What Not to Do With Acrylic Painting

Are you tired of making common mistakes when working with acrylic paints? Do you feel frustrated when your pieces don’t turn out the way you imagined? Acrylic painting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to know what not to do to achieve the desired results.

From using too much water to forgetting to clean your brushes, there are numerous mistakes that beginners (and even experienced painters) make when working with acrylics. These mishaps can lead to dull colors, uneven textures, and even permanent damage to your artwork.

In this article, we’ll explore the top “don’ts” of acrylic painting. Whether you’re new to the craft or just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered. So grab your paintbrushes and let’s dive in!

Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Working with Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a popular medium for all levels of artists, from beginners to professionals. However, beginners tend to make some common mistakes when working with acrylics. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Using Too Little Paint

One common mistake that beginners make when working with acrylics is using too little paint. Acrylics dry quickly, so if you don’t use enough paint, your brush strokes will start to dry before you can finish your stroke. This results in an uneven and patchy surface.

To avoid this mistake, load your brush with enough paint so that it covers the entire bristle. You can always add more paint if needed.

Not Using Enough Water or Medium

Another common mistake is not using enough water or medium when thinning out the paint. Acrylics are water-soluble, which means they can be thinned out with water or a medium. If you don’t use enough water or medium, the paint will become too thick and difficult to work with.

To avoid this mistake, mix the paint with water or a medium until it reaches the consistency of heavy cream.

Not Using a Primer

Beginners often skip the step of applying a primer before painting. A primer helps the paint adhere better to the surface and prevents it from peeling off.

To avoid this mistake, apply a layer of primer to your canvas or surface before painting.

The Impact of Improper Mixing of Acrylic Paints on Your Painting

Mixing acrylic paints can be challenging for beginners because they dry quickly and have a tendency to create muddy colors when mixed improperly. Proper mixing is essential for creating vibrant colors and achieving desired results in your paintings.

Overmixing

Overmixing is a common mistake that beginners make when mixing acrylic paints. Overmixing can result in a loss of color vibrancy and a muddy look.

To avoid this mistake, mix the paint with a palette knife or brush until it is evenly mixed but not overmixed.

Undermixing

Undermixing is another common mistake that beginners make. Undermixing results in uneven colors throughout the painting.

To avoid this mistake, mix the paint thoroughly until there are no visible streaks or lumps.

Mixing Too Many Colors

Mixing too many colors can also create muddy colors. It’s best to limit your palette to a few colors and mix them as needed.

To avoid this mistake, plan out your color scheme beforehand and stick to it.

Techniques to Avoid Overworking Acrylic Paint and Preventing Muddiness

Acrylics dry quickly, so it’s important to work efficiently when painting with them. Overworking the paint can result in muddiness and an uneven surface.

Blend Quickly

One technique for avoiding overworking the paint is to blend quickly. Blend the paint with a dry brush or sponge before it dries completely.

Add Layers Gradually

Another technique is to add layers gradually instead of trying to achieve full coverage in one layer. This allows each layer to dry before adding more, preventing muddiness.

Dry Brush Technique

The dry brush technique involves using a small amount of paint on a dry brush and lightly dragging it across the surface of the painting. This creates texture and depth without overworking the paint.

The Problems Caused by Using Too Much Water or Medium in Acrylic Paints

While water and medium can be used to thin out acrylic paints, using too much can cause problems in your painting.

Uneven Surface

Using too much water or medium can cause the paint to pool and create an uneven surface. This can also cause the paint to crack as it dries.

Loss of Vibrancy

Adding too much water or medium can also dilute the color and result in a loss of vibrancy.

Difficulty Achieving Desired Consistency

Using too much water or medium can make it difficult to achieve the desired consistency for your painting. It’s important to add water or medium gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

The Importance of Proper Storage for Acrylic Paints to Avoid Wasted Materials and Ruined Artwork

Proper storage of acrylic paints is essential for preventing wasted materials and ruined artwork. Here are some tips for storing acrylic paints:

Airtight Containers

Store acrylic paints in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out. You can use plastic containers with lids or resealable bags.

