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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.

The post Why Is My Spray Paint Cracking? appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

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.

• Cost. It isn’t always true that acrylic paint is cheap — there are some specialized acrylic industrial and house paints that are extremely costly; however, generally speaking and in the fine arts sphere, acrylic paints are a much more affordable medium than oils.

• 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.

The post Acrylic vs. Oil Paint: Learn the Difference! appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

Primers, no matter the art or industry, are an important part of the layering process for acrylic painting and will always serve the same functions — to treat and prepare the surface of whatever you’re about to paint!

The two primers I will cover in this article are acrylic nail primers and acrylic paint primers.

I’ll start with nail primers.

The Best Acrylic Nail Primers

Acrylic nail primers are used most often in salons by professional nail technicians, but the more savvy DIY nail artists will also be familiar with the importance of using and understanding primer in their craft. Not only will a primer remove the oils of the nail beds and create a surface that prolongs adhesion of the acrylic nail enhancements, correct application can also prevent damage to the natural nail.

Let’s go over what to look for in an acrylic nail primer, and some of the best options on the market.

There are two distinct types of nail primer, acid-based and acid-free.

If maintaining the health of your natural nail bed is your priority, you’ll want to look for an acid-free primer. Though acid primers are sure to provide a strong hold, they do this by stripping the nail of its natural oils and can lead to brittle nails with overuse. Acid-free primers, on the other hand, alter the pH of your nails so that it temporarily aligns with the pH of the acrylic gel or product.

After adhesion the pH of your nails returns to its normal level thus preventing damage. The key to an optimal hold with acid-free primers is in the application. Too much can cause the enhancements to lift sooner. The ingredients of the primers and the acrylics work in harmony, so there’s no need for overapplication, no matter which type of primer you choose.

Now, here are a few of my favorite products I have come across in my search for the best acrylic nail primers.

Modelones Acrylic Nail Primer

Key Product Features:

• Includes Nail Prep Dehydrator (0.5 oz) and Nail Primer (0.5 oz)
• Long lasting Adhesion
• Compatibility with other products
• Can be used with nail gels, powders, and liquids
• Works great with nail art!

Cons:

• Modelones has a strong chemical smell upon application
• Acid base is hard on nails with prolonged use

What customers have to say about this product:

“If you’re looking for longevity, you need this!”

“The primer and dehydrator work very well together … A little goes a long way.”

Azure Beauty Professional Nail Primer

Key Product Features:

• Includes both Nail Prep Dehydrator (0.34oz) and Nail Primer (0.34oz)
• Long lasting
• Quick air-dry

Cons:

• Low quality nail brushes
• Acid-base is hard on nails with prolonged use

What customers have to say about this product:

“This item is really good for the Nails and makes the nail life last way longer” [sic]

“The product itself seems to be nice quality at an affordable price. However, my one complaint would be the brush quality.”

Mia Secret Professional Nail Primer

Key Product Features:

• Includes both Nail Prep Dehydrator (0.5 oz) and XtraBond Primer (0.5 oz)
• Compatible with a variety of nail products
• Great for beginners
• Strong hold
• Acid-free makes this product gentle on natural nails

Cons:

• Product images differ from product delivered
• Reports of bottles leaking

What customers have to say about this product:

“The best prep & primer I’ve ever bought.”

“I love it. My last set lasted 4 1/2 weeks with this prep and bond!!”

What is an Acrylic Nail Primer?

An acrylic nail primer is a substance used as a base layer on your nails to optimize the adhesive properties between the nails and the acrylic layer. As I mentioned above, the two dominant types are acid-based and acid-free. The primers that contain acid work by chemically abrading the surface of the nail bed so the adhesive can attach itself more readily. Acid-free primers work more like double-sided tape.

Do You Need Primer For Acrylic Nails

Primer is an important step for acrylic nails and nail art. Going without can lead to damage of your natural nails and most certainly results in an inferior hold.

Are There Alternatives To Using Acrylic Nail Primer?

For those willing to experiment, there are at-home alternatives to use in lieu of nail primers. The most frequently used alternative is a mix of acetone and isopropyl alcohol. This combination will prep the nail to adhere to the acrylic layer by cleaning its surface and drying out the natural oils.

Before today’s commercial primers, a common practice was to sand and thus abrade the nail bed in order to create a rougher, more adherent surface. Personally, I like the convenience of buying a commercial product–and they provide less risk to overall nail health.

What Are Nail Dehydrators?

Dehydrators are pretty much what their name implies–they are applied to the nail to remove excess oils and moisture for a stronger hold. If this is sounding repetitive and you’re wondering if the use of nail dehydrators is redundant, my answer is both yes and no. Not everyone needs to take this extra step, but there are a few reasons why you might want to.

Some people have more oil on their nails than others and are therefore prone to lifting. For those with this problem, a dehydrator could be hugely beneficial.

Additionally, there are primers that utilize weaker acids to micro-abrade the nail beds. Such primers tend to be gentler on the nail and surrounding skin but less efficiently remove oils, in which case a dehydrator for additional nail prep would be a wise choice.

Acrylic Paint Primers

Similarly with an acrylic paint primer, the idea is to create a base layer that will help bond the surface area to the paint. Acrylic primer differs from latex and oil primers because it is chemical-based, while the former are water- and oil- based, respectively. The main advantages of acrylic primer include: how quickly it dries; its elasticity, and therefore durability; and finally, it is water and sun resistant.

If you’ve painted a variety of surface types, I’m sure you’re aware that paint sticks to some more readily than others. Primer is a great bonding agent, no matter what you’re painting; however, there are acrylic paint primers created with specific surface types in mind.

Additionally, some primers are more versatile than others and can perform well across interior and exterior surfaces, natural and synthetic materials, and varying textures.

When choosing the best product, ask yourself these key questions: What is the material I am painting? Does it secrete natural oils, tannins, or minerals? Is it an interior or exterior surface? There are so many options to choose from, but understanding a little more about the properties of your materials will make the decision a whole lot easier.

Here are a few popular products to consider in your search.

Best Acrylic Paint Primer For Wood

We highly recommend the INSL-X STIX water-bonding primer for all your wood projects.

Key Product Features:

• Includes 1 gallon of INSL-X Waterborn Bonding Urethane Acrylic Primer for use on interior and exterior surfaces
• Binds to “hard-to-coat” sleek or glossy surfaces
• Compatibility with a variety of top coats
• Dries quickly in low temperatures

Cons:

• Thin; requires full coverage or multiple coats

What customers have said about this product:

“I use this for cabinets, I m a professional painter, and haven’t been this excited about paint in awhile. very good product.” [sic]

“It is a little thinner than expected, but does a good job of creating a texture mask, and it adheres really really well to the melamine surface.”

Best Acrylic Paint Primer For Metal

We highly recommend Custom Shop’s High Build Acrylic Lacquer for metal and automotive surfaces.

Key Product Features:

• Includes 1 gallon of Restoration Shop Custom Shop Series Premium High Build Acrylic Lacquer Primer Surfacer
• Specialized for metal surfaces and industrial products

Cons:

• Very few customer reviews

What customers have said about this product:

“effortless sanding and affordable.” [sic]

Acrylic Paint Primer FAQs

The post Acrylic Primers: Here’s Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

There are many different types of acrylic sealers on the market so it can be a tough decision when choosing the correct one. No worries! We’ve got you covered. Below we discuss our favorite sealers for specific projects that vary from arts and crafts to flooring surfaces.

