What To Paint With Acrylics

I remember the first time I picked up a brush and acrylic paint — I was a week into my first move-in, and the walls of my apartment were bare and screaming for attention. I had no idea what to paint with acrylics, but I knew I needed something quick, affordable, and that would hold up to the humidity of my coastal town. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn about the versatility of acrylics, and how they could do more than just cover walls. They could become a canvas for my creativity, a way to express myself, and even a method to transform my space into something uniquely mine.

Acrylics are like the Swiss Army knife of painting — they’re water-based, fast-drying, and adaptable to almost any surface. But if you’re like me when I first started, you might be asking, ‘what to paint with acrylics?’ The answer isn’t a single surface, medium, or style. It’s a world of possibilities, from abstract canvases to furniture refinishing, and even decorative wall art. What I discovered was that the key to success with acrylics was knowing which surfaces worked best, what tools to use, and which techniques would give the best results for the project at hand.

If you’re sitting here wondering what to paint with acrylics, let me tell you — the answer is as broad as your imagination. Whether you’re looking to create a mural on your living room wall, refresh your old kitchen cabinets, or make your own custom art, acrylics have your back. But to get the most out of them, you need to understand the basics: surfaces, brushes, mediums, and techniques. That’s where this guide comes in — it’s your roadmap to painting with acrylics, no matter your skill level or the project you have in mind.

The Best Surfaces for Acrylic Painting

As of October 2026, when I first started, I painted on paper — and it didn’t last. The paint cracked and peeled after a few days. I soon learned that paper isn’t the best surface for acrylics. Canvas, wood, and metal, on the other hand, gave me much better results. Canvas is a classic choice because it’s absorbent and gives a nice texture. Wood, when properly sealed, is durable and can handle thick layers of paint. Metal, especially if primed, is a great surface for creating modern, metallic finishes.

I also found that surfaces like concrete and brick can work, but they need proper preparation. I primed a concrete wall in my garage with gesso and painted it with a mix of acrylics and metallic mediums. The result was a bold, textured wall that I still use as a backdrop for photos. It took me about an hour to prep the surface, but the end result was worth it.

For a quick project, like a small canvas or a wooden box, you can skip the primer. But for long-term use, especially in high-traffic areas, it’s always better to prime the surface. I’ve had acrylics on unprimed wood crack after a few months, but on primed wood, they’ve lasted for years with minimal fading.

The Right Tools for the Job

I used to buy cheap brushes, only to find them shedding bristles and leaving streaks on my canvas. It was frustrating. I switched to a set of high-quality synthetic brushes, and it made a world of difference. The paint flowed smoothly, didn’t blob or pool, and cleaned up easily with water. I still use those same brushes, and they’ve lasted over two years with regular use.

For thicker applications, I use a palette knife. It’s perfect for adding texture or creating thick impasto effects. I once used a palette knife on a canvas to create a 3D landscape, and it gave the painting a whole new dimension. It took me about 30 minutes to complete, but the result was stunning.^[1]

Don’t forget about your palette. I used to paint directly from the tube, but it’s messy and hard to control. Investing in a small, sturdy palette made a big difference. It helped me mix colors more precisely and keep my workspace clean. I’ve used the same palette for over a year, and it still looks brand new.

The right tools can turn a good painting into a great one.

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Choosing the Right Colors and Mediums

When I first started, I bought a set of 60 acrylic colors, thinking I’d need every shade. But honestly, I only used about 15 of them. The rest just sat in my palette unused. I’ve since learned that it’s better to start with a basic set of primary colors and a few secondary ones. I’ve found that mixing these gives a wide range of hues, and I rarely need to buy new colors.^[2]

I also discovered the power of mediums. I used to paint with just paint and water, but adding a bit of acrylic medium to my mix changed everything. It helped the paint flow more smoothly, gave the surface a nice sheen, and made the colors more vibrant. I’ve used glazing mediums, texture mediums, and even metallic mediums, and each one has its own unique effect.

For example, I used a glazing medium on a small canvas to create a subtle, translucent effect. It made the painting look like it had layers of paint, even though I only used a few colors. The glazing medium cost about $10, but the result was worth it. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your final piece.^[3]

“I remember the first time I picked up a brush and acrylic paint — I was a week into my first move-in, and the walls…”— Flipper Lane editors

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Techniques to Master

I used to paint everything in one go, but that led to a lot of wasted paint and uneven results. I learned that layering is key. I now start with a base layer, let it dry, and then add more layers on top. This method gives the painting more depth and dimension. It also helps the colors look more vibrant and true to life.

Another technique I’ve mastered is dry brushing. It’s a great way to create texture and subtle color variations. I used it on a canvas to create the look of a desert landscape. I applied a light layer of paint, let it dry, and then lightly brushed over it with a dry brush. The result was a soft, textured effect that looked realistic.

I also discovered the power of palette knife techniques. I used it to create thick, impasto effects on a canvas. It took me about an hour to complete, but the result was stunning. The texture gave the painting a three-dimensional feel that I couldn’t achieve with brushes alone.

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Creating Texture with Acrylics

I used to think texture was only for the brave, but now I can’t imagine painting without it. I’ve used sand, salt, and even gel medium to create different textures. Sand is great for creating a gritty, rough surface. I used it on a canvas to create the look of a stormy sea, and it worked perfectly.

Salt is another fun and easy way to create texture. I sprinkled salt on a wet canvas and let it sit for a few minutes. When I removed the salt, it left little crystalline patterns that looked like frost or snow. It was a quick and easy way to add interest to a simple painting.

I also tried using gel medium to create raised areas on a canvas. I applied the gel medium in thick strokes and let it dry. Once it was dry, I painted over it with acrylics. The result was a raised, textured surface that looked like the painting had been sculpted. It was a great way to add dimension to a flat canvas.

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Fixing Common Acrylic Painting Mistakes

I once painted a canvas and then realized I had used the wrong color. I panicked, but I found a solution. I used a small brush and a bit of water to gently lift the paint off the canvas. It worked, but I had to be careful not to damage the underlying layers. It took me about 15 minutes to fix, but the canvas looked brand new afterward.^[5]

Another mistake I made was painting too thickly. I used a lot of paint on a canvas, and it cracked when it dried. I didn’t know what to do, but I found a fix. I used a small amount of water to soften the paint, and then I applied a thin layer of acrylic medium over it. It helped the paint adhere better and prevented further cracking.

I also made the mistake of not letting the paint dry completely before adding a new layer. It caused the paint to blob and look messy. I learned that patience is key. I now wait at least 30 minutes between layers to ensure the paint has time to settle. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final result.

Mistakes are part of the process — just fix them and move on.

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Finishing Your Acrylic Painting

I used to skip the finishing step, thinking it wasn’t necessary. But over time, I noticed that my paintings started to dull and lose their vibrancy. I learned that finishing is important. I now apply a clear acrylic sealer to the surface of my paintings. It helps protect the paint and gives it a nice, glossy finish.

I’ve used both gloss and matte finishes, and I’ve found that gloss gives the painting a more vibrant look, while matte looks more subdued. I usually use gloss for my canvas paintings and matte for my wood panels. The sealer I use is clear and doesn’t change the color of the paint. It costs about $8 for a 8-ounce bottle, which is more than enough for a few projects.

Another step I take is to varnish my paintings. I’ve found that varnishing adds an extra layer of protection and makes the painting look more professional. I use a fine brush and apply the varnish in thin layers. It takes about 15 minutes to apply, but the result is worth it. The varnish helps the painting resist dust, moisture, and UV light, which can cause fading.

What To Paint With Acrylics