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Acrylic Paint Essentials - Our Top 20 Picks for Any Artist
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Acrylic Paint Essentials - Our Top 20 Picks for Any Artist

Acrylic Paint Essentials: Our Top 20 Picks for Any Artist

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Acrylic paint is a versatile and widely used medium for creating stunning artwork, and in this roundup, we'll be exploring some of the best options available on the market. From beginner-friendly sets to professional-grade paints, we've got you covered with an in-depth analysis and comparisons of top acrylic paints to help you make the best choice for your next project.

As an Amazon Associate I receive compensation from qualified purchases!

Reviews

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Apple Barrel's Country Grey Matte Acrylic Paint is a versatile and high-quality choice for crafters of all levels. Its easy-to-use formula glides on smoothly and dries quickly, leaving a matte finish that is perfect for various surfaces such as wood, terra cotta, and even plastic. The paint also boasts excellent coverage, meaning fewer coats are needed, and non-toxic properties, making it a safe option for everyone involved in the crafting process.

Clean-up is a breeze with soap and water, while the vibrant color and smooth application are sure to impress and add a touch of charm to any project. Although the paint might not work well for some users who have experienced lifting issues with previous coats, the overall experience of using Apple Barrel's Country Grey Matte Acrylic Paint is a satisfying and enjoyable one.

In conclusion, this paint is an excellent addition to any crafter's collection. Its versatility, ease of use, and beautiful finish make it a go-to choice for a wide range of projects.

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Hey there, I have been using the Shuttle Art Color Change Acrylic Paint Set lately, and it's been quite a fascinating experience. This set comes with 16 different colors that are color-shifting, which means they change color depending on the light, angle, and background. It's like a magical paint set that adds a shimmery metallic finish to your artwork, making it all the more special.

I particularly loved the fact that these paints are non-toxic, which makes them perfect for artists, beginners, and even kids. Plus, they work well on both black and white surfaces, adding that extra pop of color. The paints are also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about any smudging or smearing while working on your masterpiece.

One of the coolest things about this set is the rich pigment in each color. They have an iridescent effect with a shimmery metallic finish that really stands out. The 60ml/2oz bottles are easy to handle and perfect for small projects.

However, there is one thing that I would like to point out - these paints can be a bit tricky to mix. Since they are so rich in pigment, it can be challenging to get the exact shade you want by simply adding a bit of this or that. But once you get the hang of it, it's a breeze.

Overall, the Shuttle Art Color Change Acrylic Paint Set has been a fun and creative addition to my daily life. The color-shifting feature really makes my artwork pop, and the non-toxic aspect gives me peace of mind when my kids are using them. A must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of magic to their art!

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The Faber-Castell Acrylic Paint Set offers a mix of 12 vibrant, intermixable colors perfect for artists of all skill levels. With a user-friendly creamy consistency, this set ensures smooth application and allows for easy correction of mistakes. Ideal for a wide range of applications, from canvas to paper, this versatile paint set comes with a swatch card for your own color chart experiments.

Its lightfast, water-resistant colors are perfect for a variety of creative endeavors. Faber-Castell, an esteemed name in the artist tool industry since 1761, delivers top-notch quality and versatility with its Acrylic Paints.

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Discover the joys of acrylic painting with Shuttle Art's extensive 36-color set. With rich, non-toxic pigments, this paint set offers a wide range of surfaces to explore, from canvas and leather to wood and ceramic. The 2-ounce bottles come with accompanying brushes and a palette, making it an ideal choice for both budding artists and experienced painters.

Conforming to U. S. ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3, you can rest assured that this set is safe and secure for all ages.

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Introducing the Shuttle Art 18 colors acrylic paint set from trusted manufacturer Shuttle Art. This versatile paint set features 18 commonly used colors, each containing 240ml/8.12oz of paint, making it perfect for artists, beginners, kids, and adults alike. The acrylic paints in this set provide bright, vibrant colors with a thick, creamy texture and remarkable consistency. They effortlessly mix and blend for the creation of an array of new colors, all while offering excellent coverage with minimal paint usage.

Another advantage of these acrylic paints is their fast drying time and the ability to adhere well to various surfaces, such as glass, rocks, nails, walls, canvas, leather, ceramic, wood, clay, and craft items. Suitable for art enthusiasts, professional artists, and students alike, this non-toxic, high-quality paint set is an exceptional value for the price. With a user rating of 4.7 and 6 reviews, the Shuttle Art 18 colors acrylic paint set is an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting, fade-proof acrylic paint solution.