Best Acrylic Sealer For Paint

First up, we have the best acrylic sealer for paint. This sealer is made by Aleene’s and offers a matte spray finish. This option does not yellow after drying and is multi-surface friendly. This can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Why We Like It

• Applies Evenly
• Easy To Use Spray 
• Affordable
• Durable Finish
• Can Be Used On Multiple Surfaces

Why We Don’t Like It

• Dries Very Quickly
• The Matte Finish Can Dull Some Colors
• Not a Lot of Product in the Can (6oz)

“The product says matte, and it actually stayed true to its claim. I painted a water bottle with acrylic paint and used 2 coats of the sealer, hoping to keep the matte finish. The bottle on the left has the sealer while the one on the right is the original without sealer. Although there is a very slight sheen as enhanced by the sun’s glare, I was very pleased with the result. Does not look shiny with the naked eye and did not yellow or alter my work.”

Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.

Best Acrylic Sealer For Wood

When we are talking about paint, of course, we are going to mention Krylon. This brand consistently performs well in a multitude of paint types. Their sealer product is perfect for wood paint projects.

Why We Like It

• 93% of Reviews Are 4 Stars And Above
• Keeps Colors Vibrant
• No Sticky Residue

Why We Don’t Like It

• The Smell is Quite Strong
• The Spray Nozzle Breaks Off Easily
• Difficult To Hold Down Nozzle To Spray

“Works great. I like to do calligraphy on different surfaces, like agate slices. Some of them come with rough surfaces or even tiny little holes, making them impossible to write on. I spray this on before – and after – writing on them. It is a super quick and cheap fix. I’m so glad I found this!”

Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.

Best Outdoor Acrylic Sealer

A lot of brands claim to hold up outdoors as an acrylic sealer, but some just can’t hang. That’s not the case with Rain Guard Water Sealer! Make sure your acrylic paint doesn’t wash off in the rain with this sealer.

Why We Like It

• Multiple Ways To Apply The Sealer (Spray, Roll-On, or Brush On)
• Large Quantity of Product For Reasonable Pricing
• Prevents Surface Damage for 5 Years

Why We Don’t Like It

• Long Curing Time
• Is Thin and May Require Multiple Coats
• Dries White If Applied Incorrectly

“I used this on our porch fence (the horizontal parts of the painted wood) that is ruined every year from water sitting on it. I applied two coats of this by spraying it on and spreading it around with a rubber glove and left it pooling on surface to soak in and dry between coats. I tested it and the water pooled on surface and so far it looks like my paint is finally holding up to the weather. Just because it is runny like water, does not mean it is not doing what it was meant to do. I am happy with it and plan to use it in other areas that keep getting damaged by water.”

Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.

Best Clear Acrylic Sealer 

Plaid is a reputable crafting brand. They offer many products like paint, painting tools, surfaces, and more. Their clear acrylic sealer is a favorite among hobbyists.

Why We Like It

• Easy To Use Spray Can
• Affordable Pricing
• Dries Evenly

Why We Don’t Like It

• The Matte Dries Closer to Semi-Matte Leaving a Sheen
• Strong Odor

“Great for fixing your pencil drawings and preventing smearing of your pencil work or charcoal drawings. but it has a very strong odor to it so you might want to consider using it outside when you use it or your house will smell to high heavens for quit a while. but it does what it says it will do!”

Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.

Best Spray Acrylic Sealer 

Krylon makes our list again with their Crystal Clear Gloss Spray. The perfect glossy look can be hard to come by, but this sealer makes it easy and convenient by packing a major shine into a small bottle.

Why We Like It

• High Gloss
• Easy To Use
• 4.6 out of 5 Stars With Over 6,000 Reviews

Why We Don’t Like It

• Longer Drying Time 
• Strong Odor
• May Feel Tacky If Not Left To Dry Long Enough

“So… I used this on some sort of polished river rocks in my yard… they just weren’t “shiny” enough.. after a few months in the Arizona sun. Sooo.. I thought I’d try this. I was very happy with the results. The river rocks look “wet” and polished again. Not fake… very natural gloss – So happy with the results. I am hoping it lasts longer that the so-called “polish” that was original to the rocks I mean, I paid extra for the “polished” rocks! *sigh* In the meantime this was very easy to apply. I got the hose out… rinsed the rocks all off and allowed them to dry. Used a blower to get rid of extra dust and pine needles (from neighbors pine tree) and sprayed evenly. Solidly dry in 30 minutes. Really happy with the results. Even though this probably not the usual application!”

Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.

Best Acrylic Floor Sealer

This product has been touted as a commercial-grade sealer suitable for use in the home. Many customer reviews rave about this product bringing dull floors back to life.

Why We Like It

• High-Quality Product
• Easy To Use
• Suitable For Different Flooring Types

Why We Don’t Like It

• Expensive 
• The Gloss Could Be Shinier
• 12+ Hour Dry Time

“Over the years I’ve tried many floor products that promise to clean floors and leave floors with a shine. After trying this product I understand now that a product must be applied and left on the floor to dry to give it that super glossy shine that I’ve searched for. This product is very simple to use, after applying 2 coats to my vinyl tile kitchen floor, I was thrilled to see that this is what I’ve been searching for. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve applied and my floors are still holding up well. If your floors are dull from time, give this product a try. I highly recommend.”

Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.

Best Acrylic Sealer For Concrete and Driveways 

This indoor-outdoor concrete sealer is perfect for driveways, garages, basements, and more! The concrete and stone sealer is made to condition, seal hard surfaces, and protect surfaces. 

Why We Like It

• Nice Glossy Finish
• Durable
• Reviewers Offer Many Nice Photo Examples of Finished Projects

Why We Don’t Like It

• Expensive
• Many Report That It Takes 3 Coats To Work Properly
• Difficult To Use

“This stuff is probably the best concrete sealer I’ve ever used. I own a pressure washing company and I have used A LOT of different brands. This stuff is far superior to anything that you can buy from the big box stores. I would go as far to say it’s as good as Foundation Armor. Personally, I apply two coats. Most of my customers don’t want the shiny look so I apply the first coat pretty heavy, then I wait a little over an hour and apply a thinner coat on top of the first. I have a lot of repeat customers that have me clean their driveways once a year, and this stuff makes my job so much easier. The dirt washes right off, and there are never any permanent stains. To anyone thinking of sealing their concrete around their house I highly recommend this product. It covers almost twice as well as most of the other dealers and it lasts several years. Just be sure to have your surface professionally cleaned before you apply it. You will be extremely satisfied!!! AAAA++++ product and the price is unbeatable! I wish I could find it in 5-gallon pails!!!”

Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.

Best Anti-Slip Acrylic Floor Sealer 

When the weather warms up, many of us will be looking to improve our pool patio areas. This product offers some features we can’t ignore – UV resistant, chemical resistant, and providing traction to ensure a slip-free area. 

