If you are starting to develop an interest in painting and you would like to improve your skill in this field, you need to have at least the basic art materials to practice. One of the most important things to have is the paint. There are different types of paints available, and they have their characteristics. We listed the most popular types of paints that you can use on your projects and more information about them to determine which would suit your artwork best.

Acrylic paint
It’s one of the most popular and more affordable types of paints. Of course, the cost will still vary depending on the brand and quality, but you will find a generally inexpensive option that is good enough for painting. It can also adhere to most materials like metal, canvas, and wood, so it gives you flexibility. Glass is another surface you can paint. The Painting Advice has tips on how to use it on that material.

Aside from the flexibility on the materials or surface where it can be used, you can also adjust the thickness or thinness, and make it more like a watercolor finish or oil finish, whichever you prefer. Achieve this by adjusting the water that you mix to get the consistency you desire. It’s water-resistant, and it’s fast-drying. It is difficult to make corrections once it dries, so better do it quickly while still wet.

Watercolor
It’s one of the oldest paint types that has been around for years. This paint is diluted with water, giving a thin and transparent finish. If you want to make it darker, apply another layer, although you need to wait for the first layer to dry first to avoid the canvass or paper from breaking. It won’t be a problem because watercolors are quick to dry.

Oil paint
Oil paint gives a thick and shiny finish. It takes time to dry. It can be a benefit in case you make a mistake, and you wish to correct it. You can do it a lot easier since you will have ample time before it dries. Even when the paint dries, you can add another layer without causing any disturbance to the previous layer. While other paints lose the intensity of their color when they dry, oil paints retain the richness of their color even after drying.

Encaustic
It’s a paint that is wax-based. Metal tools and heated beeswax is used in painting. It can also serve as an adhesive. It is not affected by moisture, and it is durable, so it will last long. The color also doesn’t change after drying. It’s thick and strong, which makes it ideal if you want to achieve bold colors.

Gouache
It is somewhat similar to watercolor because it is water-soluble. However, it is chalkier, which gives it a thicker finish when it dries. Watercolor has a more transparent finish, while gouache paint has an opaque finish, so the white part of the paper or canvass will not show.

Consider the finish that you are after to determine the best paint to use for your artwork.