How to Paint on a Budget

Hey, friends! Karen here from Over the Artsy Moon—and today I’m sharing some of my favorite budget-friendly painting supplies that still deliver big creative magic. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned artist trying to stretch your craft budget, these tips and tools will keep you painting without the stress of overspending.

Before we dive in, here’s something I always remind my members: cheaper isn’t always better. It might be tempting to grab the lowest-priced option, but not all supplies are created equal—and sometimes, using poor-quality tools can actually make painting more frustrating than fun. (Ever had a brush shed all over your canvas? Been there.)

There are affordable supplies that work beautifully—you just have to know what to look for. So let’s chat about the good stuff that’s easy on the wallet and still gives you a satisfying painting experience.

Brushes That Won’t Break the Bank

You don’t need a fancy brush set to create beautiful art! While there are premium options out there, you can get great results with:

• Craft store brush sets – Look for multipacks with a variety of sizes and shapes. Bonus if they’re on sale…grab those coupons or discount codes! I like the Royal & Langnickel brush sets that Michaels sells. You can also find some nice options on Amazon—just be sure to read reviews first to avoid the ones that feel like they’re made of straw.
• Makeup sponges – Yep, not just for foundation! These are great for soft blending on canvas edges or even stenciling.
• Foam brushes – Great for base coats and other large coverage areas. Super affordable and surprisingly versatile.

Pro Tip: Even lower-cost brushes can last a long time if you take care of them. Wash thoroughly, reshape, and dry flat to make them last. A good cleaning routine will make even the cheapest brush last way longer. Check out my blog post where I share how I clean my brushes! 

Affordable Acrylic Paint Options

Paint is the heart of any project—but you don’t have to go top-shelf to get good results.

• Craft acrylic paints (like DecoArt or FolkArt) are budget-friendly, come in tons of colors, and work great for tutorials.
• Mix your own shades – Instead of buying every color under the sun, stick to the basics (red, blue, yellow, burnt umber, white, and black) and mix your own tones. It’s fun and frugal!

A quick note: Some super cheap paint brands can be watery or too transparent. You’ll know it when you see it—if it feels like you’re painting with tinted water, it’s probably time to level up.

Canvas Alternatives That Still Look Great

While painting on pre-stretched canvases is my favorite, there are other options that you can look into.

While stretched canvas is always a favorite, there are plenty of great alternatives:

• Canvas panels – More affordable and easy to store. Just make sure they’re pre-gessoed or be ready to prep them yourself.
• Wood signs or boards – Check your local hardware or discount store. You can even sand and reuse old signs for a rustic feel.
• Mixed media paper – Ideal for practicing techniques, color mixing, or trying new ideas before committing to a canvas.
  
  

Stencils & Extras on a Dime

We all love the extra sparkle stencils bring—but that doesn’t mean you need to buy them all at once.

• The Stencilsmith – I love their high-quality stencils, and you can use my affiliate code ARTSYMOON for 15% off.
• DIY your own – Use cardstock or plastic sheets to make your own shapes and lettering.
• Clean & reuse – Don’t toss your stencils after one use! A quick wipe-down with a baby wipe after each painting session will keep them in good shape.

Take it From My Members!

My members are full of smart, budget-friendly shopping tips! Here are some of their favorite places to find supplies:

• Discount stores – Those $1 aisles often have little treasures—just check that paints and brushes aren’t too flimsy.
• General merchandise stores – You can often find craft supplies tucked into seasonal or clearance sections.
• Craft stores – The variety is hard to beat, especially with weekly sales and coupons.
• Online – Amazon has the convenience factor, and sometimes you’ll find big packs of supplies at a lower cost per item.
  
  

Painting on a Budget = More Room for Creativity!

The truth is—you don’t need expensive supplies to create beautiful, joy-filled artwork. But a little care in choosing your materials can go a long way toward making painting feel fun, not frustrating.

So go ahead—stretch that budget! Just do it wisely, and your creativity will thank you.

If you’re looking for a community of creatives to cheer you on and share in excitement for your art finds, be sure to check out the Artsy Moon Paint Club. We’re painting together and building a community that is filled with encouragement and creativity!

*Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and memberships I truly believe in.