Why We Like It

• Provides UV Protection From Sun
• Makes Surfaces Non-Slip
• Chemical Resistant – Perfect For Pool Areas

Why We Don’t Like It

• High Price Point
• Mixed Customer Reviews
• Has Issue With Peeling

“Adds some traction, but dont expect it to turn stamped concrete into the traction of broom finished. It is better, but still can be slippery when wet.”

Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.

FAQs About Acrylic Sealers

The post The Best Acrylic Sealers (Find Top Options!) appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

How Much Do Acrylic Nail Sets Cost?

Going to a professional salon is always a treat, but for a professional set of nails, professional prices are involved. The cost of DIY acrylic nail kits ranges from an affordable $15-$50 depending on the quality and other features. A single manicure could cost you $20 – $50, but with a nail kit you can keep the supplies and with hundreds of combinations! 

What are the best acrylic nail kits on the market? We’ve gathered information on some of the best to give you an idea on how to get started!

Product Image

Best Nail Kit For Beginners

Best Gel Nail Kit

Most Affordable Nail Kit

Nail Kit

Coscelia Acrylic Nail Kit For Beginners

Gellen Poly Gel Nail Kit

Latorice Acrylic Nail Kit Set

Prime Status

Price

$19.99 ($19.99 / Count)

Buy Now

Key Features

• 78 piece set
• Tons of accessories
• Practice finger included

• 100% organic formula
• Long-lasting
• 6 beautiful colors included

• Only $9.99
• Lots of glitter and accessories
• For professionals or beginners

Product Image

Best Nail Kit For Beginners

Nail Kit

Coscelia Acrylic Nail Kit For Beginners

Prime Status

Price

$19.99 ($19.99 / Count)

Buy Now

Key Features

• 78 piece set
• Tons of accessories
• Practice finger included

Product Image

Best Gel Nail Kit

Nail Kit

Gellen Poly Gel Nail Kit

Prime Status

Price

Buy Now

Key Features

• 100% organic formula
• Long-lasting
• 6 beautiful colors included

Product Image

Most Affordable Nail Kit

Nail Kit

Latorice Acrylic Nail Kit Set

Prime Status

Price

Buy Now

Key Features

• Only $9.99
• Lots of glitter and accessories
• For professionals or beginners

Best Acrylic Nail Kit For Beginners

This affordable acrylic nail kit is perfect for those just getting started. The set includes acrylic powder, liquid monomer, adhesive rhinestones, nail tips, and more.

Coscelia Beginner Acrylic Nail Kit

What We Like

• Affordable pricing at $30
• 78 pieces in total
• Coupons available for this kit

What We Don’t Like

• No prime shipping
• Not a lot of customer reviews yet

Best Professional Acrylic Nail Kit

If you need materials like acrylic monomer and powder, the Karlash professional acrylic paint set will be perfect. This kit comes with the tools professional manicurists need.

Karlash Professional Acrylic Paint Set

More experienced individuals or those aiming for professional quality might find this $79 kit more suited to their tastes. This kit contains high-quality professional-grade materials. 

What We Like

• Professional grade formulas
• All tools and materials included
• Prime shipping available 

What We Don’t Like 

• The price point is on the high side compared to other kits
• The colors are simple, so you’ll want to pair this kit with one of the other kits on our list

Best Gel Acrylic Nail Kit

If you are more interested in gel acrylics, then this $30 kit is the perfect set for you. The seller also offers helpful information and tips about prepping and different methods of application.

Gellen Poly Gel Acrylic Nail Kit

What We Like

• An affordable gel option
• Gel tends to last longer than acrylic alone
• This kit is available in multiple colors and bundles

What We Don’t Like

• This nail kit is not available for free prime delivery
• The kit only offers one brush
• Less materials included than similar kits
• It does not come with a nail lamp

Most Affordable Acrylic Nail Kit

If budget-friendly is what you are looking for, check out this $10 kit. Although the kit is missing a couple of items, it includes almost everything needed to get started.

Latorice Glitter and Powder Nail Set

What We Do Like 

• The price for this kit is by far the most budget-friendly
• Free prime delivery option

What We Don’t Like 

• There is no monomer liquid included in this kit, so it must be purchased separately
• There is no nail glue included for nail tips

How to Paint Your Nails With Acrylic Paint

1. Prep the nails by pushing back the cuticles. After that, use a medium or fine grit sanding band to get rid of the natural shine of the nail. Next, use a tapered cuticle bit to get the area prepped for nail tip application.
2. Apply the nail tip. Make sure you are using the proper size and that you have enough of the natural nail bed still exposed so the acrylic has something to adhere to. 
3. Take a nail file and shape the nail tip BEFORE applying the acrylic. This time-saving step will make filing at the end of the application much easier.
4. Go back with the sanding band to get rid of the ledge between the nail bed and the new nail tip. Smoothing it out will help the acrylic adhere to the nail better.
5. Apply the dehydrating agent to the nail bed only. 
6. Apply primer on the nail bed.
7. Apply a thin layer of clear acrylic powder. When applying this, make sure not to apply all the way back to the cuticle area. Leave a little bit of space. Otherwise in the last stage of filing, color might be filed away to expose the transparent acrylic. Using clear underneath helps with future fill-ins.
8. Apply color using the 3 bead method. For the first bead, drop it at the beginning of the nail tip and drag it down to the shaped edge. Make a second slightly larger bead and drop it a little bit above the beginning of the first bead. Feathering the top of the beads helps make sure there are no harsh sharp lines. For the third bead, use only enough to cover the nail bed. The stress area where the natural nail bed and new nail tip is should have the most amount of acrylic on it to prevent breakage.
9. Use a thin layer of clear acrylic. Be sure not to use too much, as this would make the nail too bulky.
10. Shape the sides, file, and buff the nails. This should be minimal work since the tip was initially shaped in step 3.
11. Clean the nails.
12. Apply a top-coat. 

Tips For Painting Your Nails With Beads 

Wet beads consistency has too much monomer in the brush and picks up too much powder. It will fall off the brush and be difficult to control with a weak structure. Droplets falling off the brush indicate a too-wet bead.

Dry beads don’t have enough monomer and the bead will be troublesome to get off the brush. Pushing out too much of the monomer liquid from your brush causes this to happen.

Creating the perfect bead involves grabbing the appropriate amount of monomer and powder, which may take some trial and error in the beginning.

You can find a more in-depth explanation of these steps in full here:

Can You Mix Acrylic Paint With Nail Polish? 

It is not recommended to mix regular acrylic paint with nail polish. Instead, opting to use specially made acrylic nail paint is the safer option. The different chemical compounds in the two types of paint cause issues that make the polish thicken and clump, rendering it a waste.

The Pros and Cons of Using Acrylic Paint For Nails

Pros

• Acrylic paint does not dry out as quickly as nail polish and has a longer shelf life.
• Mixing custom colors is much easier using acrylic paints
• In terms of nail art, acrylic paint is easier to work with on smaller details because it does not clump as easily. Adding a clear topcoat preserves the design perfectly.

Cons

• Opacity of acrylic paint can be bothersome when working on nails. Sometimes it may become streaky and multiple coats are required
• If the top coat is left off the design may scratch off easily

Is Acrylic Paint Bad For Your Nails? Is It Safe?