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When I first opened the Shuttle Art 48 Pack Acrylic Paint Set, I was blown away by the array of bright, vibrant colors. The thick, creamy texture of the paint made it a joy to work with on various surfaces, just as advertised. The paint set includes all the essential accessories, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced artists.

One of the things that stood out to me was the non-toxic nature of the paints, making this set a great choice for kids and those who prefer eco-friendly products. However, I did find that the paint set could have included more colors to offer a wider range of options.

Overall, this set is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of acrylic paints, offering high-quality paints and a complete set of accessories. With its bright colors and non-toxic formula, it's a perfect gift for artists, friends, and even kids who love to create.

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Discover the perfect paint set for your wargaming adventures with the Game Color Introduction Paint Set. Featuring 16 water-based acrylic paints, each color comes in a convenient 17ml eyedropper bottle that reduces the mess and allows for precise application. These non-toxic and non-flammable paints are suitable for painting figures from various genres, including Warhammer and D&D miniatures.

One of the standout features of Game Color is its versatility. The paints can be diluted with water, allowing for easy mixing and blending of colors. The acrylic formula ensures that your paints will dry permanently, making it perfect for creating intricate and detailed miniatures.

However, be warned that the Game Color set may not be the best option for those who prefer a matte finish, as some paint colors have a tendency to dry shiny or glossy. Despite this minor issue, the overall quality and variety of colors in this set make it a must-have for wargamers and figure painters alike.

In summary, the Game Color Introduction Paint Set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their wargaming and miniature painting experience. With its non-toxic, water-based formula and extensive color range, you'll find everything you need to bring your figures to life!

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I recently discovered the Shuttle Art Color Change Acrylic Paints, and I must say I'm thoroughly impressed. These vibrant paints have given my artwork a whole new dimension, thanks to their iridescent effect. Each bottle contains 20 unique colors that blend seamlessly, making it easy to create mesmerizing hues that catch the eye. But the best part? The colors change depending on the light, background, and angle of observation. It's like magic in a bottle!

These paints are perfect for those who value consistency and quality, as they have a strong coverage with a little paint. They're also non-toxic and acid-free, a plus for households with little artists or sensitive surfaces. What I also appreciate is the versatility of these paints; they can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, from walls to rocks, and even ceramics and leather.

However, I did notice that these paints tend to dry quite quickly, so it's essential to work with them when they're still wet. Apart from that minor downside, there's not much I can fault about these Shuttle Art Color Change Acrylic Paints. They've elevated my artworks to a whole new level, and I can't imagine going back to using regular paints again!

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Shuttle Art's Acrylic Paint set comes with twelve vibrant colors, each in a generous 16-ounce bottle. Perfect for artists of all levels, these paints offer rich pigments that deliver bright colors with a creamy texture and excellent consistency.

They also mix well to produce more colors and provide great coverage with minimal paint usage. Versatile in purpose, the acrylic paints dry quickly, adhering well to various surfaces such as glass, wood, nails, walls, canvas, leather, ceramic, and clay. Non-toxic and certified, they comply with ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards, making them safe for everyone.

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This Acrylic Paint Value Pack is an all-purpose set perfect for a variety of craft projects. With its smooth and even application, it covers in just one or two coats and dries quickly to a soft matte finish. This versatile paint features an assortment of classic colors, making it ideal for general arts and crafts, stenciling, ceramics, school projects, home decorating, and decorative painting.

The water-based paint adheres to most surfaces, is intermixable and fast-drying, and cleans up easily with soap and water.

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The Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set is an essential tool for anyone looking to unleash their creativity in various home projects and arts and crafts. With 18 vivid colors, this acrylic paint set transforms every surface into a masterpiece, suitable for use on wood, Styrofoam, plaster, and terra cotta, among others. The paint glides on smoothly and dries effortlessly, providing excellent coverage and staying vibrant for days.

While I appreciate the quick-drying feature, it can be slightly daunting for those who prefer a more leisurely painting pace. However, this can be easily rectified with some patience and practice. The affordability of this set makes it a must-have for any aspiring crafter or artist, and the variety of colors available ensures that there is a shade to fit every creative endeavor.