Cool, Dry Place

Store acrylic paints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity can cause the paint to dry out or spoil.

Labeling

Label each container with the color name, date opened, and any other relevant information. This helps you keep track of your inventory and ensures that you’re using fresh paint.

The Best Surfaces for Painting with Acrylics and Why You Should Avoid Certain Materials

Acrylic paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, but some are better than others. Here are some of the best surfaces for painting with acrylics:

Canvas

Canvas is a popular surface for painting with acrylics because it has a slight texture that allows the paint to adhere well. It’s also flexible, which makes it less likely to crack.

Paper

Heavyweight paper can also be used for acrylic painting. It’s affordable and easy to work with.

Wood

Wood is another popular surface for acrylic painting. It’s sturdy and provides a smooth surface for painting.

It’s important to avoid using certain materials for acrylic painting, such as untreated metal or plastic. These surfaces don’t allow the paint to adhere well and can result in peeling or flaking.

Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind When Working with Acrylic Paints

While acrylic paint is generally safe to use, there are some safety precautions you should keep in mind when working with it.

Ventilation

Acrylic paints can release fumes that may be harmful if inhaled. It’s important to work in a well-ventilated area or wear a respirator mask.

Skin Protection

Acrylic paints can cause skin irritation, so it’s important to protect your skin by wearing gloves or washing your hands regularly.

Clean Up Properly

Clean up spills and dispose of materials properly. Acrylic paint can be toxic if ingested, so make sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Brushes and Tools to Avoid When Painting with Acrylics and Why

Not all brushes and tools are suitable for use with acrylic paints. Here are some brushes and tools you should avoid:

Natural Bristle Brushes

Natural bristle brushes are not recommended for use with acrylics because they absorb water and become too soft when wet. This can make them difficult to control when painting.

Metal Palettes

Metal palettes are not recommended for use with acrylics because the paint can dry quickly and become difficult to remove.

Plastic Containers

Plastic containers are not recommended for long-term storage of acrylic paints because they can break down over time and react with the paint, causing it to spoil. It’s best to use glass or ceramic containers instead.

In conclusion, it is important to avoid certain practices when working with acrylic painting, such as using harsh chemicals, applying too much water, and neglecting to properly clean brushes and tools. By following these guidelines, artists can ensure the longevity and quality of their acrylic paintings.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Not to Do With Acrylic Painting

How do you take care of an acrylic painting?
To minimize the accumulation of dirt on acrylic paintings, it is crucial to store them in a clean, dust-free area. Additionally, it is recommended to maintain a temperature below standard room levels when displaying or storing these paintings to prevent the paint film from becoming too soft.

Why does my acrylic painting look bad?
If too much water is added or low-quality paint is used, acrylic paint may appear dull and chalky, and the shadows and highlights may look cool. To resolve this, it is recommended to use only 25% water or mediums to thin the paint, use artist-quality or student-grade acrylics, and incorporate some warm colors into the artwork.

Are you supposed to seal an acrylic painting?
Finishing your acrylic paintings with varnish is crucial to protect them from dust, UV rays, and discoloration over time.

What is the best thing to put on acrylic painting?
To properly seal an acrylic painting, you can use various products such as acrylic resin varnish, acrylic polymer varnish, clear sealer, or mod podge, based on the type of surface you are painting on. It is important to note that the term “varnish” can refer to either a classic oil-based finish or any general finish, to prevent any misunderstandings.

Should I wet my brush before acrylic paint?
Tips and instructions for using acrylic paint. Starting with a wet brush is not necessary, but it can help the paint glide more smoothly. Simply dipping the brush in water, without soaking it, is sufficient. This advice was given on August 17, 2020.

How do you keep acrylic paint vibrant?
Using a gloss varnish or glaze on your acrylic artwork can enhance its vibrancy, but it’s important to test them out before applying them to your finished piece. It’s important to be cautious when mixing colors as it can either result in dull or beautiful colors.