Acrylic Paint 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Start Your First Canvas

What Is Acrylic Paint and Why Do Artists Love It?

Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly mediums available today. Made from pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion, it offers bold colour, fast drying times, and the ability to work on nearly any surface — from canvas and paper to wood, fabric, and more.

Whether you’re exploring fine art, illustration, or crafts, acrylic paint adapts beautifully to your style. It’s water-based, easy to clean up, and dries quickly — making it ideal for quick layering and experimentation. You’ll find a wide selection of acrylic paints and accessories at The Deckle Edge, South Africa’s home for quality art supplies.

What Acrylic Paint Should I Get?

Choosing the right acrylic paint depends on your skill level, project type, and preference for colour performance.

• Student-grade paints are affordable and perfect for learning techniques.
• Artist-grade paints have higher pigment loads, better lightfastness, and smoother application.

We’ve just introduced a limited range of Schmincke Primacryl — a premium, professional-grade acrylic paint from Germany. Artists love it for its rich pigmentation, buttery texture, and eco-conscious formulation. If you’re ready to invest in high-performance colour, the Schmincke range is worth a try.

For everyday use, explore our broader art materials section for a wide selection of trusted brands suited to all levels.

How to Paint with Acrylics: Tips for Beginners

Painting with acrylics is wonderfully forgiving. Here’s how to get started:

• Prep your surface: Use primed canvas, acrylic paper, or a wood panel.
• Use the right brushes: Synthetic brushes work best for acrylic paint.
• Thin with water or medium: Add water for transparency or use a medium for smoother blending.
• Layer quickly: Acrylics dry fast, so plan your layers and work confidently.
• Clean as you go: Rinse brushes frequently to prevent paint from drying on them.

You can also mix acrylics with gels, pastes, and flow improvers for unique effects. If you’re combining painting with illustration, check out our range of graphic supplies for tools that pair well with acrylics.

Eco-Friendly Acrylic Paints: What to Look For

Not all acrylic paints are created equal when it comes to environmental impact. While acrylics are water-based, they still contain plastics and pigments that vary in sustainability.

Here’s what to look for in eco-friendly acrylic paints:

• Brands that minimise harmful additives
• Paints with high pigment concentration (less product needed)
• Recyclable packaging
• Transparent ingredient labeling

The new Schmincke Primacryl line aligns with many of these values. It’s a professional-quality paint made by a brand that prioritises environmental responsibility and safe studio practices. Learn more about eco-conscious art materials on Wikipedia’s page on acrylic paint.

What Surfaces Can You Use Acrylic Paint On?

Acrylic paint sticks to a huge variety of surfaces, making it incredibly flexible:

• Canvas: Ideal for fine art painting
• Paper: Use heavy-weight or acrylic-specific paper
• Wood panels: Great for craft and rustic finishes
• Fabric: Use fabric medium to increase adhesion
• Cardboard, plastic, and metal: With proper priming

We stock a wide range of paper products and surfaces ready for your next masterpiece.

Want to Learn More About Acrylic Painting?

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills or explore new acrylic techniques, consider joining one of our workshops and events. Whether you’re into colour theory, mixed media, or experimental painting styles, you’ll find hands-on guidance and a welcoming creative community.

You can also dive into our art blog for how-to articles, artist features, and product deep-dives that will inspire your next project.