Acrylic paint is perfectly safe for painting nail designs as long as the product in question is non-toxic. A tip to keep in mind when using acrylic paint as nail polish is to first apply a layer of clear base coat. 

Using a base coat will prevent your nails from becoming stained by the paint. After painting with the acrylic paint don’t forget to apply a topcoat! Otherwise, the paint will likely chip or scratch off quickly.

How to Remove Acrylic Nails

Removal of acrylic nails requires patience and time. You’ll need the following tools: 

• Nail clippers
• Dual-sided file with 80/100 grit
• Cuticle pusher
• Buffer pure acetone
• Small bowl

Step 1: Using the nail cutters, clip down the tip of the nail. Stop clipping approximately two centimeters from the nail bed. 

Step 2: File down as much of the acrylic as safely possible without hitting the natural nail. Filing away the majority of the acrylic means less time needed to soak in the acetone. 

Step 3: Fill your bowl with acetone and soak the nails for 20-30 minutes. After the acrylic softens, use the cuticle pusher to push the acrylic off the natural nail.

If the acrylic does not come off easily, repeat the acetone soak in the bowl until it softens more. Shaping, buffing, and filing the natural nail after the acrylic comes off will help get rid of any leftover residue. 

Dryness after this process is expected. It is recommended to use a cuticle oil to rehydrate and leave polish off the nails for a short amount of time to allow them to strengthen. 

Find more information about acrylic nail removal here: How to Remove Acrylic Nails at Home — Expert Tips.

How Long Should Acrylic Nails Last?

With proper maintenance, acrylic nails can last up to six to eight weeks. Every two to three weeks the nails will require a fill-in, which means they will need a touch-up around the cuticle area. 

10 Acrylic Nail Ideas

With the information from our acrylic nail kit complete guide, you are ready to try out acrylic nails. Here are a few fun ideas to spark some creativity.

1. This berry pink coffin nail is a beautiful long nail design that would be fun to try at home.

2. A lilac purple nail works well for all seasons!

3. For the ambitious, here is a design including rhinestone patterns!

4. This simple black acrylic set is elevated with a moon and stars design.

5. This set is a perfect design idea for mermaids this summer.

6. For our glitz and glam lovers, this set would be sure to turn heads.

7. This simple design works well for those who want to keep their nails on the shorter side.

8. This adorable butterfly design would be a fun challenge!

9. Who doesn’t love ice cream? Turn your nails into the perfect sundae with this design!

10. Astrology is another fun theme to use for designs!

The post Acrylic Nail Kits: The Complete Guide appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

Lots of people ask me, can you really use acrylic paint on fabric? Luckily, you can definitely use acrylic paint on fabric including clothing, shoes, pillows, and more!

Here’s the kicker: Acrylics not formulated for fabric painting will leave the fabric stiffer than dye or fabric paint, which is why we created the in-depth guide below.

You might need textile medium, a special type of paint thinner that helps acrylic paint adhere to fabric, if your acrylic paint isn’t specially formulated for fabrics (don’t worry — we also found the best acrylic paints for fabrics).

Tips to Using Acrylic Paint on Fabric

We’re going to break down everything you need to know about using acrylic paints on fabric — but first we’re going to rapid-fire answer the most commonly asked questions!

The Best Acrylic Fabric Paints

Let’s cut to the chase: If you’re just looking for the best acrylic paint set for fabric, I’ve got you covered.

I highly recommend this Arteza Fabric Paint Set. It’s made for fabrics, clothes, and even canvases.

Here are a few runners up worth considering for your next fabric painting project:

1. Best Value: Crafts 4 All Acrylic Paint Set. This is a great option if you need more colors than the Arteza Fabric Paint Set! This acrylic paint set comes with 24 color options with a gorgeous satin finish. 
2. Best Acrylic Paint Markers: Crafty Croc Acrylic Paint Markers. Acrylic paint markers are a terrific option for fabric and allow for more precise designs compared to brush-based alternatives. 
3. Best For Artists: U.S. Art Supply Fabric Paint. These paints come with premium quality nylon paint brushes in a variety of sizes and a mixing wheel to find the perfect color for your project.

Product Image

Best Value

Best Acrylic Pens

Best for Artists

Title

Crafts 4 All Acrylic Paint Set

Crafty Croc Acrylic Paint Pens

U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Fabric Paint

Prime Status

Number of Colors

24

16

24

Price

$11.99 ($1.23 / Fl Oz)

$14.99

Buy Now

Product Image

Best Value

Title

Crafts 4 All Acrylic Paint Set

Prime Status

Number of Colors

24

Price

$11.99 ($1.23 / Fl Oz)

Buy Now

Product Image

Best Acrylic Pens

Title

Crafty Croc Acrylic Paint Pens

Prime Status

Number of Colors

16

Price

$14.99

Buy Now

Product Image

Best for Artists

Title

U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Fabric Paint

Prime Status

Number of Colors

24

Price

Buy Now

Editor’s note: If you don’t buy an acrylic paint that’s specially formulated for fabric, you should absolutely use a medium like this one if you’re going to be painting clothing.

Tips for Painting With Acrylic Paint on Fabric

If you’ve never painted on fabric before, take the following tips into consideration:

1. Run your fabric through the washer
2. Remove any existing protective coating
3. Wear old clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty
4. Work on a porous surface that won’t absorb the paint and ruin it
5. Put down newspaper or plastic on your floor
6. Mix your paint thoroughly
7. Use a medium to soften your fabric and make the paint adhere better

How to seal acrylic paint on fabric: Using a medium is one of the best ways to seal acrylic paint on fabric. You can also heat set the fabric by ironing the painted area for three to five minutes. If you go the heat set route, make sure to put something between your paint and the iron — you don’t want to accidentally ruin your iron!

How to Wash Fabric That Has Been Painted

Caring for your painted fabric projects is pretty easy. Acrylic paint without a medium could result in the paint coming off while washing, so clean your fabric with care. I would recommend spot treating, hand washing, and hang drying for the first few washes. 

If that isn’t possible, using the gentle cycle on your washing machine and low heat cycle on your clothes dryer should extend the life of your design as well. Make sure you don’t wash other clothing with the fabric you’ve painted with acrylic — run it by itself in case there’s any run off. 

If you can minimize how much you need to wash the fabric it will minimize how much you will degrade the paint and its adhesion by shrinking and expanding the fibers through a repeated wash.

You can also use acrylic paint for screen printing, stenciling, and stamping on fabric

Let’s dive a little deeper into what acrylic paint mediums are and why they’re so important for painting on fabric with acrylics.

The Best Alternatives to Painting Fabric With Acrylics

Fabric Paint

You might not want to paint fabric with acrylic, because of the extra steps required. The best alternative to acrylic paint is simply buying a fabric paint that already contains the fabric medium within the formula. Fabric paints are flexible, designed to attach to stretchable fabric with ease.

These paints are specifically designed for fabrics and come in a variety of colors.

Spray Paint

Spray paint is another great alternative to acrylic paint. It’s most often used for painting furniture, metals, brick, and other tough materials, but you can use it for cool patterns and designs on clothing or textiles as well.

Spray paints can be used in conjunction with fabric or acrylic paint to create a graffiti effective.

