Acrylic Paints: Which One Should I Use?

With various acrylic paints available for crafting, you may wonder which acrylic paint should you be using.

Well, it all depends on the type of surface you will be painting. From paper to glass to wood to metal, we break down the different types of acrylic paints to help you choose the best paint for your project.

1. Delta Soy Paint

Soy Paint is the first true "green" decorative paint using pigment containing a bio-based soy ester resin and other recycled materials. It can be used on most porous surfaces for arts, crafts, and home decor projects such as:

• Paper
• Canvas
• Terracotta
• Plaster
• Wood

Great coverage and color, non-toxic, and dries in 15 minutes. 

2. DecoArt Patio Paint

Patio Paint is a permanent, weather and water resistant acrylic paint for outdoor decorating. Use on surfaces such as:

• Terracotta
• Concrete
• Wood
• Masonry
• Stucco
• Stone
• Ceramic Bisque
• Cast Aluminum
• Styrofoam

This non-toxic paint does not need sealing or varnishing and has a slight gloss when dried. After painting, do no expose to moisture for 72 hours.

3. Americana Gloss Enamels

Gloss Enamels is perfect for painting on porous surfaces (no sealer required) such as:

• Glassware
• Ceramics
• Wood
• Canvas
• Ceramic Bisque
• Foam Core
• Glazed Ceramics
• Hard Plastics
• Metal
• Paper Mache
• Terracotta

Before applying paint to glass or glazed surfaces, clean surface with alcohol. Air cure for 21 days or bake after drying 48 hours. NOTE: Any items you use this paint with is not for direct contact with food. 

4. Americana Crystal Gloss Enamels

Crystal Gloss Enamels is a transparent, non-toxic paint dries with crystal clear color. Ideal for glass, glazed ceramics, and most smooth surfaces, such as:

• Glass
• Glazed Ceramics
• Vases
• Ornaments
• Decorative Plates
• Wine and Drink Glasses (outside surface)

Allow to air dry for 48 hours or bake in oven for 30 minutes at 200 °F in non-preheated oven. Allow project to cool with oven door open. Before applying paint, clean glass surface with hot, soapy water or rubbing alcohol.

5. Delta Ceramcoat

Ceramcoat is a premium quality, creamy acrylic paint that is non-toxic and has excellent coverage can be used on:

• Wood
• Paper Mache
• Poster Board
• Plaster
• Terracotta
• Canvas

Dries in 15 minutes.

6. Americana Acrylic Paint

American Acrylic Paint is an all-purpose water-based acrylic paint for arts, crafts, and home decor. This permanent paint provides great coverage and is non-toxic. Paint can be used on almost any surface, such as:

• Wood
• Canvas
• Plaster
• Paper
• Resins
• Paper Mache
• Walls
• Fabric
• Leather
• Styrofoam
• Ceramic Bisque
• Polymer Clay
• Poster Board
• Metal

Paint has matte finish when dry.

7. DecoArt Crafter's Acrylic Paint

Crafter's Acrylic Paint is an economical acrylic paint for simple base-coating, craft projects, general arts, stenciling, ceramics, school projects, home decorating, and decorative painting. You can apply this paint to:

• Wood
• Paper Mache
• Plaster
• Clay Pots
• Ceramic Bisque
• Canvas
• Resins
• Polymer Clay
• Styrofoam
• Poster Board
• Paper
• Tin

This non-toxic, water-based paint is a fast drying and permanent. Paint has matte finish when dry.

8. DecoArt No-Prep Metal Paint

Metal Paint is a weather-proof acrylic paint that adheres to most metal surfaces and can be used without a prior coat or varnish. Ideal for indoor or outdoor metal surfaces, such as:

• Tin
• Galvanized Metal
• Aluminum
• Brass
• Wrought Iron
• Chrome

Non-toxic and quick drying. Before painting, clean surface with vinegar and rinse with water. When dry, apply paint with brush or sponge. Allow 24 hours before exposing to moisture. Paint completely cures in 5 days.

9. DecoArt Dazzling Metallics Elegant Finish

Dazzling Metallics is a water-based, non-toxic metallic acrylic paint that provides excellent coverage for painting, sponging, faux finishing, and adding metallic accents. Can be used on virtually any surfaces, such as:

• Wood
• Canvas
• Fabric
• Plaster
• Tin
• Metal
• Resins
• Ceramic Bisque
• Paper Mache
• Styrofoam
• Paper
• Poster Board

10. Americana Chalkboard Paint

Chalkboard Paint is a non-toxic, water-based paint that transforms most porous surfaces into a chalkboard. This paint can be used on most porous surfaces, such as:

• Wood
• Canvas
• Tabletops
• Paper Mache
• Walls
• Poster Board
• Terracotta
• Cabinets
• Doors

Apply two coats, one vertically and one horizontally. Dry one hour in between coats and let paint cure for 24 hours.