Painting is a healing and creative form of expression that gives one a feeling of calmness and fulfillment with each stroke of a paintbrush. Painting by numbers stands out as the easiest and most fun way to enjoy this hobby, enjoyed by both beginners and art enthusiasts.
Selecting the right paint makes the painting process enjoyable and satisfying. Among the available alternatives, acrylic paints are the best because they dry very quickly, are easy to apply, and produce vibrant colors.
However, not all acrylic paint behaves the same way. Some are aimed at beginners who want easy control and freedom, and others are for the experienced painters who need depth, richness, and long-lasting results.
As a beginner in the world of paint, understanding the types of acrylic paint is essential to make your creative journey more enjoyable and rewarding.
In this article by Canvas by Numbers, we will tell you about the types of acrylic paint that exist and which one is best according to your needs and skill level.
Getting Started With Acrylic Painting
Acrylic painting is the most convenient medium for beginners to choose. Acrylic paints are water-based, which means that they can easily be cleaned and do not need strong-smelling solvents. You can just wet your brushes with water, and you are ready to take the next color.
Another great thing about acrylics is that they dry faster, reducing the risk of smudges and saving time to complete your artwork. They also have vivid colors that appear vibrant and lively on canvas, perfect for painting by numbers projects.
If you’re new to painting, it is good to explore various kinds of acrylic paint, including soft body, heavy body, and fluid acrylics. Soft body paints are easily blended, spread flat, and are perfect for beginners. Heavy body paints, conversely, have a thicker texture that adds dimension and perfectly retains visible brushstrokes.
You may also experiment with related medium, including gouache, acrylic gouache, or watercolors. Gouache has a matte, velvety finish, whereas acrylic gouache combines the softness of gouache with the durability of acrylic.
And if you’re feeling creative, use fluorescent paints on your landscape paintings for glowing highlights. Each type is excellent; it is a matter of your mood or the style you want to achieve.
Types Of Acrylic Paint: Acrylics For Students
If you have just joined the beautiful world of art and are not sure which paints to use, then the types of acrylic paint for students are the best.
Among all varieties of acrylic paint on the market, this is probably the easiest to find. It resembles acrylic paints for professionals, though unlike acrylic paint used by professionals, acrylic paint for students is much cheaper.
On the other hand, the pigment in acrylic paints for students is smoother and of lower quality, so the color might not stay the same over time.
However, they serve the same purpose as any other acrylic paint and are perfect for building confidence, practicing techniques, and just having fun with your creativity without any stress.
Types Of Acrylic Paint: Gouache
This kind of acrylic paint is quite popular among illustrators, and because of its quality and characteristics, it is not only used by professionals; many artists also use it when starting out.
It is very similar to watercolor, except that gouache has a binding agent, giving a much more solid, creamy texture than regular watercolor. Also, this kind of acrylic paint dries quickly compared to regular watercolors, and once it has dried, it cannot be modified.
Another prominent feature of such acrylic paint is that the grain is larger and thus, the intensity of the colors will be even greater than that of watercolors. Due to its versatility and ease of use, it is an excellent option for someone who wants to create bold, velvety paintings with a professional touch.
Types Of Acrylic Paint: Specialty Acrylics
In case you want your paintings to have a unique effect, then this is one of the best acrylic paints that you can get.
Specialty acrylic paint is mostly used to achieve a striking visual effect. For this reason, you will find a wide variety of specialty acrylic paints on the market, with the cheapest being the most affordable and the most expensive being the highest quality.
Some varieties of acrylic paint include fluorescent, glitter, light-interference, and iridescent. These paints may be applied to emphasize some points, add depth, or produce a glittering and radiant effect that will make your work of art shine out.
They are particularly popular in modern, abstract, and decorative works that aim to attract attention and inspire imagination.
Types Of Acrylic Paint: Acrylics for Crafts
If you are looking for types of acrylic paint for crafts, then this is the perfect solution for what you need.
It is recommended for making crafts with children, or murals, especially decorative paintings. Also, it should be used on a vertical surface as it tends to run and spread.
Even though you will not obtain the same effects with craft acrylics as with specialty acrylic paint, it is one of the most cost-effective types of acrylic paint.
How To Choose the Right Type of Acrylic Paint According to Your Skill Level?
One of the main advantages of acrylic paint is that its application does not require extensive technical knowledge.
Although this is a simple material to work with, there are minor variations, so, from Canvas by Numbers, we elaborate on the variables and how to select the best type of acrylic paint that fits your level of competency.
1. Types of Acrylic Paint Based on Quality
Just like most other materials used in the world of art, acrylic paints come in professional and student quality.
The professional-grade acrylic paint is of higher quality than the student-grade paint and also has a greater variety of colors, and yields better results due to its pigmentation.
When this is your first time and you are not familiar with acrylic painting, it is best to get student-quality paints.
2. Types of Acrylic Paint Based on Retention
When referring to the "retention" of acrylic paint or any other type of paint, it refers to its ability to maintain color over time when exposed to sunlight.
This is usually denoted by a classification that begins with AA, A, and so on, indicating the level of retention on the paint's packaging; although there are other types of classifications.
3. Types of Acrylic Paint Based on Hue
To begin with acrylic paint, use a limited number of colors, no more than 10, with the primary colors yellow, red, and blue.
After gaining the required experience and becoming more comfortable, you can add some different shades, even fluorescent or iridescent colors.
These other colors let you experiment freely, add depth, and infuse your art with more personality and vibrancy.
4. Types of Acrylic Paint Based on Viscosity
Viscosity is the thickness of the paint, and acrylics have a consistency nearly as thick as oils. You should select one type or the other depending on how you intend to use the paint.
Basically, the greater the viscosity or density of the paint, the easier it will flow. When using canvases to paint, acrylic paint is highly recommended due to its viscosity.
Painting By Numbers with Canvas by Numbers
When starting your paint by numbers journey, having the right supplies is just as important as choosing the right canvas.
Using Canvas by Numbers, you will not have to think about what kind of acrylic paint you need to DIY paint by numbers your masterpiece, because with every order, we provide you with a set of acrylic paints with the colors of the canvas, with a high pigment content.
Moreover, our paints are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. At Canvas by Numbers, we understand that you have an artist within you, and we want to help it come out.
This is why we want you to visit our website and explore the unlimited possibilities that will unleash your inner artist. From landscape paintings, famous paintings, to custom paint by numbers - you can not miss it!
You can always contact us if you have any questions or need help, and we are eager to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What type of paint comes with paint by numbers kits?
The majority of paint by numbers sets contain water-based acrylic colors. They are user-friendly, dry fast, and suitable for all experience levels. -
What should prevent my paints from drying up?
The lids should always be closed after use. Store them in a cool, dry place. When they begin to thicken, a few drops of water will restore their usual consistency. -
Can beginners use acrylic gouache?
Yes, but it dries fast, so you will have to work quickly. It is good to start small to become accustomed to its texture, then proceed to bigger designs. -
Are craft acrylics durable enough for display?
Craft acrylics are suitable for casual use. The longer the display quality, the more professional paints are required. -
What is unique about professional acrylics?
They have a richer pigment, fewer fillers, and better binders, resulting in deeper color, better blending, and greater fading resistance.