Fabric Dye

The last alternative to acrylic paint is fabric dye. Fabric dye can be used to achieve tie-die patterns, or to simply dye a white shirt another color. You can combine fabric dye with any of the paints we’ve mentioned so far to achieve the desired effect. For example, you could make the fabric dye a black or purple to achieve a night effect and paint with a fabric paint or acrylic paint on top of the dye base.

What is Fabric Medium?

We’ve been talking about “medium” a lot during this article — but what is it exactly? 

Fabric medium basically turns your acrylic paint into fabric paint. When you apply a fabric medium to your acrylic paint, it turns that thick acrylic paint into a flexible and soft material that blends with the fabric you’re painting on.

Fabric medium has several advantages:

• Water-color effect on fabric
• “Softens” the paint
• Blends onto the fabric
• More color options

Here’s the key question when deciding whether or not to use a fabric medium: Will the fabric you are painting be worn as clothing, or do you plan on hanging it up or displaying it? 

Acrylic paint without medium is an excellent option for decorative tapestry projects since they’re hung up. Tapestries and canvases meant for hanging up can retain the thickness of acrylic paint and not have to go through the wash.

Really any fabric or tapestry art that you intend on being more of display art than functional items are great candidates for acrylic without medium.

Acrylic Paint on Fabric Without a Medium

It’s worth noting that you should absolutely mix your acrylic paint with a medium if you’re going to paint on clothing, shoes, or other materials that experience natural wear and tear. Not applying a medium will likely lead to the paint fading over time.

However, if you’re going to paint without a medium consider the following tips:

1. Surface treat the area with sandpaper or another abrasive
2. Wet the fabric before you paint
3. Thin the paint before using it so it’s less thick

Why You Shouldn’t Use Acrylic Paint on Fabric Without a Medium

Not all acrylic paints are intended for fabrics (which is why we made our list of the best acrylic paints above). 

Acrylics naturally harden and stiffen whatever surface they’re painted on — that’s why we highly recommend buying a fabric medium. Medium is a liquid that mixes with paint and thins it out, removing some of the thickening properties inherent in acrylic paints. 

My personal recommendation for a fabric medium is this Liquitex Professional Fabric Effects Medium. This will give you results much like fabric paint. If you are set on using acrylics on fabric without adding fabric medium read on to find out what you can expect.

If you’re gungho about using acrylic paint without a medium, we’ve provided a few tips to improve adhesion, flexibility, and workability of the paint.

• Surface treat the fabric.
• Wet the area down.
• Thin your paint with water before painting.

If you’re worried about acrylics not being the right paint for your t-shirt or shoes project, another great paint that works well on fabric is gouache. It’s similar to acrylic paint, but the texture is a bit different. We recommend the GenCrafts Gouache Paint Set, which comes with 27 beautiful colors, for your next fabric painting project.

Do I Need to Heat Set Acrylic Paint on Fabric?

Once you are all done with your fabric project, you can go the extra mile and heat set it as well. This ensures that it will last a long time, and avoid any damage/breakage. If you followed all the steps above correctly, your painted fabric should be good to go, but did you know you can also heat set your painted fabric project?

Apart from the fabric medium you added to your project, there’s also the option to heat dry it with an iron. I have used an iron in the past and it set perfectly. Below we will go over the steps:

Step 1: Wait

I know, the excitement of trying on your new fabric project is alluring, but you’ll need to wait a minimum of 24 hours to make sure the paint is dry and another 4 days before you’re ready to wash the material.

Don’t skip on this step, or your paint can smudge or wash off.

Step 2: Set the Fabric Paint

You’ll need to get out your iron and wait for it to heat up. Once it’s heated, flip your t-shirt or jeans over to the side that’s not painted. Alternatively, you can put a scrap of cloth over the painted side — the important thing is that you don’t put heat directly on the fabric.

Next, run the iron over the painted area for a few minutes. Be sure not to scorch or burn through the fabric. Lift up the iron as needed.

Keep ironing for around three to five minutes, checking to make sure you’re not burning through or damaging the fabric / paint. You’ll know it’s done once the paint is fully dried.

How to Use Acrylic Paint on T-Shirts

Let’s put everything we’ve learned into practice: How would you go about using acrylic paint on a t-shirt?

Gather your materials

You’ll need the following materials (which you can find links to below):

• Acrylic paint
• Acrylic paint markers (if applicable)
• Fabric medium
• Brushes
• Blank t-shirt (men or women)

Prepare and mix your paint: Mix your paint with the textile medium to ensure flexibility and adhesion. Most medium will require two parts medium with one part paint.

Sketch your drawing: Before you get carried away, it’s a good idea to sketch your outline with a crayon or whatever you can get your hands on. Try to keep your shapes simple and easy to paint over, especially if you’re just starting out.

Paint and let it stand: Here comes to fun part! Fill in your designs with the desired colors and let them dry.

Heat set: Check your particular medium or paint for instructions on how to heat set the item. You can use an iron or blow dryer to get the desired effect.

Well there you have it, you’re now fully ready to paint on fabric with your acrylic paints. I hope you found these tips helpful and I would love it if you shared a picture of your project in the comments section!

Don’t forget to check out my other articles on everything you need to know about painting with acrylics. Happy painting!

The post Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Fabric? appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

Most gamers would love to have their very own personalized gaming controller (if they don’t already) and in this article we go over everything you need to know to make that happen.

So, can you use acrylic paint on a gaming controller? Absolutely! You can definitely use acrylic paint on pretty much all your controllers. You just need to take the proper steps in order to protect your controller in the process.

Let’s read on!

Can You Paint an Xbox Controller With Acrylic Paint?

Absolutely! In fact, a lot of people do it. It is a quick way to add a custom design to your Xbox controller without having to buy a regular color one at the store. For the acrylic paint itself, I recommend Arteza acrylic paints. They have tons of colors to choose from, and some are made just for specific surfaces!

Later on, we will tell you exactly how you can paint your Xbox controller with acrylic paint. As long as you have access to paint, it’ll be easier than you think.

Can You Paint a Playstation Controller With Acrylic Paint?

Just like the Xbox controller, you shouldn’t have any issues painting the Playstation controller. In fact, you will probably have an easier time painting a Playstation controller as you do not have to worry about painting around a battery compartment cover.

We have seen plenty of people that have painted that compartment cover shut on the Xbox controller, which is annoying as it now means that you cannot replace your batteries!

For regular and detail paintbrushes, check out this article. It’ll point you in the right direction for which type of brush you should get.

Can You Paint a Wii Controller With Acrylic Paint?

Yes you can, however, you are going to need to be a lot more careful painting a Wii controller than either a Playstation or Xbox controller. 

This is all down to the sensor at the top of the Wii controller. Obviously, one of the main selling points of the Wii controller is the fact that it has motion controls. In order for those motion controls to work, the Wii controller needs to have unhindered access to the sensor bar that sits on top of the TV.

If you get even the smallest amount of paint on the top of the controller, then it will stop working completely. This means that if you do paint your Wii controller, then you will want to ensure that you do not paint anywhere near the top of it. It probably won’t end up looking as good, but at least you will still get to keep a controller that works.

If you do get acrylic paint on the sensor of the Wii controller, then make sure that you wipe it off as quickly as possible. If you let it dry, then the problem becomes tougher to deal with!

