Acrylic paint: The right colour for crafting

Instructions No. 3342

Instructions No. 3342

Welcome to your ultimate guide to exploring the world of acrylic paints! Whether you've been passionately crafting for years or are just starting out, acrylic paint is an indispensable tool. Why, you ask? Its versatile possibilities are simply unmatched! In this article, discover the numerous benefits of acrylic paint, learn how to choose the right colors, and understand the often-confusing terms on the packaging. Join us in becoming an unbeatable creative duo!

Acrylic Paint: Your New Best Friend for Crafting and Painting

What are the properties of acrylic paints?

Acrylic paint is a versatile painting medium made from synthetic or natural resins. Let's take a closer look at the components to better understand the advantages of acrylic paint:

Pigments: The color-giving substances that determine the hue and coverage. The more pigments, the more vibrant the color.
Binders: They hold the pigments together and ensure that the paint adheres to your painting surface. In acrylic paints, they are made from resins.
Solvents: These evaporate during drying and provide the right consistency for the paint. Water is often the solvent of choice, making handling very user-friendly.

Advantages of acrylic paint

Can be thinned with water and is water-resistant once dry.
Dries quickly and is odorless.
Universal application range from wood to canvas.
Some paints are also suitable for outdoor use as they can be weather-resistant.
Priming often unnecessary.
Multiple coatings are no problem.
Perfect for mixing with pastes and effect compounds.
Brushes and painting tools are easy to wash out.

What should you look for when buying acrylic paints?

There are many terms that arise when buying acrylic paints, which are anything but self-explanatory. Here is an overview:

Technical Term	Meaning
Water-based	No addition of harmful synthetic solvents.
Lightfast	Does not fade with prolonged exposure to light.
Quality	Studio quality has fewer pigments than artist quality.
Saliva-resistant	Suitable for children as it is saliva-resistant.
Eco-friendly	Made from environmentally friendly materials.
Weatherproof	Resistant to various weather conditions.
Weather-resistant	Long-term ability to withstand weather influences.

Two types of acrylic paints from VBS that you should know: VBS Hobby Color for crafting, ideal for children, and VBS Outdoor Color for outdoor use.

For artistic works, the acrylic paint in artist quality is perfect.

Creating Creative Effects with Acrylic Paint

With acrylic paints, you can achieve impressive effects in combination with pastes and effect masses. Here are some possibilities:

Medium	Effect
Thickening agent	Turns paint pasty for reliefs and layer works.
Varnish	Protective layer applied after painting to enhance brilliance.
Primer / Gesso	Improves the adhesion of the paint to the painting surface.
Texture paste	Increases the volume and changes the texture of the paint.
Drying retarder	Extends the drying time for further editing.

Extra Tip:

Acrylic paints are fantastic for hobby creations and easy to handle. For professional artists, however, they pose a challenge: because acrylic paints can absorb light due to their pigmentation, paintings often appear darker. Adding white or applying white layers can help, though.

Excited for more creative projects? Order now the right acrylic paints and materials in our online shop and start your next masterpiece!