The use of acrylic paint is relatively current. The beginnings of this technique date back to the 20th century when great painters such as Warhol or Keith Haring began to apply it to their works. Since then, many other artists, including graffiti writers, have produced their results.
For this reason, in the following post, we want to tell you, as a guide, what acrylic paint is, how to use it and what some of the main supports are where you can use acrylic paint. Can we get to work?
What is acrylic paint?
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint where an acrylic polymer emulsion forms the base of its pigmentation. This component is a derivative of latex, responsible for providing hardness and resistance to the paint once dry.
It is a water-soluble paint, but acrylic is very resistant once it dries. It is an excellent way to get started in painting and one of the techniques artists use to give shape and color to their works. Although more than focusing on the technical part, we will see the most frequent uses and how to paint with acrylic.
How to paint with acrylic? Acrylic painting technique step by step
Painting with acrylic is very easy, and it is a method available to anyone with artistic concerns, whether professional or for decorative purposes, for several reasons:
- It is effortless to use; It does not require excellent technical skills like oil, charcoal, or spray paint.
- It is affordably priced, unlike other more expensive art supplies.
- It is made of water-based paint and does not emit uncomfortable or toxic odors for the environment or people.
- It allows us to paint on a large number of objects and surfaces, in addition to having a swift drying.
To be able to paint with acrylic paint, you will have to take into account the following steps:
Pour the contents of the acrylic paint onto a color palette, empty marker, or airbrush.
Liquid acrylic paint applies very well to any medium. Thanks to this, you will obtain your shades or mix the colors to get your shades. Some Acrylic paint color range has more than 50 colors available despite this. So it is not necessary to combine the tones given the wide color range.
If you are going to mix colors, keep in mind to always mix the paint on a palette or container, as we show you in the first image so that the tone is homogeneous. One of the main peculiarities of this acrylic is its density. Being a liquid acrylic, you can even use them with an airbrush.
This acrylic is also characterized as a water-soluble acrylic paint as long as the paint is not dry, since once the paint is dry; it is resistant when treated on porous surfaces.
Apply the paint on the support
Below we show you some of the most common supports and those on which you can apply acrylic paint:
- Metal
- Wood
- Stone
- Canvas
- Paperboard
- Ceramics
- Crystals
- Caps
- Textile
As you can see, in this case, the acrylic marker has been used, although you can use it with any of the tools mentioned above or with the one you feel most comfortable painting with.
In the case of painting with an acrylic marker already loaded with paint, you will only have to apply it directly to the object. Remember that previously you had to lower the color to the tip of the marker by tapping it lightly on a piece of paper.
If, on the other hand, you are going to use a brush, airbrush, roller, or spatula, no preliminary treatment is needed since you will have to apply the paint directly on the support and develop all the creativity that you have inside.
Paint with acrylics on canvas or other support
Once at work, you can apply the paint directly or dilute it in water, depending on the effect you want to achieve. You can use a brush or marker to make a composition with flat colors for each color. You will also have the possibility of mixing colors on the same support to achieve gradients or different shades.
With acrylic paint, you can make unique glazes! Water-based acrylic is an excellent way to give color and originality to all your works or decorative projects, whether spray or paint. Remember that acrylic paint dries very quickly, and in a matter of 5-10 minutes, it will be dry to the touch, so you can give a second coat or correct any trace.
Acrylic varnish for a unique finish
Once it is dry, acrylic paint can be varnished. There are different types of spray varnish or paint can varnish.
Conclusion
As you can see, acrylic paint adapts to the demands of an increasingly diverse profile of artists. The possibilities that this type of acrylic gives you are endless (different application surfaces, very varied supports for painting, etc.). Finally, it is essential to note that some of the most prominent artists use it, like BigBoiArtistry.