Other than this, you have to remember that a Wii controller is actually tougher to take apart than either the Xbox or Playstation controller. This means that you will have to find some way to shield the buttons when you are painting the controller. If you do not do that then, once again, you will have ended up with a controller that is completely ruined. 

How to Paint Gaming Controllers With Acrylic Paint 

As we mentioned above, you can paint your Xbox controller, Playstation controller, and even your Wii remote. In this section, we go over all the necessary steps in order for you to get started.

There are many types of acrylic paint to use, but for this project you will need a paint that will stick to plastic. You can also paint your controller with acrylic paint pens. They’re just like acrylic paint, except in comes in a pen. This one here from Arteza is my top pick.

For regular acrylic paint that works on plastic, this Crafts 4 ALL set is highly recommend in the art field. It’s specifically made to stick to plastic.

You can also use acrylic spray paint, but that will cover most of the controller. If you want to paint designs or even different color blocks, regular acrylic paint is the way to go. If you do choose to use a spray paint, I recommend this Evolve Elite set. It comes with 12 vibrant colors and dries with a matte finish.

Now that we covered the type of acrylic paint you will need, here are the steps to paint your controllers.

Take the Controller Apart

The first step is to take the controller apart. If you have a Playstation controller or Xbox controller, just undo the screws and you should be fine.

With a Wii controller, you can’t really do this. Well, you can. It just is trickier to put together.

If you have a Wii controller, you may want to cut off small pieces of paper and place them into the gaps around the button. This should stop most paint leaking into the controller but, of course, you will have to be very, very careful. Covering the openings with tape also works.

The whole purpose of taking the controller apart is to ensure that you do not get paint into the electronics which will ruin the controller.

Clean the Controller

Unless your controller is brand-new, chances are that it is going to have grease on it. This means that you will need to clean it off, otherwise, you are just painting that grease onto the controller and it isn’t going to be a good look.

You can use a degreaser for this step. If you don’t have a degreaser handy, you can wipe your controller down with an alcohol wipe or pad, then gently dry it with a cloth.

Sand the Controller 

You will need 1000-grit sandpaper for this. It needs to be fine, and you need to be sanding ‘wet’. The idea is to rough up the surface a little bit. This makes the acrylic paint stick a little bit easier. If you paint your controller without sanding it, the paint might not stick well since it will be slippery.

Apply a Primer

Since your control will most likely be dark, you need a primer for the acrylic paint to stick to and to show its vibrant colors. You can skip this step, but it’s recommended that you always prime the surface you will be painting on. It makes it easier for the acrylic paint to stick to, and because the primer dries white, you have a clear surface to paint on.

This primer is my top pick. Just make sure it fully dries before you apply the acrylic paint.

Cover Open Areas

If you are planning on having a different design on the controller, then mask off areas that you do not want to paint. You can use masking tape for this. Any painters tape like this one should work.

Paint the Controller

You can now use your acrylic paint to paint the controller. Try to have the paint as thin as possible while maintaining an even coat. This will ensure that it doesn’t feel too bad when you hold it in your hands. 

Once you have an even coat, leave the controller to dry for at least 30 minutes. You can then decide if it needs a second coat. Acrylic paint dries pretty quickly, so make sure you don’t walk away from your project.

If you are painting an additional pattern onto the controller, then wait for everything to dry, grab your detail paintbrush, and paint those details on. The wait another 15-20 minutes for it to fully dry. You can also speed up the process with a handheld heat gun. Just make sure you step back and gently dry it.

Sealing Your Controller

You can finish up by adding a matte or glossy clear coat to the controller. This will not only give you a brilliant finish, but it will help to prevent the acrylic paint from chipping away as you use your controller. With anything acrylic paint, it’s always recommend to seal your paint.

For a glossy finish, this spray is my top pick. If you prefer a matte finish, this one here works great!

Reassemble the Controller

Now that everything is done, you can reassemble the controller. It is now ready to use! Remember, you should not be painting the buttons on your controller. It will ruin them. Make sure everything snaps back in place and looks good.

Final Thoughts

Painting your gaming controller is a great way to add a touch of personality to it. Whether you’re painting an Xbox, a Playstation or a Wii controller, make sure to follow all my recommend steps to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your acrylic painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!

The post Can You Use Acrylic Paint on a Controller? appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

If you are a painter and you realize that you are having some allergic reaction symptoms frequently, you might be allergic to something in the paint. So can acrylic paint to cause allergic reactions? Yes, it definitely can. You can be allergic to some of the ingredients in acrylic paint that can cause an allergic reaction.

In this article we go over everything you need to know about allergies to paint, what those symptoms look like, and how to treat a paint allergic reaction. Let’s read on!

Can Acrylic Paint Make You Sick?

In most cases, acrylic paint is not toxic because it is a water based paint. If acrylic paint contains any toxic chemicals, they will be clearly marked on the label of the paint. In another one of my articles, I talk about acrylic paint being toxic.

However, if there are toxic ingredients in the paint, they usually only become toxic if they are used to airbrush, if they are sanded down, or if large amounts are ingested. 

Arylics are typically safe to use as long as you are using them for painting purposes. It is not likely that acrylic paint will make you sick. There are even kid friendly acrylic paints out there, such as this one, that are non-toxic.

Companies are now making sure that most of their paints don’t contain harmful chemicals, so everyone can enjoy them. My top recommend acrylic paint brand is Arteza. They have a huge selection of colors, and they are also non-toxic!

Does Acrylic Paint Have Formaldehyde?

Acrylics are known to contain small amounts of formaldehyde to act as a preservative. Only those who already have a sensitivity to formaldehyde would experience any kind of allergic reaction to the ingredient. There is such a small amount included that it should not cause any kind of issues.

Formaldehyde might also be used in acrylic paints to prevent the growth of mold. Since they are water-based products, they risk mold growing within the tubes they are in. In a few cases, formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, or throat irritation, but that’s if you already have an allergy to it.

I always recommend washing your hands right after painting, especially if you have sensitive skin. You can also wear gloves if you’d like, to help avoid getting paint on your hands.

How to Treat Acrylic Paint Allergy

There are some precautions you can take to avoid being irritated by acrylic paint. The first thing you can do, is reduce the amount of exposure by making your workspace safe. Try opening windows, using fans, or painting outside if needed.

If you are using acrylic paint in an airbrush machine, it’s highly recommended you wear goggles and a mask to avoid ingesting the paint particles, which can be dangerous. I recommend this face mask for airbrushing or even sanding acrylic paint.

If you’ve noticed that the paint is making you itchy where it makes contact, you should wear gloves when handling the paint. You can use reusable cotton gloves, or even the plastic disposable ones. Also consider wearing long sleeve shirts and pants to avoid any paint contact on your skin.

If you are painting and notice you are having a hard time breathing, step away and get some fresh air. You can also read a follow-up article about paint allergy symptoms here.

If the reaction is on your skin, you can try this Cortizone itch cream, or an oatmeal bath would work as well.

Paint Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of an allergy to acrylic paint can include a sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough. You might also experience watery eyes. These symptoms occur when you inhale the fumes or they get in your eyes.