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As an aspiring painter, I was thrilled to get my hands on this comprehensive acrylic painting set. The 66-piece kit truly has everything I need, from a foldable wooden easel to an assortment of paint brushes and palettes. The high-quality artist grade acrylic paints have a thick and creamy texture that yields vibrant colors and a consistent flow.

One of the features that really stood out to me was the set's durability - the foldable wooden easel, reusable brushes, and mixing palettes make this set a reliable choice for years of painting sessions. Not only is the acrylic paint set non-toxic and acid-free, but it conforms to U. S. ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 standards, making it a safe option for all ages.

The complete kit is perfect for both beginners and professional artists. The assortment of multi-size, shaped paint brushes and art knives provide countless possibilities for creative expression. The adjustable wooden easel is especially helpful in making the painting process much more professional and comfortable.

As someone who appreciates practicality, I loved that the set includes a water-proof art apron that protects my clothes from any accidental spills or splashes. This acrylic paint set truly has all the tools and accessories needed, making it an ideal gift choice for those who share my passion for art. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with this 66-piece acrylic painting set and can't wait to use it to explore my artistic side further.

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One day, I stumbled upon a model paint set called Model Color, and it grabbed my attention with its bright range of colors. I was particularly intrigued by the fact that these paints were formulated for brush application on miniatures and models made of resin, plastic, or metal. I was eager to try them out and see if they'd stand up to their claims.

After getting my hands on the set, I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth and even coverage that the colors provided. The paint was highly pigmented and dried without leaving any visible brush strokes. I also appreciated that the paints were easy to mix with one another, allowing for a virtually endless range of colors.

One thing that I noticed, however, was that some of the colors seemed to lack opacity, requiring more coats to achieve a desirable level of coverage. Additionally, I found that applying a primer coat beforehand provided a better bond and smoother finish overall.

Another aspect of the Model Color set that I enjoyed was its packaging—the paint came in convenient, easy-to-handle bottles. I also liked that the paint was water-based, making cleaning up a breeze with just plain water.

All in all, my experience with the Model Color Basic Colors USA Paint Set (16) has been mostly positive. The paint is highly pigmented, covers well, and dries with a smooth finish. The set's mixability and versatility make it a great choice for model painting enthusiasts. While some colors may require more coats for optimal coverage, the pros of using this set far outweigh the cons.

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The Vallejo Transparent Set offers a wide range of captivating colors, perfect for creating stunning effects in your models. With options like Smoke, Wood Grain, Natural Wood Grain, Transparent Yellow, and Transparent Blue, you'll have the freedom to let your creativity run wild.

The Acrylic Paint is specifically designed for hobby detail painting, ensuring smooth and uniform coverage. Despite not being entirely transparent, the set remains an excellent choice for a variety of applications, including miniature model painting. Users praise its vibrant colors and convenient collection, making it a must-have addition to your painting supplies.

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The Citadel Layer Paint White Scar is a versatile and high-quality acrylic paint specifically designed for modelers. Formulated for creating crisp highlights and building layers, this water-based paint is perfect for enhancing the details of your figurines.

The paint can be applied using a brush, and it's compatible with Citadel Base paints for a seamless transition between layers. With a non-toxic and odorless formula, this 12ml bottle of paint is ready for artistic use on various surfaces.

However, some users have reported a lumpy texture upon first use, affecting the smoothness of application.

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FolkArt Acrylic Paint has been a reliable go-to for me in my painting projects. The rich, creamy consistency allows for exceptional blending and shading, ensuring a smooth finish on various surfaces like wood, paper, and canvas. One of the highlights for me is that they offer vibrant and vivid colors that stay true to the bottle, making it easy to mix and create my desired palette.

While the drying time may vary depending on the thickness of the application, I appreciate that it's a non-toxic, water-based formula which is great for both beginners and experts. The eco-friendly aspect of the paint has also been a positive addition to my crafting routine.

However, one downside I've noticed is that the packaging can sometimes be challenging, especially when the plastic shield around the cap is difficult to remove. Despite this small issue, FolkArt Acrylic Paint continues to be a reliable and versatile option for my projects.

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Fevicryl Acrylic Colors, Sunflower Kit, offers a vibrant collection of 10 shades that are both bright and translucent. These paints provide full color intensity with a beautiful transparency, making them perfect for various creative projects. With their easy application, children can easily express their creativity on various surfaces, not just glass, making this a versatile and fun product for them.

