ACRYLIC PAINTING TIPS

 

      *  Be patient with yourself.  As the saying goes - -
 "Practice makes perfect."  This is true in painting also.   

      *  Practice painting on clear acrylic sheets (available from your craft
 supplier.) You can place the sheet over the design you are painting
 and follow the pattern.

      *  If you are reluctant to paint 'free-hand,' trace or
transfer your painting design onto the object you are painting.

      *  Another suggestion is to practice your painting on glass plates,
tumblers, jars, plastic items, candles, metal or other non-porous
surfaces which you can easily rinse if you don't like the results.
Then just dry them well and start over. 

      *  When painting acrylic paint on porous surfaces, such
as wood, allow the paint to dry completely and paint over it.
(Sand lightly if there are raised, rough areas before repainting.

      *  Clean your brushes often.  This will keep paint from
drying in the ferrule and your brushes will last much longer. 
(As mentioned before,but worth mentioning again, use only
water or cleaners specifically for acrylic paints - NOT turpentine
paint thinner or mineral spirits.

      *  IMPORTANT NOTE:  You can paint oil-based paints over
acrylic paints, but you CANNOT paint acrylic paints over oil-based
paints.

   MORE TIPS

*  There are many brands of acrylic paints, many very similar to each other.  Trying and using different ones will help you determine if you prefer one over the other.

*   Acrylic paints dry very quickly.  Keep only a small amount on your palette at a time. 

*   Clean brushes used with acrylic paints immediately after using, with soap and water or a cleaner made for this purpose.  NEVER allow paint to dry in your brush.

*   If and when you find it necessary to thin your acrylic paints, do so with water and/or acrylic medium.  DO NOT use turpentine, mineral spirits or any type of paint thinner with acrylic paints.

*   Be sure your item to be painted is thoroughly free of all dust, fingerprints, etc. before starting to paint.

*   Painted candles are beautiful!  When painting on candles with acrylic paints, use the cheaper unscented candles.  Handle them carefully.  If you are dissatisfied with your results, wash the paint off, dry the candle, and start over.  Be sure to apply a clear acrylic sealer to the finished candle as acrylic paint rubs off of the wax very easily.  Handle with care!

*   Wood items to be painted with acrylic paint (or any paint for that matter) should be lightly sanded and all dust removed before starting to paint.

*    Be sure to thoroughly wash glassware, china, and ceramic items in soap and water prior to painting.  Allow to dry completely and then clean with rubbing alcohol to remove all smudges and fingerprints.

*   Do not use acrylic paints on any part of any items for eating (such as tumblers or plates) that touch the food or mouth.

*   When painting glassware, ceramics, or china with acrylic paints, as with candles, if you 'mess up,' rinse it all off immediately and start over.  If the paint has been allowed to dry for a few hours, do not wash the item in your sink.  Take it outside to your garden hose.  Acrylic paint which has set awhile tends to come off in small 'globs' and may eventually clog up your drain.

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