Avid painters can vouch that acrylic paint can be used to create mesmerizing artwork that impresses even the toughest of critics. This fast-drying pigment is undeniably a staple in any artist’s arsenal. Needless to say, there is a treasure trove of variety when it comes to this category and professional painters don’t just buy the first acrylic paint brand they see! Every stroke on canvas matters and the wrong brand can look ‘off’, ultimately, compromising the aesthetic of your paintings.
Regardless, being careful while choosing acrylic paint shouldn’t just be reserved for experts. If you’re a budding artist without much experience, this buying guide can help you make the right decision.
Why should you use the best acrylic paint available on the market?
Little do most people know that there are plenty of valid reasons why you should choose acrylic paint over other varieties. Not all paints are made alike, some are simply superior to others. Naturally, you need something that accurately reflects your amazing skills on canvas. While your artistic vision can be brought to life with oils as well, acrylics just bring that extra wow factor you shouldn’t miss out
They aren’t hazardous
If you’ve ever read the label on oil paints, you already know that they’re riddled with toxic chemicals no human should be exposed to in cramped spaces. This is another reason why artists prefer painting in nature even when the latter is the last thing they’re replicating. It isn’t just about the scenery, it’s about staying safe.
They’re easy to use
Whether you’re an amateur or an expert painter, acrylic paints will never give you a headache like their oil-based counterpart. That’s because acrylics don’t require additional mixing materials and hence, your budget for supplies doesn’t have to be extravagant at all!
Layering doesn’t take too long
An amazing masterpiece requires multiple strokes on top of each other. It is with this dedicated layering technique that you can create a truly eye-catchy painting. And acrylic paints pave the way for quick layering that doesn’t disappoint.
They’re surface friendly
Who says that you can only paint on canvas? That’s one of the most basic ways to showcase your skills! Artists don’t need to be put into a box where their creativity is limited to just a few surfaces. The best acrylic paint varieties allow you to color over practically anything! This is a far stretch from oil paints as they’re not suitable for a lot of surfaces.
Things to consider before buying the best acrylic paints
Now that you know why you should buy acrylic paint, you’re probably thinking about what to buy. There are a plethora of options out there and not all of them are worth your money. Just like anything else, going wrong with acrylic paint isn’t that difficult. This is especially true for newbies who don’t have enough experience to differentiate between the best and the worst. However, since you’re eager to make the right choice, be sure to pay attention to these.
Consistency
While most acrylics are thick and easy to glide, there can be slight variances in the consistency which can make a noticeable difference. If you’re someone who prefers a lighter texture, the best acrylic paint for you will come in a jar. Typically, acrylic paint comes in two standard varieties, one in a tube and the other in a jar. The latter includes more quantity of lighter consistency paint. On the other hand, tubes have a thicker product. If you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks, buy a jar. It will last longer and you’ll probably find it easy to use the paint.
Time to dry
Some of the best quality acrylic paints can dry incredibly quickly ridding an artist of the hassle of slow-drying oil paints. However, nobody wants clumps of hard paint on their brush as soon as it's exposed to air. If you like to take your time with layering and don’t care much for the paint drying fast, buy varieties that have retardants in them. These are specially formulated acrylics that stay wet to touch longer than usual.
Colors
While this might sound like a no-brainer, choosing the right colors is a very important part of your overall decision. This is automatically determined by your experience as a painter. If you’re new to the scene, start with a set of basic colors. Remember, you can always mix them to create unique hues. As a professional artist, you already know how color coding in the acrylic world works so you can buy the shades you like. Regardless, there’s no point in buying a set with painfully similar hues. Now, that’s just money down the drain.
Quality
Quality, colors, and prices are all interconnected. Your quest to find the best acrylic paint can be simplified by a single metric. There are two primary quality standards, one dedicated to artists and the other to students. The latter is used to label products that are specifically curated for amateur artists. Naturally, the student variety is cheaper, with less pigment and also fewer color variations. At the same time, the artist’s quality has more of everything!
FAQs
How do I alter the consistency of acrylic paint?
Everybody’s definition of the best acrylic paint is different. However, if you’re stuck with a variety that’s too thick for your liking, the easiest way to change that is by mixing it with some water.
My acrylic paint dries almost instantly, what do I do?
A better idea to solve this problem would be to buy slow-drying paint with retardants. Regardless, you can always make do with what you have by keeping a spray bottle close by. Every time you feel that the paint is drying too fast, simply spritz some water on the canvas and you’ll be good to go.
Can I buy acrylic paint online?
Yes, absolutely. Simply head over to Amazon and you’ll have hundreds of brand choices to choose from.
What is the best acrylic paint brand for amateur artists?
There is no one answer to this question as there are multiple student quality varieties in the market. A great idea would be to look for the highest user-generated reviews to make your selection.