint to be convenient, affordable, and versatile; so versatile, in fact, that it can often replace other mediums. Acrylic paint technology is not perfect, however. Watercolors have unique qualities, so it’s important to know what you may be giving up when you opt for acrylics instead. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of acrylics.

Pros:

  • Vibrancy. Even watered down, acrylic paint colors remain vibrant. Most importantly, when you put the wet color down you can expect it to dry the same color. This isn’t always true for watercolors.
  • Mixing. For the beginner, mixing acrylic paint colors can be easier than mixing watercolor paints–namely the ones that come in dry cakes. You simply have to mix the already fluid paints to an even consistency, then dilute them with water. Only small swathes of watercolors can be mixed at a time because you have to activate them with a wet brush.
  • Durability of the artwork. Painting with acrylics makes for less chance the final painting will succumb to damage. This inherent durability is because the acrylic paint becomes non-water-soluble after it dries. It can not be re-wetted. That being said, there are always fixatives available for protecting watercolors, and no matter the medium it’s usually a good practice to glaze your art in some way.

Cons:

  • Dries non-water-soluble. Above I mentioned how this can be a benefit of acrylic paints, making the artwork less damage prone; however, a paint that you can re-wett, like watercolors, or that dries slowly like oils, is superior if you like to re-work your paintings over time.
  • Opacity. Again, it always depends on what you’re looking for, but acrylics will not achieve the same transparency that watercolors do. If you’re going for that fluid look that you see with Chinese ink paintings or watercolors–acrylics aren’t your best option.
  • Drying time. The quick dry time for acrylics is often considered a benefit, but it makes for a poor watercolor substitute. Once the paint is dry there is no going back to increase translucence like you can with watercolors.

The Pros and Cons of Working With Watercolor

Watercolor paintings are unique and ethereal. They have been frequently used as a “sketching” medium, to draft out ideas, but they are also beautiful paintings in their own right. Winslow Homer is a well-loved American painter who often worked in oils, but many art critics consider his watercolors to be his best work. There are occasions you might want to work in this medium and occasions you might prefer something bolder. I will lay out some of the pros and cons of working in watercolors to help you decide.

Pros:

  • Tradition. Like oil painters, watercolor artists know their medium well. There is something to be said for learning the tricks of the trade, and taking full creative advantage of the unique characteristics of a medium like watercolor.
  • Simplicity. Watercolors vary in terms of what’s in the paint mixture, but in general they are a very basic formula consisting of pigment and some sort of gum as binding agent. You supply the water. Simplicity also means easy to clean and safe. Their water-solubility makes for a swift cleanup. Finally, it’s never a good idea to eat paint, but you can be sure they’re non-toxic when using them as intended!
  • Water-solubility. Not only does this quality make them less messy, but it provides a unique opportunity for reworking your image even after it has dried. All you have to do is re-wet the paint.

Cons:

  • Paper. Any painting medium as wet as watercolor will require the use of a thicker, more durable paper. Watercolors themselves are affordable but the paper is an added expense.
  • Practice and technique. Getting the hang of applying brush strokes sparingly so you don’t soak and tear the paper can be one of the biggest frustrations with this medium. As I mentioned above there are designated papers for use with watercolors, but even so it takes practice. It’s not uncommon for colors to end up muddy or the paper to pucker and bulge in areas. Don’t give up; you’ll develop a technique over time.

When to Use Watercolor vs. Acrylics

Watercolors and acrylics are distinct mediums, but they can also be used in ways that make them resemble one another. For example, there are thicker watercolors that come in pastes, and there are thinner acrylics more readily diluted. Here are some scenarios in which I’d use one or the other, in case anecdotes are more helpful.

I love to make watercolors for my friends and family. They make great gifts. They’re quick and can be spontaneous, so it feels good to give them away.

Though there are plenty of watercolor artists who create masterpieces in this medium, I love to use these paints for quick visual studies. If you treat watercolor paintings sort of like you would treat composing a haiku, I think you’d quickly learn a lot about the basic elements of painting.

Acrylic paints are known for being more versatile in terms of what they can bind to. If you’re experimenting with materials and want to paint on fabrics, or even leather, acrylic paint would be the perfect medium.

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The Best Acrylic Powder in 2021 https://acrylicartworld.com/the-best-acrylic-powder/ Sat, 03 Jul 2021 14:30:13 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2681 To achieve the in-style acrylic nail look, you’ll have to purchase an acrylic powder. When you are ready to apply the acrylic to your nails, you will combine the acrylic

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To achieve the in-style acrylic nail look, you’ll have to purchase an acrylic powder. When you are ready to apply the acrylic to your nails, you will combine the acrylic powder with a monomer, which binds the powder to the nail.

