How to Paint with Acrylics: A Practical Guide
Learn how to paint with acrylics—from supplies and surface prep to layering techniques and finishing touches. This practical, beginner-friendly guide covers setup, color mixing, and simple projects to build confidence.
With acrylics, you can start fast and cleanly. This guide shows how to paint with acrylics from prep to final detailing: selecting affordable supplies, prepping your surface, mixing color, layering, and cleanup. You’ll get a practical, step-by-step approach that keeps pigments vibrant and brushes in good condition while avoiding common beginners’ pitfalls.
What is acrylic painting and why it's beginner-friendly
If you're curious how to paint with acrylics, this beginner-friendly guide covers steps, supplies, and techniques. Acrylic paints dry quickly, are water-soluble when wet, and clean up with soap and water, making them ideal for beginners. According to PaintQuickGuide, acrylics combine the brightness of watercolors with the versatility of oils while remaining forgiving for beginners who want real pigment without long drying times. In practice, acrylics sit on top of surfaces rather than sinking in, which speeds up the learning process and reduces frustration. This section explains what acrylics are, how they behave on common surfaces (canvas, wood, primed board), and why they’re a practical starting point for home projects and car refinishing experiments. You’ll also learn about acrylic vs. other media so you can decide if this is the right medium for your next project.
Choosing the right acrylics and supplies
Your first decision is between student-grade and artist-grade paints. Student-grade sets are typically more affordable and offer good color coverage, while artist-grade tubes have higher pigment concentration and lightfastness. For beginners, a small set of primary colors plus black and white can cover a wide range of mixes. In addition to paints, you’ll need brushes (assorted synthetic sizes 4, 8, and 12), a mixing palette, water containers, masking tape, a rag or paper towels for blotting, and a primed surface such as a prepared canvas or mixed media paper. Optional items include a retarder medium to extend drying time in hot environments, and a varnish for finishing. Plan for low-to-mid-range costs to start, with room to upgrade as your skills grow.
Surface prep and priming
A smooth, properly primed surface helps acrylics adhere and prevents peeling or cracking. If you’re painting on wood, lightly sand to create a tooth, then apply a primer or gesso. For canvas, ensure it is primed and stretched; for paper, use high-quality heavy-stock with a coating suitable for acrylics. Tape edges to keep clean borders and protect the painting from accidental moisture. Allow any primer or gesso to dry completely before you start laying color. Priming creates a predictable surface that can take multiple layers without the paint sinking in.
Color mixing and palette planning
A well-planned palette saves time and reduces muddy mixtures. Start with a limited set: primary red, blue, yellow, plus white and black. Learn to mix warm and cool versions of each hue, and keep a color wheel handy to guide decisions. Acrylics dry quickly, so plan your washes and glazes in layers rather than trying to achieve deep tones all at once. Use a separate tray for clean color and consider a small amount of medium to alter flow and drying time when needed.
Techniques to master: layering, blending, glazing, textures
Layering builds depth in acrylic painting. Begin with light underpainting or block-in shapes, then progressively add mid-tones and shadows. Blending can be achieved while colors are still wet, or by feathering edges with a dry brush. Glazing—thin, transparent layers of color—adds richness without overpowering underlying tones. To create texture, try dry brushing, scrubbing, or adding impasto with a palette knife. Keep brushes clean and work in values (lights to darks) to preserve form.
Composition and planning your painting
Good composition guides the viewer’s eye and provides a clear focal point. Start with a simple rule of thirds layout or a strong horizon line for landscapes. Sketch lightly or use a colored underpainting to map major shapes before applying color. Consider foreground, middle ground, and background separation to create depth. Think about light source, rhythm, and balance to avoid flat or crowded panels.
A simple project outline to practice
Follow a mini-project to apply concepts: a small still-life study of a cup and fruit or a simple landscape with a sky and hill. Step one, sketch the scene lightly. Step two, block in the main shapes with a neutral base wash. Step three, layer color in thin washes to establish form and shadow. Step four, add highlights and refine edges. Step five, let it dry and assess for final tweaks. This keeps the process approachable while reinforcing layering and color control.
Troubleshooting, drying times, and cleanup
Acrylics dry fast, which can be beneficial but challenging if you overwork a area. Use a retarder or mist the palette with water to extend working time in warm environments. Avoid over-thinning with water, which can reduce color strength. Clean brushes promptly with soap and water; reshape bristles while damp. When finished, seal your surface with a varnish only after the painting is fully dry. Store paints upright to prevent pigment separation.
