Comparing Different Types of Acrylic Paint

When it comes to painting, sometimes the hardest decision is choosing the right paint for your project. With so many acrylic paint options available, I thought we could compare a few popular types of paint at different price points. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced painter, there's something for everyone. Let’s break down the paints I tested, along with my thoughts on each one. 

Craft Paints

I’m excited to compare three types of acrylic craft paints that are easily accessible. You can find them at your local craft store or larger retail store. They offer a wide array of color options and are budget-friendly. 

DecoArt Americana

• Consistency: A fairly thin paint that goes on smoothly and easily.
• Perfect For: Crafters who want solid, even coverage without breaking the bank.

FolkArt

• Consistency: Thick and creamy.
• Perfect For: A variety of crafting projects, including those requiring texture or layering. (This is one of my go-to paints!)

Craft Smart

• Consistency: Thinner than the others but still works well for crafts.
• Perfect For: Budget-friendly projects or decorative pieces where fine detail isn’t the focus. However, you’ll need to apply extra layers.

Student Grade Paint

Don’t let the name fool you! All of the paint options I discussed today will work for any level of artist. However, these options offer a higher quality of paint for someone ready to invest in their paint options. 

Liquitex Basics Acrylic

• Consistency: Thick with excellent coverage.
• Perfect For: Palette knife painting and projects where texture is key.

This is a great paint for the creative who is interested in casual crafting or for more experienced artists looking for affordable paint options. It’s reasonably priced, accessible, and provides really great results!

Artist Grade Paints

Golden Fluid Acrylic

• Consistency: Thin with a silky texture.
• Color Palette: Limited, but the colors are highly pigmented.
• Perfect For: Layering and vibrancy in art projects with paint that flows beautifully.

This type of acrylic is a step-up in quality and cost. If you're looking to experiment with finer details or smoother blends, and you enjoy color blending and layering, this might be the paint for you. (These are my all-time favorites!). GOLDEN Fluid Acrylics have the same pigment load as the Heavy Body Acrylics, but with a viscosity similar to heavy cream. Fluids allow for smooth flowing applications while retaining color intensity, tinting strength, film integrity, and adhesion

Golden Heavy BodyAcrylics

• Consistency: Thicker than craft paints.
• Coverage: Covers larger areas with smaller amounts of paint.
• Perfect For: Serious artists who want high-quality results with vibrant colors.

These professional-grade paints are pricier but offer exceptional quality. If you're ready to invest in your craft, these are excellent choices.

What’s the Best Choice for You?

The “best” paint choice for you is the one you have and can afford. Whether you're working with DecoArt or Golden Acrylics, your end result will be something amazing! As you grow as a painter, you might find yourself drawn to more expensive options, but there’s no need to start there. Some of my favorite projects have been created with craft paints!

I’ve tried all kinds of paints since I’ve started painting and I’ve achieved beautiful results with every type of paint listed above. In the end, it all comes down to your preference and your budget. The key is to keep painting, experimenting, and having fun!