Common questions about acrylic paints

When was it invented?

Acrylic paint was invented in the 1940's.

Is it safe for children?

Acrylic paint is water based and therefore is considered safe for children to use. It is advisable for children to wear protection over their clothing as once it dries on clothing it is pretty permanent.

How long does it take to dry?

Nearly all acrylics dry extremely quickly but drying times will vary depending on conditions and type of paint used. If you want to slow down the drying time to suit a particular piece of work you can use an acrylic paint retarder acrylic paint retarder mixed with your colour to extend the drying time.

How do I clean acrylic paint off my brush?

Clean off the acrylic with cold or luke warm water and a little soap if required. Don't let the paint dry onto your brush or the brush will be ruined. Acrylic paint turns into a plastic like substance once dry and is extremely difficult to remove from brushes.

What sort of brush should I use?

If you are using acrylic paint straight from the tube you will need a fairly tough brush which has the strength to move viscous paint around your palette and canvas, however if you are diluting your paint to create a watercolour effect a more delicate brush is better. We stock various high quality (ranges) and (sets) of brushes which are made especially for use with acrylic paint, as well as (beginners brushes) which are fine for starting out with.

Can I use acrylic paint on paper?

Acrylic paint can be used directly on paper or a size can be applied to the paper first. Winsor and Newton do a range of Galeria Acrylic Pads that are already preparedfor acrylic use.

Can I add water or mediums to acrylic paint?

Yes you can add both. With water it is best not to add more than 50% water as it can lose its properties and either lift or peel off. With acrylic mediums you can add as much as you like as they contain acrylic resin.

Can I use acrylic and oil paint together?

You can paint with oils over acrylic paint but it is best to use a glazing medium first.

Do I need to varnish an acrylic painting ?

Although Acrylic paint is pretty durable it can still absorb dirt even in its fully dry state so it’s advisable to add a clear coat to the surface. There are a range of matt satin and gloss varnishes available in both paint on and spray versions. It is best to let an acrylic painting dry fully before application. Generally it is around 7 – 8 days.

Can I mix different brands of acrylic paint together?

Yes of course you can, some brands will have a higher pigment than others, and some may be more viscous than others, however it is very much possible to do this.

Can I paint on an outside wall with acrylic paint?

Yes you can, but after time and weathering it may become faded.

Can I paint on fabric with acrylic paint?

Yes you can, if the fabric is going to be washed however, you will need to mix the acrylic paint with a textile medium, this will make sure the paint stays fixed.

How thick should I use my acrylic paint?

This is entirely up to you, you can use it very thin and build it up in transparent layers, or you can use it very thick to show lots of texture and brush marks. It depends on the personal preference of the artist and the desired outcome of the painting.

How do I hide a mistake on my painting?

If the paint you need to hide is still wet, scrape away any excess paint with a palette knife. After you have done this or if the paint was already dry, you should use a Titanium White paint to block out any mistake made. Let this dry and start fresh!

How do I get acrylic paint off my clothes?

When painting it is inevitable at some point you may get some unwanted paint on your t shirt or jeans, should this happen, use a sponge with some water and use with some window cleaner to help remove any unwanted stains.