If you have a skin sensitivity, a paint allergy will show itself in another way. You might experience skin irritation, discolored skin or rash, itchiness, and blistering in some cases. If you are severely allergic, you might also experience burning and swelling.

Always get medical help right away if you are experiencing severe allergy symptoms.

Safety Tips

Acrylic paint releases chemical fumes into the air as they dry, so it is important to make sure your working area is properly ventilated. If you paint indoors on a small canvas project, you won’t really notice or be bothered by the smell.

As mentioned above, if you are airbrushing or sanding acrylic paint, it’s recommended to only be done outside or in a very well ventilated area.

Keep all food and drinks out of your studio or painting area. This can be hard to stick to, but it is possible for some of the paint and fumes to get into your food and liquids, especially from your hands.

What Chemicals Are in Acrylic Paint?

To prevent an allergic reaction while you are painting, it is important for you to be aware of what is in the paint. Here is a list of some of the most common chemicals in acrylic paint.

Pigment

Paint needs color, and that color comes from pigments. Pigments are granular solids. They are broken down into little particles and do not dissolve into the paint, so they remain suspended. Pigments have the ability to be organic, natural, inorganic, and synthetic. 

Binder

Binders are what keeps the pigment in place after the paint has dried. Acrylic paint uses an acrylic polymer that forms a film over the paint after the water has evaporated.

Vehicle

This is the part of the paint that carries the binder and the pigment. In a water-based acrylic, water is the vehicle that creates a polymer emulsion when it combines with the binder. When the water leaves, the paint dries, and a clear polymer film is created to trap the pigmented particles.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene, and acetone. These chemicals are most harmful when they are inhaled and can have a negative impact on the human body. If exposed for too long, it can cause problems with kidneys, liver, and the nervous system. (This would be a problem only if you are ingesting tons of paint.)

Cadmium

Cadmium is most commonly used in yellow acrylics. This chemical is generally harmless and can not enter your body through the skin. If you happen to inhale any dust particles of cadmium, it can trigger issues with the respiratory tract and the kidneys. If ingested, it can also cause organ damage.

Cobalt

Cobalt is known to be good for human health when used in small quantities, but can be dangerous when too much is used. It can lead to asthma and pneumonia if breathed in or swallowed.

Manganese

In large concentrations, inhalation can cause lung irritation and can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia in severe cases. If inhaled in excessive amounts, manganese can cause poor bone health and symptoms that resemble Parkinson disease, like shaking. If you are pregnant, have liver disease, or anemia, you should avoid any paint with manganese.

Chromium

When around too much chromium, you will likely experience nose irritation and breathing issues. It is also common to develop allergies to products containing chromium. If chromium sits on your skin, it can cause dermatitis and eczema reactions. 

Titanium Dioxide

This chemical is naturally occurring and has been used in things like makeup, sunscreen, and paint for decades. It is considered to be of low toxicity, but it is possible for it to be unsafe depending on how it is being used. 

Titanium dioxide is most commonly used as a pigment in white paint called titanium white.

While all these chemicals can have harsh reactions and side effects, it’s very unlikely that you will have a reaction if a small amount of paint gets on your skin. Painters get dirty and covered in paint sometimes, so as long as it’s washed off after, you should be fine.

If you already have allergic reactions to certain chemicals, always be cautious by taking the proper steps to protect your skin.

Final Thoughts

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms when you are around acrylic paint, you may have an allergy to one or more of the chemicals in the paint. Acrylic paint contains ingredients that can cause allergic reactions when inhaled or when touching your skin.

Most acrylic paints are non-toxic, and they can be used by anyone including kids. If you think you might be allergic to acrylic paint, there are precautions you can take to prevent a reaction. Try painting in an area with plenty of ventilation by opening windows or putting in a ventilation system.

Don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your acrylic painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!

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So now people are wondering, can you use acrylic paint on a guitar? Definitely yes! Acrylic paint can be safely used on acoustic and electric guitars. However, you will need to follow the proper steps in order to ensure that the paint on your guitar lasts a long time.

Painting your guitar with acrylic paint isn’t something that should be done without prior preparation. Well, how can you paint your guitar so it becomes unique and personalized without ruining your artwork and the instrument? Let’s find out.

How to Prepare Your Guitar for Painting: Guitar Painting Guide

Although painting over your guitar with acrylic paint is a quick and easy way to personalize your instrument, doing it wrong would not only affect your guitar’s lifespan, but it can ruin your artwork as well. Hence, you must prepare your guitar before painting it over.

I always recommend using Arteza acrylic paints for any project. They are affordable artists paints that come in many colors and styles.

Step 1

To prepare your guitar, you should first remove the strings to get an unobstructed canvas. If your guitar has stickers or a design on it already, you’ll have to remove them before you can paint over the guitar. You can do this by sanding down the guitar carefully, as you don’t want to destroy the wood under the existing design.

Step 2

Then, you’ll need to apply a layer of wood primer like this one, over your guitar and wait for it to dry thoroughly. I recommend leaving your guitar out overnight to dry. You can also re-apply a second layer once it is fully dry, if deemed fit. Once the wood primer has dried, you’ll have to plan out your design and if needed – draw on your guitar with a pencil as a guide.

Step 3

You may use masking tape to tape over the parts you don’t want to be painted, and finally paint over your guitar with the acrylic paint of your choice. Preparing your guitar before painting over it ensures that the paint will not crack and chip after the artwork is ready, as the last thing you’ll want to see is your artwork ruined.

Step 4

Once the acrylic paint has dried, you’ll want to seal over your artwork to protect it. I highly recommend this Krylon Spray Sealer, as it protects the paint and guitar from chips, cracks and even UV rays. Below I go over how to properly seal your painted guitar.

How to Seal Acrylic Paint on a Guitar

Unfortunately, your journey in painting a guitar with acrylic paint doesn’t just end at completing your artwork. Sealing your work after painting is an essential step in ensuring your artwork won’t chip or peel.

There are two popular ways on how you can seal acrylic paint on a guitar – either by using a spray varnish or a paint varnish. Depending on how you like the finish on your guitar, you can try with either varnish to seal off the acrylic paint.

For a glossy finish, I recommend Krylon sprays. For a matte finish, you can try Aleene’s spray. They are both great products that will protect your paint.

Although applying a layer of varnish does not guarantee that your artwork won’t chip or peel over time, having this protectant layer should ensure your artwork stays on your guitar longer than expected.

If you don’t apply a sealant, acrylic paint will typically flake or peel off, especially if it’s being handled as often as a guitar is.

Can You Use Acrylic Paint on an Acoustic Guitar?

Considering how you can use acrylic paint on regular guitars, many musicians may wonder if you could also paint over acoustic guitars with the same paint. Simply put, yes, you can use acrylic paint on an acoustic guitar.

Do note that you should always prepare your acoustic guitar beforehand using the same preparation methods above. You should also use a sealing spray just like the ones above, at the end of your project to protect the acrylic paint. This ensures that your painting will not crack and peel prematurely.

Subsequently, you’ll have to remember that painting over your acoustic guitar with acrylic paint may drastically lower the value of your guitar after. If you’re considering selling your acoustic guitar for an upgrade in the future, you should generally avoid painting the guitar. Think of it like any other item that is personalized. They are much harder to sell than a regular non-customized item.