Different colors of powder can achieve different results. There are a rainbow of colors, glitters, and glow-in-the dark powders to suit whatever type of nails you are looking for. 

You can also achieve interesting effects on your nails. You can combine multiple colors to create gradient style nails, stripes, swirls and just about anything you can dream up. You can purchase acrylic powders from any manufacturer store, beauty supply store, or even Amazon. 

Many people use white, clear, or pink acrylic powder to create a basic nail and then top it with their favorite nail polish. While you can do this, of course, you can create some really amazing designs by using colored acrylic powder instead. The result is not achievable with just nail polish itself. 

Depending on your experience, you may decide that you want to purchase a set with multiple colors of acrylic powder, or perhaps you are looking for a great clear powder that you can use again and again. No matter what you are looking for, you’ll be pleased with our recommendations!

Best Acrylic Powder Set

We recommend the Modelones 24 Pc Candy Cane Acrylic Powder Set due to its versatility and number of options. The set comes with 24 tubs of acrylic powder in various shades, including some glitters. You’ll never run out of choices with the number of colors that come with the set, giving you tons of opportunities to create gradients, stripes, and other effects. 

modelones candy cane acrylic powder set

Whether you are a nail tech or beginner nail artist, you’ll need acrylic powder to create stunning visual effects. Buying a large kit that comes with a range of colors provides you with the opportunity to practice, get creative, and test techniques. 

Getting the hang of shaping acrylic nails can take some time, especially if you build them up from a form. Having lots of colors to choose from can take your nail art to the next level. You can try to create gradients, dip color effects, and colored nails with just your monomer, colorful acrylic powders and adhesive. 

Key Product Features

  • 24 piece set
  • Comes in a rainbow of solid colors and glitters
  • Includes instructions for use

Pros

  • Lasts for 2-3 weeks
  • Tons of colors
  • Great for practice

Cons

  • Doesn’t work with some monomers
  • Small containers at .3 oz

Customer Reviews

“I loved the colors. Beginner friendly. Easy to work with. Will be purchasing again!” Keishla S.

“I definitely recommend this brand and ESPECIALLY this specific color set.” Username: Ladybuggggs

Best Clear Acrylic Powder

We recommend the Mia Secret Professional Acrylic Nail System Clear Acrylic Powder for its price point and high ratings. This clear acrylic powder is best for anyone looking to create basic acrylic sets that have a partially clear finish, although the finished nails can be painted over with nail polish, as well. 

mia secret professional nail clear acrylic powder

One of the most in-style acrylic nail designs is the stiletto nail. The stiletto nail requires being built over a form with an acrylic powder and monomer. Many of the in-style designs that are popular online feature a crystal clear nail, which requires a clear acrylic powder. 

In addition to creating unique shapes with your clear acrylic powder, you can create embedded designs. You can use glitter powders, nail art embeds and more to create a unique design encased in clear acrylic. And furthermore, you can even use acrylic paint to paint designs on your clear nails!

Key Product Features

  • Clear acrylic powder
  • 4 oz. size tub

Pros

  • Can be used for dip method
  • Crystal clear finished nail
  • Reasonable price point
  • High-quality

Cons

  • Sometimes clumps

Customer Reviews

“This is good for people just starting out with acrylic. The consistency is really nice compared to what I had before (other product was really grainy but this was fine and smooth) and it’s a good amount.” A. Jefferson

“This acrylic powder is so easy to work with. I definitely recommend it for beginners.” Dannie R.

Best Acrylic Powder Starter Kit

We recommend the Morovan Acrylic Nail Kit as a basic starter kit. The kit comes with everything you need. Whether you are trying to do your nails for the first time or you are a budding nail tech that wants to practice with less-expensive supplies, this kit has it all. 

morovan powder starter kit

Kiss nail kits are also a great option.

The kit includes the following: 

  • 3 brushes in sizes #4, #8, and #12
  • A miniature nail file
  • A monomer dish
  • Nail forms
  • 1.3 oz bottle of monomer
  • .5 oz tubs of acrylic powder in white, clear and pink
  • Carving powders in 6 different colors

This kit is ideal for anyone looking to learn how to create and shape their own nails without nail extensions. It includes forms and the required components to make the in-style stiletto shaped nail. Whatever style of nail you are trying to learn, you can start with this kit because it has all the basics and a few little extras. 

