Craft Paint – Finding the Right Type
Craft Paints can be acrylic or enamel;
some can be washed off of clothing and skin, and others are very
permanent. They can be water or oil based. Oil based paints tend to
be thicker and more permanent, while water based paints can be
washed more easily and can be diluted for a thinner coat.
Acrylic vs. Enamel Craft Paint
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a
pigment mixed with an acrylic polymer. You can paint with an
acrylic paint directly out of the tube for an opaque effect, or you
can dilute the paint by mixing it with water to create a lighter
wash of color. Acrylic paint is created with an emusion of
water, so it is considered a "water based" paint, rather than an
"oil based" paint. This paint dries very quickly, and can be
washed off with water. Glass, fabric, and home/garden projects
require a special acrylic paint. Acrylic paint can be bought
in tubes, pots, or jugs. This paint is perfect for posters,
signs, kids art, stamping, wooden crafts, Styrofoam crafts, and
more. If your acrylic paint hasn't dried, you can wash it off
with soap and water. However, try
Motsenbocker's Life Off Acrylic Paint Remover to strip dried
acrylic paint from a surface.
Enamel Paint
Enamel Paint is mostly used on furniture
and other hard surfaces. It can be water or oil based and is much
more permanent than acrylic paint. It takes around 24 hours to dry
and creates a hard and glossy surface that is more difficult to
chip than acrylic paints. It is not ideal for blending colors or
using on softer surfaces made from fibers. Use enamel paint on
glass, metal, tiles, or ceramics.
Craft Paint Varieties
Craft Paint Lines
In search of the perfect palette of paint colors? Whether you
are tole painting, or making a portrait, here are some paint lines
with a extensive color selection to choose from.
Paint Sets
Many acrylic paints are packaged with a variety of colors in a
paint set. Rather than buying colors
individually, you'll have all of the paint you need available.
Poster Paint
Use this paint for signs, finger painting, or a variety of kids
crafts. Intended up be used on paper. Easy to wash this paint off
of hands and most fabrics.
Glitter Paint
Many acrylic paints have the addition of glitter for an added
sparkle. Some glitter paints have a clear base coat, while
others have a base to match the color of the glitter. For an opaque
glitter coverage, use multiple thin coats of glitter.
Metallic Paint
Resembling the shiny pearlescent finish of metal, these acrylic
paints can give you the look of gold or silver accents
inexpensively.
Chalkboard Paint
Use chalkboard paint on a wall, board, box, or frame to create a
finish that can be written on and erased with a piece of chalk.
Generally available in black or medium green colors, but some lines
are introducing chalkboard paint in bright and kid friendly colors
as well.
Dimensional or Puffy Paint
This acrylic paint is usually squeezed from a tube,
and is easy to write words or draw pictures onto clothing, felt,
fabric, or any thick material.
Glow in the Dark Paint
This paint will illuminate at night or
in a dark room. Great for Halloween costumes, safety items, or just
fun designs!
Stains
Enhance the look of wood by painting it
with a stain. This semi-opaque paint will deepen the color of the
wood, but still allow the grain to show through. Generally only
available in the colors of wood, such as oak, cherry, walnut,
maple, etc.
Patio Paint
Specially forumated weatherproof paint, that you can use to
spruce up terra cotta pots, lawn ornaments, rocks, bricks, and a
variety of other surfaces. Very durable, and will last under all
kinds of weather conditions.
Fabric Paint
Can be used to paint a design on fabric or clothing. It can be
washed, but take care to read the washing and drying instructions
on the specific paint you use. Some fabric paints need to be heat
set with an iron, but others can air dry. To learn more about
fabric paint, visit the fabric paint buying
guide.
Stencil Paint
Extra thick paint that is designed to be used with stencils, and
will not bleed around the edges of the design. Generally, stencil
paint will work on a variety of surfaces, including wood or
plaster.
Enamel Paint
Can be used on smooth surfaces that regular acrylic paints have
trouble adhering to such as wood, glass, and metals.
Mediums
Add a specially formulated medium to a regular craft paint to
change the appearance or consistency of the paint. It can be used
to antique, frost, or give the paint a matte effect.
Spray Paint
A permanent enamel paint that is ideal for painting
furniture. It comes in an aerosol can and coats an object with an
even and thin coat. It is best for painting items with corners and
crevices that cannot be easily painted with a brush.
Face Paint
A water based paint that sits on top of the skin instead of
soaking in. It easily and gently washes off skin, but should be
used with caution on clothing. It is a great touch for Halloween
costumes and birthday parties.
Crackle Finish
A texturizer that is painted on top of a color layer that breaks
apart when dry, creating an aged crackle effect. Crackle
finishes only work with a base coat of paint underneath.
Soy Paint
A natural and eco-friendly paint option made from plant based
soy ester resin. Soy paint uses less water than
traditional acrylic paint, and is thicker and less likely to
drip.
Window Frosting
Creates ice and snow patterns on windows, mirrors, and other
glass surfaces. It is mainly used for holiday and winter
decoration.
Projects and Inspiration with Craft Paint
- Mix an acryllic paint with resin to form a bubbly effect. Make
sure to wear a mask and work in a well venillated area when resin
painting.
- Paint rocks with glow in the dark paint and line your garden
path for extra illumination at night. They will charge with
sunlight throughout the day.
- Paint the top of an old desk with chalkboard paint for a
homework station.
- Use a medium to antique painted furniture
- Spray Paint random toys and objects bright colors for fun and
unique decor
Check out the Think
Crafts blog for more projects that use craft paint.
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