Acrylic Paint- Golden : Heavy Body- Holbein : Heavy Body Acrylic Paint- Liquitex : Heavy Body

Acrylic paint is a water-based medium made with pigment and acrylic polymer. It dries quickly and is water-resistant when dry. It is known for its vibrant, durable finish.

Acrylic paints are incredibly versatile. They are suitable for use on a range of surfaces like canvas, wood, paper, and more. They are popular with artists due to their fast drying times and the ability to manipulate their consistency with water or mediums.

Artists use acrylic paint because of its versatility and fast drying times. Acrylic paint can be layered and experimented with, using techniques like impasto or fluid washes.

The consistency of acrylic paint can be altered with water or mediums. This offers a range of effects, from smooth strokes to heavily textured finishes. Acrylic paints are also great for mixed media, as they can be combined with other materials like pastels or ink.

"The great thing about all the different types of acrylic paint available is that you can mix heavy body with soft body paint to create a consistency that falls between the two, or Open Acrylic with something faster drying to create a paint that dries just a little slower than regular acrylic.

You are in full control of the sheen, drying times and fluidity of your paint, and then when you start to think about adding mediums into the mix you’ll realise that the possibilities are almost limitless." - Lisa Takahashi, Jackson's Art Supplies Expert

Acrylic paint was developed in the 1930s and gained popularity in the 1960s, particularly during the Pop Art movement. Some of the earliest makers of acrylic paint were Golden in the USA and Daler-Rowney and Acrylicos Vallejo in Europe.

Artists like Andy Warhol embraced the medium for its vibrant colors and quick drying properties. Acrylics allowed for faster painting techniques and experimentation. Since then, acrylic paints have been used by a wide range of artists in various styles and movements.

We offer a curated selection of acrylic paints from top brands like Golden and Liquitex, as well as our ranges of Jackson’s Acrylic Paints.

We are committed to providing our customers with the finest materials, backed by a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating. Browse our extensive collection and find the perfect acrylic paints for your next project.

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Ready to get started with your next acrylic painting? Browse our extensive collection, from beginner acrylic paint sets to professional acrylic paints for experts.

Need help? Visit Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for guidance on choosing the best acrylic paints for you.

What is the Difference Between Oil and Acrylic Paint?

The main differences between acrylic and oil paints are their drying time and working properties. Acrylic paint is fast-drying and made with pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Traditional oil paint is slow-drying and consists of pigment suspended in a drying oil, such as linseed oil.

Oil paints stay wet for longer, so artists have more flexibility when painting over multiple sessions. Paint will remain wet and workable, and colors on the canvas can still be blended. Acrylic paint usually dries within twenty to thirty minutes. However, some acrylics such as Golden Open have a prolonged drying time, meaning they can be worked with for longer.

What are the Main Types of Acrylic Paint?

Heavy Body Acrylic paints are the thickest and the most popular. With a texture similar to soft butter, they’re the closest to oil paints in handling and retain brush marks and gestures well. They work well on rougher canvases.

Soft Body Acrylic paints are smoother, resembling yoghurt in consistency. This makes them ideal for mixing with mediums, while retaining enough thickness to paint smoothly on their own. Acrylic ink is the most fluid of acrylic paints. Acrylic ink is intensely colored and dries with a soft gloss finish. It can be applied using an airbrush, pen, or brush.

What is the Difference Between Heavy Body and Soft Body Acrylic Paint?

The difference comes from the formulation of the paint, not the amount of pigment in the paint. The thickness of acrylic paint is referred to as ‘body’. The viscosity is not an indication of color strength or quality. The best acrylic paint for you will be determined by the techniques and painting surfaces you plan on using.

For more information on acrylic paint viscosity, refer to our guide on Jackson’s Art Blog: 'The Dairy Scale of Paint Viscosities'

Why Do Some Artists Use Acrylic Varnishes?

Acrylic varnishes protect artwork from dust, UV rays, and damage. They also enhance the color depth and create a gloss, satin, or matte finish. However, varnishing is optional depending on the desired effect.

Some professionals advise against varnishing acrylic paintings. This is because varnish has a similar makeup to acrylic paint, and removing it later could require strong solvents that might damage the paint. Some believe that high quality acrylic paint doesn't need varnishing.

One recommendation is to avoid varnishing and instead protect the painting with glass like you would with watercolor. If you choose to varnish, use an isolation coat first to protect the paint.

How Should I Store My Acrylic Paint?

Store acrylic paints in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out. It is best to store them in a cool, dark place. Avoid extreme temperatures and keep lids tightly sealed to preserve the paint’s consistency and vibrancy.

How Can I Use a Palette Knife When Using Acrylic Paint?

A palette knife can be used for mixing colors and applying thick layers of paint. It allows for textured effects, layering, scraping, and scoring the surface. Palette knives are popular for abstract and non-representational painting.

Can I Mix Acrylic Paint with Water?

Yes, acrylic paint can be mixed with water to thin the consistency. However, avoid using too much water, as it can weaken the paint’s adhesive properties and dull the color. Special mediums are available to enable further dilution.

How Can I Look After My Brushes After Using Acrylic Paint?

Clean brushes immediately after using acrylic paints to prevent the paint from drying and damaging the bristles. Use warm water and soap or a brush cleaner, and dry them upside down to prevent water from loosening the glue at the base.

For more information, read ‘Brush Cleaning Tips For Painters’ on Jackson’s Art Blog.

What Mediums Can I Mix Acrylic Paint With?

You can mix acrylic paint with a variety of mediums, such as texture pastes, gels, and glaze mediums, to achieve different effects. These allow you to create thick, textured surfaces, or smooth, transparent layers, depending on your project.

How Can I Change the Texture of Acrylic Paint?

You can change the texture of acrylic paint by adding gel mediums or modeling paste to build thickness. Techniques like sgraffito and collage also add depth and dimension. For extra texture, try incorporating materials like sand or glass beads.

Guide to Acrylic Painting   |   Acrylic Painting for Beginners