For our other recommendations on acrylic nail kits, check out our post on best acrylic nail kits!

Key Product Features

  • Includes brushes, acrylic powders, and monomer
  • Includes 6 carving powders
  • Everything needed to do a full set of acrylic nails

Pros

  • Full set of tools for a full set of nails
  • Multiple colors of acrylic powder
  • Lowest Price

Cons

  • Very small amount of product
  • Poor quality brushes

Customer Reviews

“This kit has everything you need to get started. Good quality and I would recommend.” Victoria

“Great product, you just have to know how to do acrylics properly, I definitely recommend getting a separate primer/dehydrator.” Natalia O.

Best Glow-In-The-Dark Acrylic Powder

We recommend Saviland Acrylic Powder Set in glow-in-the-dark colors. The set comes with ten different colors of acrylic powder to create glow-in-the-dark nails. Like with other acrylic powder sets, the sky is really the limit. 

glow in the dark acrylic powder

The best part about the Saviland Acrylic Powder Set in glow-in-the-dark colors is that the daytime pigments are incredibly rich and vibrant. You can wear a brightly colored set of nails that look great all on their own, but also have that extra pop of glow-in-the-dark fun at night or in a dark setting. 

This set is great for anyone who is a little more adventurous with their nails or who is looking to have lots of colors to practice with. You can create gradients, swirls, and more with all of the color options that are included. 

Key Product Features

  • 10 different colors
  • .35 oz tubs

Pros

  • Can be used to create interesting effects
  • Can be used to dip nails
  • Large variety of colors

Cons

  • Small jars
  • Some reviews say the product is difficult to work with

Customer Reviews

“I love these powders! I love the colors that glow in the dark, and they are very pigmented in the light.” Kristina

“This product is great for beginners starting their acrylic collection” Jena

Final Thoughts

 Acrylic powder is an important ingredient for creating the perfect set of nails. You can really go all out and choose a set of acrylic powder that has everything you are looking for from brightly colored to glitter to glow-in-the-dark. 

If you are a beginner, try using a starter kit so that you have everything you need to get started. Otherwise, if you have all of the other products already, you can replenish your acrylic powder sets by purchasing a set of multiple colors. 

And as mentioned previously, you can use acrylic paint to create fun designs on your nails. The benefit is that it’s cost effective and you can create one-of-a-kind nails. You might be wondering if acrylic paint is safe for use on your nails – and if you are, we recommend you read our article outlining acrylic paint safety.

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Acrylic Paint Sets: The Best Options in 2021 https://acrylicartworld.com/best-acrylic-paint-sets/ Sat, 03 Jul 2021 13:00:08 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2683 Whether you are new to acrylic painting or just looking for a new set of paints, you might be wondering what the best acrylic paint set options are for 2021.

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Whether you are new to acrylic painting or just looking for a new set of paints, you might be wondering what the best acrylic paint set options are for 2021. Each year tons of new products are released and sometimes it can be hard to decide whether or not to buy your old favorite or to try something new.

We’re here to recommend some of our favorites!

Best Acrylic Paint Set For Beginners

If you are a beginner, look no further than the Crafts 4 All Acrylic Paint Set. The set comes with 24 non-toxic colors and a bonus of three brushes to get started. With so many colors to choose from, it makes painting fun for a beginner. You won’t need to understand color theory or color mixing to make your first projects. 

crafts 4 all beginner paint set

Key Product Features

  • 24 non-toxic colors
  • 12 ml tubes
  • 3 paintbrushes included in the set

Pros

  • No color mixing required
  • Included paintbrushes make it easy to get started
  • Low price point 

Cons

  • Small tubes
  • Thin consistency

Customer Reviews

“I got this small set because I hadn’t used acrylics before and wanted to check them out. I’m very pleased with this set.” Carlette K

“This set was perfect for first starting out. SO many different colors to choose from.” Adriana M.

Best Professional Acrylic Paint Set

We highly recommend Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set for professionals or distinguishing artists. Liquitex’s professional paints are heavy bodied, resist cracking, and are archival making them the perfect choice for someone who hopes their work will last. 

liquitex heavy body professional paint set

Key Product Features

  • 12 colors
  • 2 oz tubes

Pros

  • 12 colors makes color mixing easy
  • Professional-grade
  • Archival
  • Flexible
  • Heavy body

Cons

  • Higher price point

Customer Reviews

“I have to say I love the paint, its very viscous and the colors are bright and wonderful.” Chera K.

“I have been painting for years and I have to say this is my favorite brand to use with acrylics.” Jerry B.

