Essential Acrylic Painting Supplies for Every Artist’s Toolkit

Starting out in acrylic painting? You’re not alone! Acrylics are known for their versatility, vivid colors, and forgiving nature, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned artists alike. But with so many supplies on the market, diving into this medium can feel overwhelming. If you’re ready to explore the world of acrylic painting but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will introduce you to the essential materials every artist should have on hand. From paints and brushes to canvases and unique tools, let’s explore the must-have supplies to set you up for success.

Why Choose Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint is a favorite for many artists due to its vibrant colors and fast-drying properties. Unlike oils, which require days or even weeks to dry fully, acrylics dry within minutes, allowing you to layer colors quickly and experiment with new techniques. Acrylics are also water-soluble, making them incredibly easy to clean up. But most importantly, acrylics are adaptable; with the right supplies, you can achieve anything from watercolor-like washes to thick, textured effects.
Let’s get into the essential supplies you’ll need to get started!

Acrylic Paints

The heart of any painting is, of course, the paint. Acrylics come in various grades and forms, from beginner-friendly sets to professional-grade paints with enhanced pigmentation. For newcomers, a basic set of colors is perfect for mixing and experimenting with. If you’re planning to buy individual colors, start with the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue, along with white for lightening and black or burnt sienna for shadows. With these, you can mix an impressive range of hues.

Choosing quality paint is also crucial. While budget-friendly options are fine for practice, investing in artist-grade acrylics ensures better coverage, longevity, and color vibrancy. At modern paint by numbers we make paint selection easy by providing pre-mixed acrylic colors with our kits, saving you the guesswork while still allowing for creative freedom.

Brushes for Acrylic Painting

Your brushes will be your primary tools for bringing your ideas to life. Different shapes, sizes, and materials affect each stroke’s quality, so selecting the right brushes can make a huge difference. Here’s a quick rundown of common types and when to use them:

Flat Brushes: Great for bold, expressive strokes and filling in larger areas.
Round Brushes: Perfect for detailing and creating fine lines.
Filbert Brushes: Known for their versatility, filberts are excellent for blending and creating soft edges.
Fan Brushes: Ideal for creating texture, such as foliage, clouds, or textured backgrounds.

Beginners can start with a set of versatile shapes and gradually add more specialized brushes as their skills improve. Modern paint by numbers includes a curated selection of brushes with every kit to ensure you have the essential tools you need to complete your painting. High-quality synthetic brushes are durable, easy to clean, and deliver precise, smooth strokes for acrylics.

Canvases and Other Surfaces

While canvas is a classic choice for acrylic painting, this medium can be applied to various surfaces, from wood and paper to even glass. However, canvas remains a popular choice because it provides a stable, absorbent surface that holds acrylic paint beautifully. For beginners, pre-stretched and pre-primed canvases are ideal, they save time, eliminate the need for preparation, and allow you to start painting right away.

At Modern Paint By Numbers, every kit comes with a high-quality, pre-printed canvas, ready for painting. These canvases combine the durability of traditional canvas with easy-to-follow guidelines, making it accessible for beginners while ensuring lasting quality. The blend of cotton and canvas fabric used in our kits holds color well and is designed to stand the test of time.

Mixing Palette

Every artist needs a good palette for mixing colors. For acrylics, you’ll want a palette that is easy to clean and spacious enough to experiment with different shades. While traditional wooden palettes are popular, acrylic paints also work well on plastic or glass palettes, which are easy to wipe clean. Many artists even use disposable palette sheets or upcycled materials like ceramic tiles.

If you’re new to painting and unsure about investing in a professional palette, any flat, non-porous surface will do for now. Our kits provides pre-mixed colors with each kit to streamline your experience, but having a palette on hand is always useful for blending and creating custom shades.

Water and Thinners

Acrylic paints can be thick, and thinning them with water or an acrylic medium can help achieve specific effects. Adding water will create a lighter, more fluid consistency, perfect for watercolor-like washes and glazes. However, if you’re looking to maintain color richness while thinning, an acrylic flow improver or retarder is ideal. These mediums help create smoother blends, prevent paint from drying too quickly, and allow for layering without lifting the base color.

Experimenting with thinners and flow enhancers can add new dimensions to your painting style, letting you explore everything from detailed realism to impressionistic washes.

Rags and Towels

While it may sound simple, having a few rags or paper towels nearby can make a big difference in your painting process. Rags help clean brushes, blot excess water, and even add interesting textures to the canvas. Simply dabbing a dry or damp cloth over wet paint can create unique textures, perfect for backgrounds or underlayers. However, spills and splatters can happen, so if paint accidentally gets on your clothes, check out our guide on How to Get Paint Out of Clothes for quick and effective solutions. This tool is versatile, inexpensive, and a must-have in any artist’s toolkit.

Varnish for Finishing

Once your painting is complete, adding a layer of varnish will help protect it from dust, UV rays, and moisture, keeping your colors vibrant and extending the life of your work. Varnishes come in both matte and glossy finishes, so you can choose based on the look you’re after. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference, giving your painting a professional touch.
If you’re using one of our paint by numbers kits, varnishing is optional since the materials are designed to be durable, but adding a finish can be a great way to preserve and enhance your work for years to come.

Additional Supplies for Experimentation

Gesso: Used to prime surfaces, especially if you’re painting on raw canvas or wood, gesso provides a textured surface that helps paint adhere better.
Masking Tape: Great for creating clean edges or sectioning off areas, especially if you’re working on a complex piece.
Detailing Tools: Sponges, toothpicks, and even old credit cards can be used to add unique textures and details to your painting.

The Benefits of Starting with a Kit

If you’re ready to jump into acrylic painting but feel overwhelmed by all the supplies, starting with a paint by numbers kit is the perfect solution. Each kit includes a pre-printed canvas, matched acrylic paints, and a selection of brushes, so you don’t need to worry about gathering individual supplies. For example, the Old Sailor Man Paint By Numbers kit offers an inspiring design that’s both beginner-friendly and satisfying to complete. With these Easy kits, you can start your journey with confidence and enjoy the process of creating beautiful artwork, one color at a time.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Acrylic Painting Journey

Diving into acrylic painting opens up a world of possibilities, and having the right tools can make all the difference. A few essential supplies are all you need to confidently explore your creativity and develop your unique style. Whether you’re working from scratch or using a guided kit, each brushstroke will bring you closer to mastering this vibrant, versatile medium.

Visit Modern Painting to discover our wide range of paint by numbers kits, curated to provide everything you need to start painting. With the right supplies, a little practice, and a lot of passion, you’ll be creating your own masterpieces in no time.