Paints and Mediums

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Discover Your Art with Artist Paints and Painting Supplies

Artist paints are an essential part of the creative process for painters and artists. Choosing the right paints and painting techniques can have a significant effect on the finished work. That’s why it’s important to know about the available types of paint and painting supplies, as well as their properties and uses.

An Artist’s Paint Supplies: Types of Artist Paint

Acrylic Paints: These modern, synthetic paints are made with acrylic polymer emulsions. They are fast-drying and water-soluble, and become water-resistant once dry. They are highly flexible. Ideal for beginners and advanced artists, they don’t require a special thinner or special tool-cleaning products.

Oil Paints: These traditional paints are made with plant-based oils, most commonly linseed oil. They dry more slowly, giving artists greater control over their painting. They require a special thinner, such as turpentine.

Watercolor, Gouache and Tempera: These paints are water-based and can be thinned with water.

Watercolor is transparent and ideal for detailed, delicate work such as landscapes, flowers, and portraits. Watercolors require special watercolor paper and are popular for their ease and speed of use.

Tempera paints have a matte finish and are ideal for schoolchildren and beginning artists.

Gouache paints also have a matte finish. They have a creamier consistency and are easy to layer.

Colorful Crafting

Craft paints are specially designed for different surfaces, such as ceramic, fabric, glass, and silk. Using craft paints on clothing, dishes, or other objects lets you add a unique, personal style that reflects your creativity and interests.

They’re a great way to turn old or worn-out objects into new, attractive pieces. You can also use them to create original handmade gifts for friends and family.

Trending 3D Art Techniques

In visual art, using different techniques and materials to create three-dimensional effects, textures, and patterns is very popular. These details add visual interest and meaning to a work. Terms such as plaster art, structure art, and relief art are becoming increasingly popular. Modeling pastes are great tools for creating relief, texture, and structure on canvas. At ARTMiE , we’re fans of this trend too, so our selection also includes 3D Relief Paste under our private label.

Painting Supplies

Whether you’re using mediums to prepare the surface, finishing products, or mediums used during the painting process itself, they all share one goal: to ensure the painting’s long-term durability and quality, improve its appearance, and protect it from external influences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between acrylic paints and oil paints?

ARTMiE® acrylic paints dry quickly and can be thinned with water, making them ideal for layering. Oil paints dry slowly, allow you to blend shades for longer, and require thinners such as turpentine. Acrylics are great for beginners and modern techniques, while artists who prefer traditional painting and subtle color transitions choose oils.

How do I properly protect an acrylic painting on canvas?

Use a finishing varnish to protect your completed work. For acrylic paints, we recommend a matte or gloss varnish by PENTART. Apply the varnish in a thin layer only after the paint has dried completely, using a soft brush or spray. This will protect the painting from dust, UV radiation, and mechanical damage, significantly extending its life.

What can I use to thin fabric paints so they’re easier to work with?

You can thin KREUL fabric paints with a small amount of water, but if you want to maintain their coverage and flexibility, use a special medium for fabric. This will help the paint stay soft and wash-resistant after ironing. Avoid thinning it with too much water so the pigments don’t spread across the fabric or lose their intensity.

How can I create a cracked paint effect on decorations?

Use a two-component crackle medium by PENTART. First, apply the first component and let it dry slightly, then apply the second component. The reaction between them creates cracks on the decoration’s surface. You can control the size of the cracks by varying the thickness of the varnish layer. Finally, accentuate the cracks with patina or oil paint, wiping it off the surface so it remains only in the cracks.

Which brushes are best for acrylic paints?

Synthetic ARTMiE® brushes are ideal for acrylic paints. They’re flexible enough, water-resistant, and don’t leave marks in thick paint. Natural brushes quickly break down in acrylic paint and absorb too much water. After painting, wash the brushes right away with lukewarm water and soap so the paint doesn’t dry on the bristles and ruin their shape.