Best Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set

For anyone who wants to paint with acrylic outdoors, we recommend the Magicfly Outdoor Acrylic Paint. The set comes with 30 different colors, leaving you with a large variety of paint for your creations. The paint is weather-resistant, non-toxic, and the paint is eco-friendly. You can also check out waterproof acrylic paints here.

magicfly outdoor acrylic paint set

Key Product Features

  • 30 2 oz paint bottles
  • 3 brushes

Pros

  • Weather-resistant
  • Eco-friendly
  • Non-toxic
  • Works on many surfaces including glass, rocks, leather, wood and more

Cons

  • Inconsistent quality
  • Strong odor

Customer Reviews

“These are a good value for the price. However, they are very thick and I have to add water to get it to brush on and cover well.” CherzDesignz

“The paint goes on very well with great coverage.” Marie K.

Best Acrylic Paint Set For Kids

Not all acrylic paints are safe for kids to use. As a result, we recommend Amagoing Paint Set for Kids. This set is non-toxic and comes with a smock to prevent messes on clothing, making it perfect for little ones. It comes with everything your child will need to get started. If you’re making a baby footprint or handprint, check out this guide.

amagoing acrylic paint set for kids

Key Product Features

  • 1 tabletop wood easel
  • 1 kids art smock
  • 6 canvases
  • 1 sponge
  • 10 paint brushes
  • 12 tubes of paint
  • 1 mixing chart
  • 1 plastic palette

Pros

  • Non-toxic
  • Large assortment
  • Good value

Cons

  • Stains surfaces – which may not be ideal for children
  • Smock is one-size-fits-all, which may not work for all kids

Customer Reviews

“I purchased this set for my 4 year old son. He loves it so much. It has everything you need for the kids to start painting. And the quality of the paint is very good. A perfect starter kit!” Zhen

“That is a good product, my son love it so much, the color comes out so good!” Allen

Best Acrylic Paint Set For Miniatures

Anyone that paints miniatures knows how important paint quality is. We’ve picked our 2021 favorite – The Army Painter Miniature Painting Kit. The kit has 50 war paints, which is an incredible deal. We’ve written extensively about miniature paint sets here.

The Army Painter Miniature Painting Kit

Key Product Details

  • 1 triangular handled paintbrush
  • 39 acrylic model paints
  • 5 metallic model paints
  • 4 quickshade washes
  • 2 effects model paints

Pros

  • 50 model paints
  • Extra brush included
  • Good value

Cons

  • Inconsistent quality
  • Paint tends to separate

Customer Reviews

“Bright colors, convenient and consistent usage through dropper bottles–what more could a miniature painter wish for?” Frederick L.

“These paints are a great value and very comparable to Citadel paints if you’re painting Warhammer products.” Sean R.

Best Apple Barrel Paint Set

Apple Barrel paints are known amongst hobbyists for having high-quality consistent colors that can be used for a variety of projects. We recommend the Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set to get 16 vibrant colors at a great price. It comes with many colors for mixing, including white, black, and brown. 

apple barrel acrylic paint set

Key Product Features

  • 16 2 oz. bottles

Pros

  • Great value
  • Low price point
  • Consistent quality

Cons

  • Not for airbrushing
  • Not archival

Customer Reviews

“They are of course not top tier paints but they work just fine!” Justina B.

“Lovely selection of colors. Very good coverage.” Jilly V.

Best Liquitex Acrylic Paint Set

Liquitex paints are some of the best for beginners and professionals alike. For beginning artists, Liquitex Basics are an affordable, quality paint. We recommend the Liquitex Basics 48 Tube Acrylic Paint Set for the best value.

liquitex basic acrylic paint set

Key Product Features

  • 48 22 ML tubes of paint

Pros

  • Variety of colors
  • High quality
  • Heavy body paint

Cons

  • No black or white paint
  • Slightly translucent

Customer Reviews

“I’ve always loved Liquitex Acrylics and was so happy to find a set with such variety of colors!” Username: bboc

“Before I bought these paints, I read all the reviews and most of them seemed pretty positive. And they should be! These paints are wonderful!” Mary B.

FAQs

What is acrylic paint?

Acrylic fibers are made from a polymer. In the US, to be labelled an acrylic, it must have at least 85% acrylonitrile monomer. 

What surfaces can acrylic paint be used on?

Acrylic can be painted on most prepared, porous surfaces. Many hobbyists like to paint on wood, glass, rocks, and more. Additionally, many artists use acrylic paint on paper or canvas.

What’s the difference between acrylic and oil paint?

