Acrylic Painting Must-Haves: My Favorite Brands and Tools

As an avid acrylic painter, I've had the opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of art supplies over the years. From vibrant paints to high-quality brushes, the right tools can make all the difference in your creative process. In this blog post, I'll share my personal recommendations for the must-have acrylic painting supplies that have become staples in my studio.

Paints

When it comes to acrylic paints, quality is key. I've tried numerous brands, and my personal favorites are:

Golden Acrylics

Golden Acrylics are renowned for their exceptional pigmentation, smooth consistency, and impressive color range. These paints offer excellent coverage and blend beautifully on the canvas. I particularly love their fluid acrylics, which allow for seamless layering and vibrant washes.

Liquitex

Liquitex is another brand that consistently delivers high-performance acrylics. Their heavy body paints are perfect for bold, impasto techniques, while their soft body acrylics are ideal for more delicate applications. I appreciate the wide array of hues available, from rich, earthy tones to vibrant, eye-catching shades.

Winsor & Newton

Winsor & Newton's acrylic line is a go-to for its exceptional quality and versatility. These paints have a creamy, buttery texture that makes them a pleasure to work with, and they retain their vibrancy even when layered or mixed. I often reach for their professional-grade acrylics when I'm working on larger-scale paintings.

Brushes

The right brushes can make all the difference in your acrylic painting experience. Here are some of my favorite brush options:

Synthetic Brushes

For general painting tasks, I rely on high-quality synthetic brushes. My go-to brands are Rosemary & Co. and Princeton Art & Brush Co. These brushes hold their shape well, provide excellent control, and are easy to clean.

Natural Bristle Brushes

When I'm looking to achieve a more textured, expressive effect, I turn to natural bristle brushes. The Raphael 8404 and Da Vinci Maestro series are two of my top choices. The stiff, springy bristles allow me to create bold, gestural strokes with ease.

Filbert Brushes

Filbert brushes are a versatile choice for acrylic painting. Their rounded, flat shape makes them ideal for filling in large areas, blending, and creating soft edges. I particularly love the Winsor & Newton Series 7 Filbert brushes for their exceptional quality and performance.

Mediums and Additives

In addition to high-quality paints and brushes, I find that incorporating the right mediums and additives can greatly enhance my acrylic painting process. Here are a few that I always have on hand:

Acrylic Medium

Acrylic mediums, such as the ones from Golden and Liquitex, allow me to modify the consistency and drying time of my paints. I use them for glazing, impasto techniques, and creating unique textural effects.

Acrylic Flow Improver

Flow improvers, like the one from Liquitex, help to thin my paints without compromising their vibrancy or coverage. This is especially useful when I'm working on large-scale paintings or need to achieve a more fluid, watercolor-like effect.

Acrylic Retarder

Retarders, such as the ones from Golden and Winsor & Newton, slow down the drying time of my acrylics, giving me more time to blend, mix, and manipulate the paint on the canvas.

Surfaces and Supports

The surface you choose to paint on can greatly impact the final result of your acrylic paintings. Here are some of my preferred options:

Canvas

I often work on high-quality stretched canvas, as it provides a sturdy, flexible support that can withstand the demands of acrylic painting. My go-to brands are Fredrix and Blick Studio Canvas.

Wood Panels

For a more rigid, smooth surface, I sometimes paint on wood panels, such as those from Ampersand. These are great for creating detailed, precise work, as well as for experimenting with mixed media techniques.

Paper

When I'm in the mood for a more spontaneous, fluid approach, I enjoy working on heavy-duty watercolor paper or acrylic paper. The Strathmore and Canson brands are reliable choices that can handle the demands of acrylic paints.

Regardless of the specific supplies you choose, the key to successful acrylic painting is to experiment and find the materials that best suit your unique artistic style and preferences. By investing in high-quality paints, brushes, mediums, and surfaces, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning, vibrant acrylic artworks.

Conclusion

Acrylic painting is a versatile and rewarding medium, and having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference in your creative process. From the paints and brushes to the mediums and surfaces, each component plays a crucial role in helping you achieve your desired artistic vision.

By exploring the brands and products I've highlighted in this blog post, you'll be well on your way to building a comprehensive acrylic painting toolkit that will serve you well, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist. Happy painting!