When it comes to hobby paints for both children and adults, there's no doubt that acrylic paints are the most popular choice. That's why we have a huge and exciting range in all colours and from the best manufacturers in all price ranges. That means you're sure to find something for all ages and budgets in our selection.
Here you can read more about what you can paint with acrylic paint and what's good to know before you start painting on canvases or figures.
What is acrylic paint?
Acrylic paint is the cheapest form of craft paint on the market and also the easiest to work with. It differs from oil paints, for example, in that it is easier to clean off and quicker to dry. However, the two types of paint - like all other types - are made up of the same three main components:
- Glue
- Pigment
- Solvent
Although the different types of paint are made up of the same three components, there is a big difference in the properties the paint acquires when it is fully mixed. To give a better overview, it can be broken down as follows:
Glue
The glue is what makes sure the paint binds to the canvas, doesn't peel and holds the pigments together. Of course, the type of glue used varies, but the effect and purpose are the same.
Pigment
Pigments are what give paint its colour. The pigments are powdered before being mixed with the other components to create the paint you can buy from us.
Solvent
It is this substance in different forms that gives the finished paint its properties and the substance therefore varies according to the properties desired from the paint. When it comes to acrylic paint, it's all about in the paint must dry quickly, have a durable surface and be able to be cleaned off the skin relatively easily.
How do you paint with acrylic paint?
The most common way to paint with acrylic paint is to paint on a canvas of either wood, cotton or linen. If you are using a cheap hobby paint, it may be best to use the cheaper cotton canvases. The more expensive artists' paints can be used on linen canvases, which are generally more expensive but also give a stronger and more durable result.
When painting with acrylic paints, you can use a variety of brushes, sponges, spatulas or other tools to create textures and different surfaces.
Besides that, you can also use different painting techniques with liquid acrylic paint:
Dilute your craft paint
If you want to have a less colour-intensive paint or make your paint more transparent, you can choose to dilute it. It is not recommended to use water for this, as it will reduce the paint's ability to bond to the canvas and cause it to slip or crack.
You can use either varnish or another transparent medium designed to bond to the same surfaces as your paint. You may want to experiment with cheap acrylic paints before plunging into expensive colours.
Thicken your paint
If you want to create a thicker, more malleable paint that lends itself well to spatula painting, you can use a medium that makes the paint thicker. The most commonly used medium is some kind of thick paste or powder that is mixed into the paint. Only very small amounts are needed so that it doesn't go in and dull the colour of the paint.
How do you get started with acrylic paints?
We have lots of different brands and acrylic paint kits to get you started exploring the many possibilities acrylic paint has to offer.
A really good starting point is to start with just 4 colours, which can form the basis for the whole rainbow while you find out if creative acrylic painting is for you.
The four colours you can start with are
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
- White
The first three colours are what are known as the primary colours, and you can't mix them, but you can mix the whole rainbow by using the three in different mixing ratios;
- Red + yellow = orange
- Yellow + blue = green
- Blue + red = purple
- Red + yellow + blue = brown
You may want to buy the four colours in larger cans so you have the opportunity to experiment and try them out. In addition to the primary colours, you can use the white to lighten the colours and create pastels.
You may be lucky to find great acrylic paint deals, but there's no need to wait, because with us you'll always find the best prices on the best products in all price ranges.
Where can you paint with acrylic paint?
In the movies, all the great artists stand at canvases in their atals and paint - but it doesn't have to be that tricky.
You can easily find several good easels in our range, both to stand on the floor and to stand on the table, but you can also put your canvas on the floor or on the table.
The most important thing is to make sure you cover the surface and floor well when you paint so that no paint gets on the floor, table or clothes.
On the table, it's a good idea to use an old wax cloth for creative work, while the floor can easily be covered with masking tape or cardboard. If you have children involved, you can find aprons, gloves and kits to protect their clothes and hands.
In other words, with the right covering, you can paint right where you want.
Can you paint on anything other than canvas with acrylic paint?
Acrylics in particular are a very versatile form of craft paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces, making them ideal for creating art on alternative surfaces or just painting fun projects with the kids.
In our range, you'll find lots of cute cardboard and wooden characters that are perfect for adding some colour with acrylic paint. They're fun to make and make great gifts for parents and grandparents alike. These surfaces are really good to paint on and can keep the colour for a long time because it binds to the rough materials.
Acrylic paint on glass is another thing that is really popular. You can save small glass jars from jam, beets and the like and use them as cute lanterns and candle holders if you paint them on the inside with acrylic paint. When you get tired of the colours, just soak the jars in warm water and the paint will slide off - this applies to all smooth surfaces, including glazed porcelain and glass.
Is acrylic paint toxic?
There are very strict rules about what products such as acrylic paint can contain when it comes to harmful substances and chemicals, so you shouldn't worry about using this type of hobby paint either as an adult or with children.
To make a comparison, professional body painters also use acrylic paints for their artworks, which are painted directly on the whole or large parts of the body.
In addition, we are always very careful when selecting the products sold on our site also when it comes to paint.
Because acrylic paint is water soluble , it is also one of the types of paint used indoors for walls and ceilings - and contains the least amount of chemicals. You can also find more or less environmentally friendly alternatives, depending on the brand you choose.
But in short, you can let your little ones paint paper, wood and canvases with acrylic paint in good conscience.
Brushes and accessories for craft paints
We've already mentioned a few of the things that might be nice to have on hand when you're getting into acrylic painting, but they're gathered below so you can easily and quickly find what you need to get started artistically:
- Brushes
- Spatulas
- Sponges
- Painting tools
- Wooden figures
- Paper figures
- Easels
- Cloths
- Palette
- Wax cloth
- Cover
- Glass with water for cleaning brushes
- Cover
- Gown/ apron
These are not all the things you MUST have, as many of them can be interchanged with each other. However, you should always have at least something to paint on and something to paint with as well as some masking before you start. You can take a look around our vast creative universe and be inspired by all the colours, shapes and materials that can help make your art unique.
Find cheap acrylic paints and other creative supplies with us
It's not just paint and canvas you'll find on this site. We also have crayons, pencils and markers in all colours if you want to add a different touch to what you paint. The only limit to what you can paint on and the motifs that emerge when you put the brush to the canvas is your imagination.
Let yourself be inspired and order what you need to paint what you dream of - and if you're not sure, we're always here to guide you and help you find just the right thing.