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I recently tried the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, and it's been a game-changer for me. The product comes with a whopping 30 vibrant colors, each tube containing 12ml (0.4 oz) of paint filled with rich pigments. As a professional artist, I truly appreciate the color range, and the bonus 3 free paint brushes were a nice touch.

One thing that stood out to me is how easily the paint goes on different surfaces - canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, clay, walls, nails, and more. The paint dries incredibly fast, which is perfect for me as I love to create artworks quickly.

However, I must say that the packaging could use some improvement. One of the tubes was empty, which kind of dampened my overall experience. But don't let this deter you - this set has so much potential, and I've been using it for both my own art and teaching my granddaughter the joys of painting.

Overall, I'd highly recommend the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set to anyone looking for a great range of colors, easy mixability, and a versatile paint that's perfect for both kids and adults. Just be prepared to check the tubes before using them, and you'll be good to go!

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As a budding artist, I recently decided to try out the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set. With its variety of vibrant colors, I was excited to unleash my creativity and experiment with different art projects.

One feature that stood out to me was the versatility of these paints. They're perfect for a range of surfaces - from canvas to ceramic, glass to leather, and even wood and clay. This made them an excellent choice for my wide-ranging crafting interests.

Another positive aspect was the pigmentation. Each color was rich and provided great coverage, meaning fewer layers were needed for a flawless finish. The consistency was also smooth, making it easy to mix and layer colors.

However, a minor downside was the drying time. While the paints dried quickly, they sometimes left a faint residue that needed to be cleaned up. Nonetheless, this didn't distract me from the overall positive experience.

And let's not forget the packaging. It was neatly boxed, perfect for a gift or keeping on hand for whenever inspiration struck.

In conclusion, the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced artists. The wide variety of colors, rich pigmentation, and smooth consistency make it a joy to use. Despite the slight issue with residue, the pros far outweigh the cons. I look forward to using these paints in my future art projects!

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Bring your role-playing adventures to life with the Gamemaster Character Starter Paint Set. This comprehensive set includes 5 highly detailed snap-fit miniatures, a Starter Brush, and a variety of essential Warpaints. With these vibrant colors, you'll quickly transform your characters into brave heroes and fearsome dragons.

The set also includes a 12 ml Brush-on Primer, perfect for preparing your minis for painting. Beginners can refer to the included beginner's guide for helpful tips. The Gamemaster Character Starter Paint Set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their role-playing experience with stunning, hand-painted miniatures.

Buyer's Guide

Acrylic paint has gained popularity over the years due to its versatility, durability, and wide range of color options. It's a great choice for both beginners and experienced artists looking for a high-quality paint. This buyer's guide will provide you with essential information to help you make the right decision when choosing an acrylic paint.

Important Features

When choosing acrylic paint, consider the following features to ensure you select the best product for your needs:

  1. Viscosity: Thick paints are suitable for heavy brushwork, while thinner paints work well for detailed work and washes. Choose the viscosity that best suits your painting style. 2) Drying Time: Acrylic paint dries quickly, but the drying time may vary depending on the specific product. If you prefer to work quickly, choose a paint with a shorter drying time. 3) Pigment Concentration: High-quality acrylic paint has high pigment concentration, resulting in richer and more vibrant colors. Low-quality paint may have a chalky or pastel finish.
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Factors to Consider

Consider the following factors when choosing acrylic paint:

  1. Intended Use: Determine the type of project you'll be working on, such as canvas, wood, or metal. The paint's adhesion and durability may vary based on the surface. 2) Price: Acrylic paint is available in a wide range of prices. While more expensive paint may have superior quality, lower-priced paint can still provide excellent results.

General Advice

Here is some general advice for working with acrylic paint:

  1. Proper Preparation: Acrylic paint adheres best to clean, dry surfaces. Prepare your canvas or other surface accordingly. 2) Experimentation: Acrylic paint is highly versatile. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques, tools, and mediums. 3) Storage: Acrylic paint can degrade over time, so store it in a cool, dark, and dry place. Use an airtight container to maintain its quality.
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Preparation Tips

For best results, consider the following preparation tips:

  1. Thin the Paint: Acrylic paint is known for its thick consistency. To achieve a smoother finish, thin the paint with water or an acrylic medium. 2) Use the Right Brush: Acrylic paint adheres well to synthetic brushes. Avoid using natural bristle brushes as they may absorb water and interfere with the paint's adhesion.

