Acrylic Painting Guide
Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly painting mediums available today. Known for its vibrant colours, fast drying time and ease of use, acrylic paint is suitable for artists of all skill levels.
Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to expand your painting techniques, this guide covers everything you need to know about acrylic painting, from choosing the right paint to understanding different paint types and techniques.
What is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is a water-based paint made from pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It offers strong colour, excellent durability and the ability to adhere to a wide range of surfaces.
Acrylic paint can be used on:
- Canvas
- Paper
- Wood
- Fabric
- MDF panels
- Mixed media surfaces
Its versatility makes it one of the most popular painting mediums for hobbyists, students and professional artists alike.
Why Choose Acrylic Paint?
Fast Drying
Acrylic paint dries significantly faster than oil paint, allowing artists to build layers quickly, make corrections easily and complete projects in less time.
Easy Clean-Up
Because acrylic paint is water-based, brushes and painting tools can be cleaned with soap and water before the paint dries.
Versatile Techniques
Acrylic paint can be used straight from the tube for bold texture, diluted with water for washes or combined with mediums to create unique effects.
Durable and Long Lasting
Once fully cured, acrylic paint forms a flexible and durable surface that resists cracking, fading and yellowing over time.
Types of Acrylic Paint
Student Grade Acrylic Paint
Student-grade acrylic paints are ideal for beginners, schools, hobby artists and classroom use. They offer excellent value while still providing vibrant colours and reliable performance.
Artist Grade Acrylic Paint
Artist-grade acrylic paints contain higher pigment concentrations, superior lightfastness and richer colour intensity, making them the preferred choice for professional artists.
Heavy Body Acrylic Paint
Heavy body acrylics have a thick consistency that retains brush strokes and texture, making them ideal for impasto techniques and expressive painting styles.
Fluid Acrylic Paint
Fluid acrylic paints have a smooth consistency and are perfect for glazing, pouring, airbrushing and detailed work.
Shop Acrylic Paint by Type
Whether you're just getting started or looking for professional-quality colours, choosing the right acrylic paint can make a big difference.
- Student Acrylic Paint
- Artist Grade Acrylic Paint
- Heavy Body Acrylic Paint
- Fluid Acrylic Paint
- Acrylic Paint Sets
- Metallic Acrylic Paint
- Fluorescent Acrylic Paint
Popular Acrylic Paint Brands
We stock a wide range of acrylic paint brands trusted by artists throughout Australia.
Essential Acrylic Painting Supplies
To get started with acrylic painting, you'll typically need:
- Acrylic Paints
- Paint Brushes
- Canvas or Painting Surface
- Palette
- Water Container
- Palette Knife
- Acrylic Mediums
Having the right materials can help improve both your painting experience and final results.
Choosing the Right Acrylic Paint
Different projects often require different types of acrylic paint.
For Beginners
- Student Acrylic Paints
- Acrylic Paint Sets
For Professional Artists
- Artist Grade Acrylic Paints
- Heavy Body Acrylic Paints
For Acrylic Pouring
- Fluid Acrylic Paints
- Pouring Mediums
For Mixed Media Projects
- Soft Body Acrylics
- Acrylic Mediums
Common Acrylic Painting Techniques
Layering
Build colour gradually by applying multiple thin layers of paint.
Dry Brushing
Use a small amount of paint on a dry brush to create texture and rough surface effects.
Glazing
Apply transparent layers of colour to create depth, luminosity and colour variation.
Impasto
Apply thick layers of paint to create visible texture and expressive brush strokes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best acrylic paint for beginners?
Student-grade acrylic paints such as Chromacryl and Derivan are popular choices for beginners due to their affordability, ease of use and broad colour range.
Can acrylic paint be used on canvas?
Yes. Acrylic paint is one of the most popular painting mediums for canvas and works well on both stretched canvas and canvas boards.
How long does acrylic paint take to dry?
Most acrylic paints become touch dry within 15 to 30 minutes, although drying times vary depending on paint thickness, temperature and humidity.
Can acrylic paint be mixed with water?
Yes. Water can be used to thin acrylic paint and create wash effects. Acrylic mediums can also be used to adjust consistency while maintaining paint strength.
What is the difference between heavy body and fluid acrylic paint?
Heavy body acrylics retain brush strokes and texture, while fluid acrylics flow more easily and are ideal for pouring, glazing and fine detail work.
Helpful Acrylic Painting Resources
- Best Acrylic Paint for Beginners
- How to Stop Acrylic Paint From Drying Too Fast
- Acrylic Paint Mediums Explained
- Heavy Body vs Fluid Acrylic Paint
- How to Varnish Acrylic Paintings
Shop Acrylic Paints Online Australia
At Art Supplies Australia, we stock a wide range of acrylic paints from leading brands including Matisse, Liquitex, Golden, Atelier, Derivan, Jo Sonja and Chromacryl.
Whether you're a beginner exploring acrylic painting for the first time or a professional artist looking for premium colours, you'll find quality acrylic paints, mediums, brushes and accessories to suit every project.
Browse our Acrylic Paint collection and discover why acrylics remain one of Australia's most popular painting mediums.