Acrylics are a very versatile painting medium. They are odour free and water based. They do not crack or fade and and dry quickly, they can be varnished on the same day of painting.
Acrylics can be painted on almost any surface, including clothes, however they do react badly with oil.
Creating textures with acrylic paints
White acrylic impasto
Use a palette knife or ordinary knife to create a pattern with white acrylic paint. Leave to dry then wash over with colour. Great for abstract paintings and wood effects.
Plastic food wrap
This technique gives a wonderful texture for lots of different surfaces. Paint a watery acrylic wash on the surface and then apply a pleated square of plastic food wrap and push it into the paint. Leave the paint to dry then remove the food wrap.
Texture pastes
You can buy ready made pastes or gels to use with acrylics. Some contain grit and sand, beads
or fibres. Apply the paste to the surface then paint over the top.
PVA glue
Make pattern on the painting surface with the glue and leave it to dry, then paint a wash over the glue. This is a really good technique to make swirls in water.
Oil pastels
Applying oil pastels under or over an acrylic wash can create good weathered effects.
