How to Use Acrylic Paint with Canvas Painting Kits for Beginners

Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly mediums, making it a favorite for DIY painting projects. If you’re new to painting or looking for a simple, fun way to create your own art, using DIY Canvas Painting Kits is the perfect way to start. These kits are designed to take the guesswork out of painting, especially for beginners, by providing pre-drawn canvases and easy-to-use materials.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using acrylic paint, from mixing colors to perfecting brush techniques. By the end, you’ll be ready to dive into your kit and create your very own masterpiece!

What’s Included in the Canvas Painting Kit?

Each Canvas Painting Kit from DIY Art in a Box is carefully designed to simplify the painting process while allowing you to explore your creativity. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

  • Acrylic Paints (8 Colors): Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, and white. These primary and secondary colors allow you to mix and create nearly any shade you want.
  • 3 Flat Brushes: Small, medium, and large brushes to suit various painting needs, from large background washes to tiny details.
  • Paper Plate Palette: Convenient for mixing colors directly on the plate.
  • Cardboard Easel: Easy to set up, allowing you to paint comfortably on a stable surface.
  • Apron: To keep things clean while you get creative.
  • Pre-Drawn Canvas: Each canvas comes with a pre-drawn design, so you can focus on painting without the pressure of sketching.
  • Black Paint Marker: Ideal for outlining or adding finishing details once your painting is dry.

Getting Ready: Prepare Your Painting Space

Before diving into the painting process, it’s essential to prepare your space for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Follow these simple steps to set up:

    1. Protect your surfaces: Lay down newspaper or a plastic sheet to protect your table or floor from accidental paint spills.
    2. Set up your easel: Your kit comes with a foldable cardboard easel that holds your canvas in place, making it easy to paint without having to hold the canvas yourself.
    3. Put on your apron: Protect your clothes by wearing the apron provided in the kit.
    4. Organize your supplies: Lay out your acrylic paints, brushes, and paper plate palette within easy reach.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Acrylic Paint

Now that you’re ready to paint, let’s go through the steps to use your acrylic paints like a pro!

 

 

One of the most exciting aspects of painting with acrylics is mixing your own colors. With the 8 basic colors provided (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, and white), you can create an endless variety of hues and tones. Here’s how to start:

  • Use the paper plate as a palette: Squeeze small amounts of each color onto the plate, leaving space between them for mixing.
  • Create new shades: Mix primary colors (red, blue, yellow) to create secondary colors (green, purple, orange), or add white to lighten any shade. Black can be used to darken colors.
  • Start with small amounts: You can always mix more if needed, but it’s best to start with small amounts to avoid wasting paint.

Acrylic paints dry quickly, which means you can easily add layers to your painting without waiting long. This is ideal for building up color intensity or creating depth in your artwork. Here are some techniques to try:

  • Layering: Start with the base colors for your background or larger sections, then add details in the second or third layers as the paint dries.
  • Blending: While the paint is still wet, blend colors directly on the canvas to create smooth transitions or gradients, such as blending blue into white for a sky effect.

Your kit includes three different-sized flat brushes, each serving a specific purpose:

  • Large brush: Perfect for covering large areas, like the background of your painting.
  • Medium brush: Use this for mid-sized elements, such as filling in larger parts of the pre-drawn design.
  • Small brush: Ideal for details, such as fine lines or small shapes. It’s also great for any touch-ups once the main painting is complete.

Each brush can be used to experiment with different strokes, whether you’re looking for smooth lines, dabs, or stippling effects.

While your kit doesn’t include a palette knife, you might want to add one to your art supplies if you’re interested in experimenting with texture. A palette knife can be used to spread thick layers of acrylic paint on the canvas, creating a raised or textured surface for more dynamic effects.

 

Finishing Touches and Cleaning Up

Once you’re happy with your painting and the acrylic paint has dried (usually within 15-30 minutes for thin layers), it’s time for some final touches:

  • Use the black paint marker: Outline key parts of the design or add extra details. The marker helps give the painting a polished, professional look.
  • Seal your painting: While it’s not required, you can seal your painting with a varnish to protect it from dust or fading over time.

Finally, make sure to clean your brushes right after use. Acrylic paint dries fast, so rinse them in water and gently reshape the bristles to ensure they stay in good condition for future projects.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with acrylics, especially as a beginner, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Overmixing colors

Mixing too many colors at once can lead to muddy, dull shades. Stick to mixing just two or three colors at a time.

Using too much water

While acrylics can be thinned with water, using too much can weaken the paint’s opacity and adhesive qualities.

Not considering drying times

Remember that acrylics dry fast! Work efficiently to blend colors before they dry, but don’t rush your overall process.

Acrylic painting is a fun and accessible way to express your creativity, and with the Canvas Painting Kits from DIY Art in a Box, everything you need is already in place. Whether you’re mixing colors or experimenting with different brush techniques, the pre-drawn canvases make it easy for beginners to jump right into the world of art.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your kit, set up your easel, and let your imagination run wild with acrylic paints today!

Top-Selling DIY Art Kits & Party Packs

Pre-Drawn Canvas Party Pack

Pre-Drawn Canvas Party Pack of 24

Pre-Drawn Canvas Party Pack

Holiday Canvas Painting Kits

Pre-Drawn Canvas Party Pack

Paint Pour Kits

Pre-Drawn Canvas Party Pack

Painting Kits for Kids

Pre-Drawn Canvas Party Pack

Wood Sign Painting Kits

Join Our Creative Community

Sign up for exclusive offers and be the first to know about our new design options when you subscribe to our newsletter!