FAQ

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What types of acrylic paint are available?

Acrylic paints come in various forms, including traditional, heavy body, open, fluid, and pourable. Traditional acrylics have high pigment concentration and provide vibrant colors. Heavy body acrylics offer more opaque coverage and are great for blending. Open acrylics provide a transparent finish and are ideal for creating glazes and washes. Fluid and pourable acrylics allow for smooth application and can create unique textures and effects.

Choosing the right type of acrylic paint depends on the artist's preference, the desired effect, and the painting technique used. It is essential to consider the paint's consistency, coverage, and drying time before making a purchase to ensure it aligns with the artist's needs and goals for their artwork.

What are the benefits of using acrylic paint?

Acrylic paint offers several advantages over other painting mediums. Firstly, it dries quickly, allowing artists to work on multiple sections of a painting simultaneously. This makes it a popular choice for speed painting or when working on large-scale projects. Additionally, acrylic paint is versatile and can be used on various surfaces, including canvas, wood, paper, and even fabric.

Acrylic paint is also water-soluble, making it easy to clean up and safe to use around children. It can be thinned with water to create a watercolor-like effect or thickened with a medium to achieve a heavy body consistency. Another benefit of acrylic paint is its archival quality, meaning it will not fade or deteriorate over time if properly sealed and displayed.

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What should I consider when choosing the right acrylic paint?

When selecting an acrylic paint, consider the following factors: the type of paint, its consistency, coverage, and drying time. Think about the desired outcome and the techniques you'll be using in your artwork. For example, if you prefer heavy body paint for blending, choose a heavy body acrylic. If you want a transparent finish, opt for open or fluid acrylics. Additionally, consider the paint's compatibility with your preferred painting surface.

Another important factor is the paint's pigmentation and color options. Research the manufacturer's pigment quality and color palette to ensure the paint will deliver the desired results. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from artists or art supply stores to help make an informed decision.

How do I clean my acrylic paint brushes?

Cleaning acrylic paint brushes is relatively simple. Begin by rinsing the bristles under lukewarm water to remove most of the paint. Then, apply a mild dishwashing liquid or brush cleaner to the bristles and work it into a lather. Gently agitate the bristles to remove any remaining paint. Rinse the brush thoroughly under lukewarm water, and repeat the process if necessary.

After cleaning, shape the bristles back into a point and let them air dry on a paper towel or a dedicated brush holder. Avoid exposing the bristles to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the paint to harden and damage the brush over time. Properly cleaned and stored brushes can maintain their shape and last for an extended period, ensuring optimal performance for future painting sessions.

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What are some acrylic painting techniques I can try?

Acrylics offer a wide range of techniques that can help artists achieve various effects in their artwork. Some popular techniques include impasto, glazing, and dry brushing. Impasto is a textured application method that creates depth and dimension by applying thick layers of paint to the canvas. Glazing involves applying thin layers of transparent or semi-transparent paint on top of previously dried layers to create a glass-like appearance.

Dry brushing is a technique in which the brush is loaded with paint and then wiped clean on a paper towel or palette before applying it to the canvas. This results in a subtle, textured effect that can add depth and interest to a painting. Other techniques to try include splattering, stippling, and using stencils or masks to create precise patterns and designs. Experimenting with different techniques will help artists discover their unique style and expand their skills as a painter.

What is acrylic gouache, and how is it different from regular acrylic paint?

Acrylic gouache is a type of opaque, thickened acrylic paint that mimics the characteristics of traditional gouache. Gouache is a traditional water-based paint that has a matte, opaque finish and is often used for illustration, graphic design, or creating poster art. Acrylic gouache combines the vibrancy and versatility of regular acrylic paint with the opaque coverage of gouache, offering a unique option for artists seeking a more saturated, matte finish.

The main difference between acrylic gouache and regular acrylic paint lies in its consistency and opacity. Acrylic gouache has a thicker, more paste-like consistency that allows for heavy coverage and bold colors. Its matte finish also sets it apart from traditional acrylics, which typically have a glossier appearance. Some artists may prefer acrylic gouache for specific projects or techniques, while others may find regular acrylics more suitable for their artistic needs.

As an Amazon Associate I receive compensation from qualified purchases!

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