When starting to paint with acrylics, there are accessories that you can use to create unique paintings. There are many tools that you can experiment with when it comes to applying paint or special palettes that will slow down the drying time of the acrylics. Some of these accessories are non-essential but it will help you advance your craft once you have mastered the basics.
You can purchase an acrylic paint set online along with different accessories. One such additional item that you can use is a primer or Gesso that is used on a raw surface so that it is primed to receive acrylic paint. If you are using acrylic paint on a surface that is not primed, the paint may not adhere properly to the surface. The primer makes the surface feel better when you are using a brush and you will be able to create the surface as you wish whether you want to start with a smooth finish or a textured finish. Gesso is generally white but you can find it in a variety of colours as well. If you feel that this is too much of an extra step for you, you can simply buy a pre-primed canvas. However, you can use Gesso on top of this if you feel that the absorbency level is too low. You can experiment with different numbers of Gesso layers to see what fits your personal preference.
A palette is essential when you are painting with acrylics. A wooden palette will not be a good option as the paint can seep inside the fibres. Instead, you can use plastic, safety glass, plexiglass or white melamine palettes. A glass palette is easy to clean but you have to be careful with it. You will not be able to paint holding it in your hand. As acrylics dry fast, you need to keep them moist so they don’t dry on the palette itself. There are stay-wet palettes that you can purchase for acrylics.Once you have finished a painting, you need to make sure that it is sealed so that it will be preserved for a long time. This can be done by applying a coat of varnish. There are satin, matte and gloss finish varnish that you can use. Satin is more of an in between finish compared to matte and gloss. Varnishing the painting will protect it from UV radiation, dust, humidity and yellowing.
Because of the smooth consistency of acrylics, you can use painting and palette knives to mix and apply paint. A palette knife can be used for mixing and you will be able to clean the palette with it as well. You can consider stainless steel or plastic knives. You can create different types of marks using painting knives and they can be used for great detail as well. These come with curved handles so it is easier to control the paint. There are also paint shapers that are more of a combination of painting knives and paintbrushes. You can use them with different types of media.
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