Acrylic painting would be much easier of one knows of the basic knowledge on choosing the right kind, shape and size of the brush, knowing the characteristics of acrylic paints and how to apply and control the application of these paints.
The Brushes. The important thing to remember though is that most oil painting brushes can also be used for acrylic paintings.
With modernization though, numerous brushes emerged in the markets which are typically for acrylic painting and most of these now come in the form of un-toxic brushes.
The trend nowadays is to use painting brushes made of nylon which is more durable than its natural fiber made counterparts. These brushes are not the ordinary nylon but those are made of filaments that provide for coarser though smoother strokes than ordinary nylon and natural hair brushes.
Acrylic brushes also come in different shapes to serve different purposes. Among the common ones are the rounds, the fan, the short flats and the long flats, and the rigger. The rounds are perfect for detailed painting as these brushes produce thin strokes and lines.
The short or long flats are used depending on the length of the strokes. The fan brushes are perfect for blending colors and textures such as leaf clusters and furs. For long straight strokes, use the long flat and use the short flat for short strokes.
Then for very fine lines, the riggers, commonly a watercolor painting brush, also serve the same function. For a start up acrylic painting brush set, it is suggested to get a 1/8 inch round brush, 1/8, 3/8, and ¾ inch long and short flat, 1 inch hog bristle fan brush, 3/8 and ¾ filbert brush, and a no.1 or no.2 nylon rigger.
The Paints. It is important to note that aside from being versatile, acrylics are fast drying that one most remember to squeeze out only enough.
Also, make sure to work quick and precise especially when blending colors as acrylics easily dry and one might not achieve the color blend in time before the paint dries up.
Also, wash effect is irreversible in acrylic as in comparison to watercolor wash which can be over painted aggressively. Blend acrylics with water or white in order to achieve the opaque effect.
For making glazes, be sure to make thin layers than heavy layers to distinguish it from a glossy surface. Since acrylic paints are relatively thick, it may be used to hold collages without putting in glue.
Water is a good solvent but there are now, called a flow improver medium which basically retains the color strength yet increases the color flow.
Caring for your brush tools. One must have the habit of wiping or cleaning the brushes to avoid damaging it as when paint dries on it without being removed. Always have paper towel or moist cloth or a jar of water to wipe off the paint on the brush.
The use of masking fluid maybe hard if not impossible to remove, as such, to avoid damaging the brush, better dip the brush in a washing up liquid.
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