What is acrylic paint?
Acrylic paint uses the same pigments as oil or watercolor, but unlike the latter, they are mixed with a plastic material called acrylic polymer, made from synthetic resin.

The combination of pigments and acrylic polymer results in a material that is water-soluble, moisture-resistant, and dries quickly.
It is also the most recommended technique for beginners since it is the most appropriate, easy to use, and easy to manipulate and mix.
The best techniques for using acrylic paint
Now that you know precisely what acrylic paint is, you may want to know where to start with this type of paint.
Don't worry; we provide a detailed guide on the best techniques for using acrylic paint at Canvas By Numbers.
Draping
To use this technique, you'll need a brush loaded with a lot of paint and apply it to the canvas or surface you're painting. Then, spread the stain with a crumpled cloth, achieving a different effect than a brushstroke.
Marbling
First, apply a base of solid color like white, for example, and then use a cloth to foam the texture. Once the fabric has been used, use a fine-tipped brush to draw lines simulating marble veins.
After drawing the lines, finally blend them with a brush.
Sponging or dabbing
This is a straightforward technique for painting with acrylics. You need to apply acrylic paint to a sponge and then gently dab the surface you're painting.
When the sponge is loaded with paint, please remove the excess for a textured effect. This same technique can be done with a brush or paper.
Glazing
With this technique, similar to watercolors, you must dilute acrylic paint in water to achieve a translucent effect.
Mix the same paint and water and apply the stain with a broad brush to do this. Once it dries, it will harden permanently.
Dry brushing
Please don't dilute the paint with water; use a dry brush when applying paint. This will give you irregular lines since water helps to soften the edges, but the result is picturesque, textured, and colorful.
Stippling
With this technique, paint a set of tiny dots to create images. It is a method commonly used in drawing but is also suitable for acrylic painting.
Splattering
This is a slightly more complex technique than the others, but it can be mastered perfectly with time and practice.
In this case, use a brush, such as a toothbrush, and not a paintbrush. With the brush moistened with paint and a piece of cardboard, make contact with the bristles, causing the paint to splatter on your painting surface.
Painting by Numbers
Painting by Numbers is a straightforward technique and the most recommended from this list for beginners in the world of painting, as it doesn't require technical knowledge.
This technique involves dividing an image into a multitude of zones, and each one is numbered. Each number corresponds to a specific color you'll use to paint the area.
You'll get the desired image once you have painted all the areas with the right color.
What materials do I need for painting with acrylic paint?
Now that you know the techniques to become a true artist, here are the materials you need for it:
- Paintbrushes for acrylic painting
- Canvases or supports for acrylic painting
- Acrylic paint mixing palette
- Thinners
- Rags
If you want to learn more about the materials you need for painting with acrylic paint, we recommend this article from the Canvas By Numbers blog.
Painting by Numbers with Canvas by Numbers
If you want to delve into the art world, there's no better way to do it than with Canvas By Numbers. On our website, you'll find a variety of paintings of landscapes, cities, and even your favorite photo to paint with acrylic paint.
Discover a world of endless possibilities on our website and unleash the artist within you.
Also, with every order you place, we would like to send you a kit with all the necessary materials to finish your work of art. Our paints are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.




