The best acrylic paints

Van Gogh or Nick Knowles? Artist or home decorator? Whichever you are, there's acrylic paint for you 🎨

Paint brushes with the best acrylic paint

by Eve Miller |
Updated on

Whether painting is your creative outlet or you have some DIY to do, good quality paint is essential. It can make all the difference when it comes to the finish, overall look and longevity.

Acrylic paint is chemical-based paint which makes it more elastic than other paint types. It can be used on metal, wood, fabric, ceramics and is used in a lot of decorative finishes. It’s really versatile and a great way to add a pop of colour into your life. You don’t have to be Picasso to use it, either.

Related: These are the trendiest paint colours right now, according to Instagram

Giving something a colourful update or trying a new creative project can be really rewarding, so why not give it a go with some of our top acrylic paint picks?

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The best acrylic paints

Arteza Craft Acrylic Paint Set1 of 8
CREDIT: Amazon

Arteza Craft Acrylic Paint Set

With 20 vintage tones, this set is unique and will give you a gorgeous matte finish. You'll get a quick-drying formula that gives great coverage on most surfaces. They'll even work on glass, which is a bonus. Includes: 20 x 60ml vivid matte finish coloursReview: "Excellent purchase. Good choice of colours and my son was very pleased with them. He is using the paints on canvas for his art gcse and he said they go on nice and smoothly. Very good value for money compared to if you bought the paints separately."

Acrylic Colour Paint2 of 8
CREDIT: The Works

Acrylic Colour Paint

This value set of 12 is great for beginners and kids wanting to give it a go. You'll get quality pigment in a solid selection of colours to try out for fun.Includes: 12 x 12ml coloursReview: "Wow! All this for so little.... what a great value product, delivered quickly. Thank you."

Pebeo Studio Acrylic Paint3 of 8
CREDIT: Hobbycraft

Pebeo Studio Acrylic Paint

Coming in 32 vibrant colours, this set provides professional quality that doesn't break the bank. You'll be getting high pigment that has a satin finish, coming in convenient tubes. The paint can be easily thinned and it's vegan-friendly, which we love. Includes: 30 x 20ml tubes, 2 x 100ml tubes, 32 shades of high pigmented colourReview: "I love the colours and it's really worth the price it's really good set. it has also arround six metalic colours and I was really impressed how beautiful they are."

3D Permanent Fabric Paint4 of 8
CREDIT: Amazon

3D Permanent Fabric Paint

Developed mainly to use on fabric, this set of 24 will give you high pigment that's easy to use straight from the bottle. The range of colours are stunning and will bring out the creativity in anyone. Includes: 24 x 29.5ml bottlesReview: "I used the fabric paint to paint on denim and the quality is great. The colours are vibrant and mix well. Where I needed more water colour effects I was also able to mix it with water to give a softer shade. As I painted on denim I did have to do at least two layers of paint. For anyone using light colours I would recommend doing a layer of white first before doing the design. You might want to order an extra bottle of white to do this as whats provided may not be enough. Overall great product and easy to apply!"

Shimmer Pouring Paints5 of 8
CREDIT: Hobbycraft

Shimmer Pouring Paints

Everything is better with a bit of sparkle, and this paint is no exception. Designed for pouring and fluid art techniques, this acrylic paint is mixed with a pouring medium to get that fluidity. The colours are so pretty and come in a pack of six.Includes: 6 x 118ml bottles of colourReview: "These paints were easy to pour with no mess. The colours are vibrant and very shimmery which has created a really nice effect on the canvas. Would definitely buy again."

YXSH Acrylic Painting Box & Easel Set6 of 8
CREDIT: Argos

YXSH Acrylic Painting Box & Easel Set

If you're completely new to the painting game or are looking for a gift for someone, then this set is ideal. You'll get a wooden easel, 12 acrylic paint tubes, two canvasses, two palettes and seven artist brushes, so you'll be fully set to try acrylic painting out. It's amazing value and will work for any beginner. Includes: 1 wooden easel, 2 artist canvasses, 2 paint palettes, 7 paint brushes and 12 coloured acrylic paint tubesReview: "Was looking for an easel to help with my painting. This was really good value and the added canvases came as a bonus. The quality is pretty decent and does the job. It is a good size and doesn't dominate the area I paint in. Very easy to assemble and quick to set up. Definitely recommend."

