Acrylic Painting FAQs
Welcome to the Creative Art World of Acrylic Paint!.
Acrylic paint is a great option for beginner to intermediate painters to explore and experiment with.
Please keep reading to discover answers to the most commonly asked acrylic painting questions.
What do I need to start in acrylic painting?
When starting with acrylic paint, you will need:
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A pre-primed canvas, canvas panel, or canvas pad
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A selection of acrylic paints (The primary colours are a good starting point. You can also get a great variety of sets with pre-mixed colours to make things easier)
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A palette to mix your colours
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An easel
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Brush cleaner
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Varnish to protect your finished artwork
Does acrylic paint dry fast?
Acrylic paint is naturally very easy drying so it's essential to develop a habit of painting quickly.
How long does it take for acrylic paint to dry?
Acrylic paint is very fast drying when compared to oils. It can dry as fast as 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the paint applied.
What surface should I use for acrylic painting?
Acrylic Paints look great on canvas, however, one of the good things about acrylic paint is that it can be used on practically any surface that has been prepared.
What is acrylic paint made from?
Acrylic paint is made from pigment and softener and the acrylic polymer is water-based and is typically water-resistant once fully dried.
Can I remove the dried acrylic paint?
Once acrylic paint has dried, it is very hard to remove. However, you can try to remove paint stains by soaking the area with Isopropyl alcohol and scraping the paint once absorbed.
Is acrylic paint non-toxic?
Acrylic paints are safe to use and are not typically toxic. However, some colours contain harmful chemicals like cobalt, cadmium and manganese.
What are palette knives?'
Palette knives are useful for applying clean patches of colour onto a blank canvas or over an existing dry layer of paint.
What acrylic paints should I use for pouring or fluid art?
You can use any acrylic paint mixed with a pouring medium for fluid art.
The Mont Marte Acrylic Pouring Paint Range is fantastic and available in various colours and sets if you want a pre-mixed, ready-to-use acrylic pouring paint.
How do I store my finished acrylic painting?
Once Art Work has been varnished and is ready to be displayed, it's best to hang your work in a climate-controlled, dry room away from natural lighting.
Don't forget to show us your acrylic painting creation by tagging us on Instagram @Handy Mandy for your chance to be featured!
Got questions? Send us an email at info@handymandy.co.nz and our friendly team of artists will do their best to assist you. Happy creating!