PAINTING TIPS WITH ACRYLICS FOR BEGINNERS

Acrylics are water-based, quick-drying, independent on any toxic solvents and can be applied to a wide range of surfaces. When dry, acrylics are lightfast and permanent, and the surface becomes strong and flexible. Acrylics clean up with simple soap and water. Acrylics color can be applied with brushes, rollers and painting knives; sprayed with an airbrush; poured, spattered or dribbled. You can modify the consistency of acrylic color with a bewildering variety of gels, pastes and mediums.

 

Characteristics of acrylics

1. Acrylics are water-based, i.e. they can be thinned with water and cleaned with water.
2. They are also non-toxic and non-smelly. For the eco- or health-conscious, this makes acrylics a more attractive option.
3. Acrylic paint dries quickly. This can have its advantages and disadvantages. For one thing, painting with acrylics is great if you like to work quickly. It is also very easy to "go over" if you've made a mistake. The main disadvantage of the quick drying time is that sometimes it can be difficult to blend colors, but this can be remedied by using Open Acrylics (which take longer to dry) or by mixing in an acrylic medium, like retarder (which extends drying time) or flow release (which increases color and blendability).
4. Acrylics are very versatile, which means they can achieve many different effects and be easily used for a variety of styles.
5. Acrylic mediums can also be used to alter the sheen of the paint, causing them to have high gloss or matte sheens.
6. Acrylic color lends itself well to mixed media applications, which further broadens the possibilities of painting with acrylics.
7. The final finish of the painting can be altered with gloss, matte, or satin varnish.

 

 

Not yet sure whether to choose acrylics or oils? Try both and see which you like better. And for those of you just starting out with acrylics, the following are some of the tips to help you while you learn how to use acrylic color:

1. Always keep a container of water next to your painting palette where you can rest the tips of any brushes you’re not currently using. This will prevent acrylic color from hardening in the bristles and ruining your brushes.

2. Use an atomizer (or spray bottle) to keep your paints wet whilst on the palette. Misting your paints will keep them from drying in solid lumps on your palette.

3. Work fast. The more you adjust and repaint the same areas, the drier and less-responsive your acrylics will get.

4. When you can’t work fast, get a tube of acrylic retarder to slow down the drying time of your acrylics.

5. Do not use too much water when mixing colors or applying the paint, as this will cause acrylics to lose their quality and thick texture.

6. When cleaning, rinse out your brushes with water first then use a mild soap. Make sure no paint is left in the bristles by the end.

7. Never use solvents like turpentine or white spirits when washing your brushes. Acrylics don’t require anything more than water and soap. Solvents are only necessary when cleaning oil paint out of your paintbrushes.

8. Make sure the lids and tops of your acrylic paint are screwed on tightly at all times so the paint doesn’t dry out. This is a simple (and obvious) solution to keep from wasting a whole lot of paint at once.

9. Make sure your painting surface is free of oil or wax. This will ensure that your paint adheres properly to the surface.

10. Do not squeeze out too much paint at the same time as they may dry up on your palette. (If you do, see tip number thirteen.)

11. When mixing your acrylic colors, avoid mixing too vigorously—this may produce bubbles which could lead to cracking later on.

12. Do not use oil based primers to prime your canvas or painting surface. Use acrylic gesso primers whenever painting with acrylic paint.

13. To preserve your paints overnight, mist your palette with water and cover with a air-tight plastic bag or lid.