But I think, because it’s so personal, painting your acoustic guitar with acrylic paint is an otherwise great method to add a special touch to your instrument.

Can You Use Acrylic Paint on an Electric Guitar?

Electric guitars typically carry more components than a regular guitar, so many musicians may wonder if it’s safe to paint an electric guitar with acrylic paint.

Thankfully, yes, you can. Although the steps to painting an electric guitar are more tedious than a regular guitar, there are no limitations to how creative you want to be when painting your electric guitar with acrylic paint. Just follow the same steps from the beginning of the article, to ensure your painted guitar will last a long time.

To unleash your creativity on your electric guitar, you will first have to remove all the strings and electronic components to your instrument. You can do this by snipping the connected wires around the bridge and solder them back after when you’re done painting.

If you’re not confident about doing this on your own, it’s highly recommended that you bring your guitar to a music store for them to do this for you.

Once the parts have been removed, you must then remove the existing paint on your guitar. You can do this by holding a hairdryer or a heat gun, such as this one, to the body of your electric guitar on the lowest heat setting. Take note not to concentrate on one place as you don’t want to damage the wood of your guitar.

You will then have to sand down your electric guitar. This may take some time and require a lot of patience, but is an important part of your painting process. Then, apply a layer of wood primer to the body of your guitar and allow it to dry thoroughly. If you see holes on the body of your guitar, you may fill it in with a little automotive filler.

The final step is to paint over your guitar with the acrylic paint of your choice and to seal the paint with varnish after. You can then reattach all the parts you have removed or bring your electric guitar to the music store again.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, using acrylic paint on a guitar is a great way to customize your instrument, and you can always go all out on how creative you want to be. However, it’s important to ensure that you always prepare your guitar beforehand and to seal your artwork after. This should avoid your artwork from peeling away from your guitar and ensure that your guitar doesn’t get damaged along the way.

Just follow my recommended steps to get the most out of your acrylic painting project. Don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your acrylic painting needs. Happy painting!

The post Can You Use Acrylic Paint on a Guitar? appeared first on Acrylic Art World.

So, will acrylic paint kill plants? The answer is no, acrylic paint has a low toxicity level, and is safe to use around plants since it is generally water based. However, it is a great idea to ensure that none of the paint actually touches or stays on the plant itself.

In this article we go over everything you need to know to properly paint your flower pots with acrylic paint. Let’s get to it!

Is Acrylic Paint Toxic to Plants?

When it comes to using acrylic paint, it is important to consider the toxicity of the paint. Acrylic paint is usually not toxic to plants, but you still need to be careful.

Since acrylic paints are water based, that means they don’t essentially harm nearby plants, however, bear in mind that there are certain conditions which can still make them hazardous to surrounding plants.

Acrylic paints are water soluble which means they don’t require the use of chemicals to clean up, rather they can simply be wiped away using water. My top recommend brand is Arteza, because they have a huge variety of colors and styles.

• While Drying: Though these paints have little odor by themselves, they tend to release a small amount of chemical while they are drying. Though this does not have an effect on the plants themselves, having high levels of chemicals in an unventilated room for prolonged periods of time can make a plant sick. Acrylic paints are usually non-toxic, but I always recommend having plenty of air and ventilation when doing a project.

• During Airbrushing and Sanding: If you are using for acrylic paints for sanding and airbrushing projects, the acrylic paint would release a harmful chemical in the air that can pose a threat to plants exposed to it for a longer period of time.

Types of Acrylic Paint for Plants

There are many types of acrylic paints available in the market, with each having a slightly different mark up.

The most common kinds are the water based acrylic paints that are used for everyday projects, such as this one. These are the least harmful to plants as they become increasingly diluted when used, or even in absorbed by plants.

However, there are acrylic paints used by professional artists that have a high level of chemicals such as mercury, cadmium and lead. For such paints, it is strongly advised that they be disposed of with care, as to avoid harming nearby plants. Before painting near or on a plant, make sure to read the label and look out for any toxic chemicals.

Dumping unused paint directly in the ground can have severe effects on the nutrients of the ground, thus effecting the nearby plants. Moreover, it is known that even a small amount of mercury can be seriously damaging to the plant. Exposure to high chemical levels can lead to stunted plant growth.

Plant Exposure to Acrylic Paints

There are many different ways in which plants can be exposed to acrylic paints.

• Indoor Painting: If you have indoor plants, they will be exposed to the air around you. This means that if you happen to use acrylic paints indoors, especially in an unventilated room, the chances are that the strong fumes of the drying paint will make their way to your plants.

• Close Vicinity: If you are painting near plants, there is a chance of you splashing paint directly on the plant itself. If the leaves of your plant are covered with dried acrylic paint, it would reduce the amount of sunlight they receive, thus affecting its overall health. This can also cause that part of the leaf to die off eventually.

• From the Roots: Moreover, if you happen to dump unused acrylic paint directly into the ground, it would expose the roots of your plant to the water soluble acrylic paint nearby. Though the toxicity level is low, a concentrated amount of acrylic paint when slowly absorbed by a plant can harm it.  

Can Spray Paint Kill Plants?

Apart from acrylic paints, you might be wondering if you can spray paint your flower or pots as well. Well, as long as it is done safely, and the spray paint does not get on the plants, it’s definitely way to use.

I always recommend spray painting anything outdoors, in a well ventilated area. If you can, first remove the plant and take our everything from the pot before spraying.

As long as the spray paint doesn’t get on the plants or flowers, they will be fine. Acrylic paints also come in spray bottles as well, which is a nice option if you need to cover a larger area. I recommend Krylon spray paints, since they are very reputable, and have a wide selection of colors.

When spraying your flower pot or vase, you want to first clean and fully dry your pot. If you have an area that you don’t want painted, I recommend putting painters tape over it. For the acrylic color to pop, you will need a primer like this one, to spray on your pot first. After that’s dry, you can spray on your color of choice.

When the acrylic spray paint has fully dried, you will then need to seal it with a varnish. I highly recommend this Krylon Spray Sealant. Speaking from personal experience, it really protects your projects. The sealant will act as a coating to your pots, which will protect it from the rain or any chipping in the future.

Furthermore, the most important reason to seal your pot is when you water your plants, the paint will fall off if it’s not properly sealed, which might be harmful to your plants.

Disposing Acrylic Paint

Though acrylic paint has a low toxicity level, it is a great idea to dispose of it wisely to protect the environment. Check out my other article on How to Dispose Acrylic Paint. It goes over everything you need to know to properly dispose of all sorts of paints.

Some Quick Tips of Disposing Acrylic Paint

• Separate the acrylic paints from the everyday trash, and put it in the ‘toxic’ bin.
• Avoid dumping dissolved acrylic paint directly in the ground. Purchase an acrylic paint hardener before disposing of your paint.
• Avoid using acrylic paints with high lead, mercury, cadmium levels.

Final Thoughts

Acrylic paints, especially the water based kind, are not toxic and can be used around plants safely. However, you should always follow the above mentioned care steps, and remember to use the paints in a ventilated room.

Don’t forget to check out my Recommended Products Page for all you acrylic painting needs. Happy Painting!

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