Practice routines and next steps
Set a modest weekly practice plan: 2 sessions of 45–60 minutes focusing on a single technique, then a longer project every other week. Gradually expand your palette and surfaces, perhaps trying mixed media on sturdy paper or canvas. Review your work with a critical eye, noting where values, edges, and color transitions could improve. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become with composition, brushwork, and color control.
Tools & Materials
- Acrylic paints (student-grade recommended for budget)(Begin with a small set; add colors as needed)
- Assorted brushes (synthetic, sizes 4, 8, 12)(Include a flat and a round brush)
- Palette or mixing tray(Use a surface easy to clean)
- Water containers (2)(One for rinsing brushes, one for clean water)
- Primed surface (canvas, primed board, or acrylic paper)(Ensure surface is prepped and dry)
- Gesso or primer (if not using ready-primed surfaces)(Creates a tooth for paint)
- Masking tape(Clean edges and borders)
- Rags or paper towels(For blotting and cleanup)
- Acrylic medium or flow improver(Alters flow and drying time)
- Varnish or acrylic sealer(Finish once paint is completely dry)
- Spray bottle with water(Keep colors workable in hot environments)
Steps
Estimated time: 90 minutes
- 1
Set up your workspace
Prepare a clean, well-lit area. Lay down a drop cloth, arrange brushes, paints, and water containers within easy reach. Gather paper towels for quick cleanup and ensure ventilation when using any mediums.
Tip: Create a dedicated space for acrylics to keep spills contained and brushes from drying out between sessions. - 2
Prime and prep your surface
If necessary, apply a thin layer of gesso or primer to your surface and let it dry completely. A well-prepared surface improves paint adhesion and prevents irregular absorption.
Tip: Lightly sand between coats of primer if you see any texture; wipe away dust before starting. - 3
Block in the composition
Sketch the main shapes with a light color or pencil. Block in large areas of color to establish the layout and value relationships before refining details.
Tip: Keep the initial colors relatively muted to allow later glazes to adjust value and mood. - 4
Build color with thin layers
Apply color in thin layers, letting each layer dry before adding the next. Build depth through value changes rather than attempting heavy color in a single pass.
Tip: Use a soft brush for smooth edges and a dry brush for textures. - 5
Refine edges and add highlights
Introduce highlights and sharper edges with smaller brushes. Check light direction and adjust contrasts to create depth.
Tip: Keep highlights slightly brighter than the surrounding area to avoid a flat look. - 6
Finalize and clean up
Let the painting dry fully, then evaluate for final tweaks. Clean brushes thoroughly and store materials properly to extend their life.
Tip: Document the palette used for future reference and consistency in future pieces.
Your Questions Answered
What surfaces can I paint acrylics on?
Acrylics work on canvas, wood, paper, and primed boards. Start with a stretched canvas or primed panel for best adhesion, and always prime porous surfaces to prevent paint from soaking in.
Acrylics can be painted on canvas, wood, and primed surfaces. Begin with a prepared surface for the best results.
Should I water down acrylics?
Water can thin acrylics, but excessive thinning weakens pigment strength and adhesion. Use a dedicated acrylic medium to adjust flow instead.
You can thin acrylics with water, but don’t overdo it. An acrylic medium works better for changing flow and drying time.
Do I need varnish?
Varnish protects the finished painting and can enhance color. Wait until the work is completely dry before applying.
Yes, varnish protects your painting after it's fully dry.
What’s the difference between student and artist acrylics?
Student-grade paints are cheaper with good coverage, while artist-grade offers higher pigment concentration and lightfastness for longevity.
Artist-grade paints have stronger pigments and better color longevity.
How long does acrylic paint take to dry?
Dry times vary with thickness and conditions but are typically minutes to an hour for thin layers.
Drying is usually fast—minutes for thin layers, longer for thicker areas.
Can I mix acrylics with oil paints?
Merging acrylics with oils isn’t advised; they require different binders and drying times. Use acrylics for projects requiring quick turnaround.
Mixing acrylics with oils isn’t recommended because they dry differently.
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Quick Summary
- Prepare a clean, well-lit workspace
- Start with a limited palette and plan values
- Layer colors thinly for depth and control
- Let each layer dry before adding more
- Finish with proper varnish after full drying