Metallic Acrylic Paint Set7 of 8
CREDIT: Amazon

Metallic Acrylic Paint Set

Useful for any artistic level, these paints come in a set of 24. With premium metallic pigment, you'll get a gloss finish to elevate any décor. It's fade-proof and can be used indoors or outdoors on most surfaces. Includes: 24 x 60ml bottles of metallic colourReview: "I bought these paints for my grandchildren. The colours are bright and the children particularly like them because they are 'shiny'. They have used them on all sorts of materials canvas, paper, stones etc and all great results. The great news also, is that spills and splashes seem to wash off and out of clothes quite easily."

Vallejo Model Air Basic Colors Acrylic Paint Set8 of 8
CREDIT: Amazon

Vallejo Model Air Basic Colors Acrylic Paint Set

This pack of 16 assorted colours is specifically made for airbrushing. They're pre-thinned, so you can airbrush straight from the bottle. Airbrushing is a really fun way of painting and has a really cool look to it. Includes: 16 x 17ml eyedropper bottles of colourReview: "Oh my goodness, these paints are fabulous! Colours as described and true match from pot to spray. No thinner needed, just load up to your air sprayer and go! Great coverage, no fade, no streaks and it dries really quickly. Packaging was excellent and delivery was well within ETA. I'll definitely be back for more."

How do you use acrylic paint?

There are two types of acrylic paint. Fluid, which is a lot thinner, and then there’s heavy body acrylic paint that has a thicker texture. Neither is superior, but which one you choose will be based on whatever you’re painting. Fluid works for more light artistic strokes, and heavy body will work for painting that requires a heavier hand.

Acrylic paint can be used on anything that does not contain oils or wax (so, unfortunately, not canvas) and you only really need a palette and brush to use it. It does dry very quickly, so don’t waste it by squeezing out too much and spray your palette with water to stop it from drying out too quickly. When washing your brushes to reuse, make sure to blot them thoroughly as the excess moisture can wreak havoc on your acrylic painting.

Related: Feeling crafty? Here are the best deals on craft supplies we've found today

How long does acrylic paint take to dry?

As previously mentioned, acrylic paint is fast-drying. You will have to work quickly with it, especially when blending colours. There's no need to stress though; with practice, you'll get into a groove that makes painting with acrylics a doddle.

Does acrylic paint wash off?

Painting is messy business, so it makes sense to know if you can clean it up easily. When it’s wet, you can easily wash off acrylic paint from a surface for an easy fix. When it comes to dry acrylic paint, water will no longer cut it and it will be more difficult. You will need an appropriate cleaning solution or a paint remover to get the paint off, especially fabric.

Related: How to choose the best paint for your walls at home

What is acrylic paint mainly used for?

It’s mainly used for art and décor that needs bright and vibrant colouring, but it can be used for other things. It’s versatile and has the ability to up your DIY game. Have a fence or wooden furniture that you want to change up? Acrylic paint can work really well for that. A cute trend from the last few years is to use acrylic paint to put kind messages and art on rocks to leave for others to find.

Related: The best fence paint to use in your garden

Can you use acrylic paint on glass?

Glass can sometimes be too slippery for acrylic paint. If you prepare the surface properly, then you might get away with it. Specially formulated acrylic paint for glass does exist. We love the idea of recycling jam jars and putting colourful designs on them for a fun family activity.

Is acrylic paint waterproof?

In short, acrylic paint is not fully waterproof. Because it dries so quickly, it does have some resistance, but it’s best not to risk it. If you purchase a sealer to go over your paint, it can become waterproof, which is a great solution.

If you're a complete beginner, here are some helpful products to get your started with your acrylic paints.

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Acrylic Paint accessories

Major Brush Pack of 50 Artist Synthetic Sable Paint Brushes1 of 5
CREDIT: Amazon

Major Brush Pack of 50 Artist Synthetic Sable Paint Brushes

Wooden Palette and Knives Set2 of 5
CREDIT: Hobbycraft

Wooden Palette and Knives Set

Angle Premium Wall / Trim House Paint Brush Set3 of 5
CREDIT: Amazon

Angle Premium Wall / Trim House Paint Brush Set

Plastic Rectangular Palette4 of 5
CREDIT: Hobbycraft

Plastic Rectangular Palette

Palette Knives 6 Pack5 of 5
CREDIT: Hobbycraft

Palette Knives 6 Pack

All of these acrylic paints and accessories have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching, so you can choose the best one. Plus, we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in. Find out why you should trust us here.

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Eve Miller is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest with a love for writing, film, her dog and beauty. She also writes for Yours.co.uk.

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