Painting is a skill that can be learned and practiced, much like any other artistic expression. Luckily, with technology today, you do not need to have formal training in art to give your furniture new looks or refresh old ones!
With digital tools available to use, anyone can create their own artwork and design things from scratch. You no longer need expensive courses or teachers to learn how to paint!
There are many ways to take up painting as a hobby or career, so whether you’re looking to achieve perfection or just want to experiment, no matter what level you’re at now, try designing something yourself!
Many people begin by creating simple designs before moving onto more complex projects. It is totally okay to start with basic shapes and colors before advancing.
In this article, we will talk about one of the most popular mediums for all types of paintings – acrylic.
History of acrylics
What is acrylic paint? Acrylic paint is a special kind of painting material that contains polymers. Polymer paints contain molecules of plastic, which are extended or thinned out to create the fluid nature of the paint.
Acrylic paint is mixed with an acid called acetic acid. This chemical reaction binds to other chemicals in the paint, changing the texture and consistency.
Acrylic was first produced by two chemists in 1935 for use as a lacquer. Lacquers are protective coatings used to seal objects such as furniture. The coating can be easily removed if wanted! Since then, it has become one of the most popular mediums for all types of artistic expression.
You do not need much acrylic paint to experiment. You can get very creative with very little amount of paint! There are many ways to use it. You can pour it into a container, mix it in a machine, or you can just put some onto your hand and go crazy!
History notes: How to Use Acrylic Paint
There are three main components of acrylic paint: the liquid, the brush, and the air/evaporation space. All three play important roles in how well your paintings look and what effects you want to achieve.
The ratio of paint to water changes depending on the thickness and style of your painting. For example, a thick layer of paint may require more water than a thinner layer. It also depends on the effect you want to achieve.
What kind of paint?
While most people associate acrylic painting with large, flashy statements or elaborate designs, this is not always the case. Some artists use very little to make some beautiful pictures! This is called fine art painting and it’s what many master painters are famous for.
Acrylic paints have a thicker consistency than oil paints, which are typically used for detailed work. Because they are more fluid, you can add additional layers to create depth in your paintings.
However, there are certain things you must be careful about when using acrylic paints. These include:
Not mixing water with the paint
Using a proper brush
Drying the painted item properly
The first thing to remember about acrylic paint is that it will soak into whatever surface it touches. This includes brushes, paper towels, furniture, and even other materials like metal or plastic.
Make sure to let each piece dry completely before moving onto the next one! In fact, if you notice any wet patches on an acrylic painting, take extra time to ensure it fully dries.
Test the paint
When painting furniture, your first port of call should be testing the paint you have chosen. You can do this by looking online or using our guide here for some easy steps!
So, let’s say you wanted to paint a table with an oak finish. You could test the primer that is already present on the tabletop or you could try applying several layers of clear topcoat.
If we were to run through all the possibilities, it would take quite a few rounds to determine whether the acrylic paints are able to pass as solid wood stains. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though! Many people prefer the way the painted look comes across.
Use proper protection
While most people can paint with acrylics, it is still possible to make some pretty spectacular mistakes. If you are new to painting or this type of paint, then ensuring that your equipment is protected against dripping, water, and alcohol use is very important!
Acrylic paints contain volatile compounds that will eventually evaporate. When these chemicals come in contact with liquids such as water or alcoholic beverages, they will separate and possibly oxidize. The oxidation process creates free radicals which could potentially damage or even hurt your painted item long term.
To avoid potential dryout and oxidative damage, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate protective gear. For example, plastic cups instead of glass bottles for each color so they do not accidentally leak onto other colors or the floor. Using non-porous material like hard plastic dishes also helps prevent wetting of other areas.
Also, do not pull the brush out too quickly after applying a coat of paint as you may get some residue left behind which could go wrong later. Let the paint dry for at least an hour before taking off the coverup layer.
Know the temperature
When working with acrylic paint, one must be very careful of two things: temperatures and mixing ratios. Temperatures are important as you want to know what temperature your can mix your paints at!
Acrylic gel is a liquid that will eventually solidify into a harder material. This hardening process happens when it dries which is why it is crucial to know how to use and where to store your painted items until they are dry.
As we have discussed before, oils and acrylics do not normally mix together, so if you try this recipe in a warmer room or outside, your painting may not set properly. This could also cause puddles to gather which would possibly seep into other areas.
Acrylic paint is actually made up of polymer chains. These chains link themselves to each other and to any other chemicals in the paint using electrostatic forces (this changes depending on the pH level of the solution). This is why once your paint has dried and these bonds have been formed, you cannot simply blend it down- it is too late!
This does mean, however, that you can re-apply layers! The trick here is to make sure that the new layer adheres to the old one and is not just spread out flat. To do this, rub the newly applied coat against an existing surface such as wood or plastic to ensure good adherence.
Painting tips
When painting with acrylics, your brush can get so dry that you have to re-mix or replace it. This happens because as you apply more paint onto the surface of the brush, there is less liquid in it!
To prevent this, make sure to always empty out some of the liquid content from your brush before applying another layer of paint. You can also switch brushes for the same purpose.
When painting furniture, one trick we recommend is using a piece of cardboard or a plastic plate to help create a smooth finished coat. Apply several light layers of primer and then topcoat, and only lift up the painted item when it has dried!
This helps keep the lines smooth and level, which looks better overall.
Use the right brush
When painting with acrylics, you will need to choose your brushes carefully! There are two main types of paintbrush styles that people use for different looks and applications.
The first is called a sable or camel hair brush. These have very thick, slightly curly hairs that allow for smoother, more even coverage. Because the bristles are thicker, it is important to wash these frequently so they do not get dried out.
The second type is a synthetic brush. These tend to be thinner and shorter than the sables, but they cover more surface area per swipe which may give better results when trying to achieve a lacy look.
If you are just starting out with painting, investing in some good quality brushes is an excellent way to begin.
Know your materials
Acrylic is one of the most popular painting mediums. It can be mixed with other products to create new colors, and it will always dry, which makes it very durable.
Acrylic paint is made up of two main components — acrylic polymer and solvent. The proportions of these components determine the qualities of the final product.
You can use either liquid or powdery acrylic polymers in your paintings. Liquid acrylic is commonly referred to as paint! However, make sure to work with enough so you do not run out soon!
The proportion of acetone (or alcohol-based solvents) in acrylic paint determines how wet the painted surface becomes. A higher percentage means more moisture, which is good if you want the paint to stick but may cause problems when transporting or moving the piece.
Tip: Never add too much water to your acrylic paint! This could affect the flow of the paint, and possibly even cause it to clot.
Best surfaces for acrylic painting are porous metals and plastics. Wood also works well because the natural oils in wood help promote adhesion.
General rules apply: Use light pressure while applying the paint to prevent bubbles or cracks. Let the paint dry properly and check it frequently under a lamp to ensure it does not look streaky.