Unlike acrylic paint, which is made of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion, Oil paint’s base is pigment suspended in oil. While they look pretty similar, they perform very differently. Acrylic paint is rather quick drying and can be painted over. Oil, on the other hand, has a very slow drying time and the layers can be blended to give a unique effect. 

What are good acrylic paint brands?

There are many acrylic paint brands available throughout the world. Some of the best brands include Utrecht, Grumbacher, Winsor and Newton, and Liquitex. 

Does acrylic paint wash off after drying? 

Acrylic paint can be washed off hands and sometimes solid surfaces after drying. Acrylic paint that gets on clothes, upholstery, and other fabrics are more difficult to remove.

What do you use to seal acrylic paint?

You should use a high-quality varnish made for sealing acrylic paint on any finished work that you hope to protect. Varnish can protect your projects from yellowing, dust, and UV rays.

Will acrylic paint stay on clothes?

Acrylic paint is very difficult to get out of fabrics. It’s not impossible to remove the paint if it’s dealt with before the paint dries on the clothing. However, once it dries, it’s significantly harder to remove.

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Acrylic Medium Made Simple https://acrylicartworld.com/acrylic-medium-for-fabric-and-pouring/ Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:12:44 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2672 While you don’t need to add anything to your acrylic paint to use it, you can use an acrylic medium to change the paint’s effect. Don’t worry if you don’t

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While you don’t need to add anything to your acrylic paint to use it, you can use an acrylic medium to change the paint’s effect. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to use an paint medium, we’re going to cover how to use it and what it’s for. 

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. 

liquitex acrylic pouring medium

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. 

liquitex professional effects acrylic fabric medium

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. 

acrylic medium starter kit

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

What can you use for acrylic pouring medium?

Some artists opt to use water as a basic, cost-effective pouring medium. While this can create some interesting effects, we recommend that you use a professional product meant specifically to thin paint, such as Liquitex Professional Pouring Effects Medium

Do you need a medium for acrylic pouring? 

You don’t need a medium for acrylic pouring for some paints. Some paints are already thin enough to pour straight from the bottle, while others are simply too thick. You will need to decide if your paint is thin enough to be poured directly from the bottle.

What is the right ratio for pouring medium to acrylic paint?

Different pouring mediums will have different ratios. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s suggestions. In general, the heavier the acrylic, the more pouring medium is required to achieve a thin consistency.

What alternatives can be used as an acrylic pouring medium?

The best alternative to a pouring medium is actually Elmer’s Glue or Mod Podge. They dry clear and help increase adhesiveness. They shouldn’t change the paint color and are readily available at most craft stores.

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How To Get Acrylic Paint Out Of Clothes https://acrylicartworld.com/how-to-get-acrylic-paint-out-of-clothes/ Sun, 27 Jun 2021 13:29:17 +0000 https://acrylicartworld.com/?p=2674 Every artist has been there; we all get paint on our clothes. I’ve gotten it on my shoes, in my hair, and even my favorite hoodie. You might be afraid

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Every artist has been there; we all get paint on our clothes. I’ve gotten it on my shoes, in my hair, and even my favorite hoodie. You might be afraid your clothes are ruined and can’t be fixed, so how do you get acrylic or oil paint out of your clothes? Keep reading and find out!

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

Is acrylic paint permanent on clothes?

It can be! You generally can’t get paint off of your clothes once it’s been heat set. It’s easiest to clean them when the paint is still wet before the clothing has been put in the dryer or ironed. 

Will acrylic paint wash off clothes easily? 

Acrylic paint washes off clothes more easily if the paint is still wet. In this case, you can use water to flush the paint out of the clothes. 

Does baking soda remove paint from clothes?

You can use baking soda as a pre-treatment before laundering. Mix the baking soda with water to form a paste and spread it onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes or so to allow it to work. It helps draw remaining pigments out from between the fibers.

Does vinegar remove acrylic paint from clothing?

Like with baking soda, vinegar is an excellent spot-treating agent. In fact, the two work well together, making them a great duo to finish cleaning the stain out of your clothes. 

Does rubbing alcohol remove acrylic paint from clothes?

Rubbing alcohol can help break down the binders in acrylic paint, and as a result, it works well to soften dried acrylic paint. This can help the paint become soft enough to be removed and rinsed out of your clothing.

How do you get paint out of clothes that have dried?

If your clothes were dried in a dryer, then getting paint out of them might be next to impossible. Heat setting stains makes them incredibly difficult to remove. You may not be able to remove the paint from them, however, you can try the steps we outlined for removing dried paint to see if that will work. 

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

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