Exploring Different Types of Acrylic Paint: My Go-To Picks for Every Project
- brittanyflowers355
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Hey there, fellow artsy friends! As artists, we know that choosing the right paint can be just as important as choosing the right brush or canvas. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different paints and found a few that really stand out in terms of quality, ease of use, and overall value. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite acrylic paints with you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, I hope this comparison helps you find the perfect paint for your next masterpiece!
1. Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint – My All-Time Favorite
If I had to choose one acrylic paint to use for the rest of my life (a tough decision, trust me), it would be Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint. This paint is my go-to for most of my work, and for good reason! The heavy body consistency is perfect for creating thick, textured layers and impasto effects—ideal for my mixed media pieces and larger-scale paintings.
What I love most about Liquitex Heavy Body is the balance between quality and value. It offers the perfect amount of pigment for rich, vibrant colors that hold up over time, but it’s still relatively affordable considering its professional-grade quality. The paint has a smooth, buttery consistency that makes blending a breeze, and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether I’m layering or glazing, it always gives me the results I’m looking for.
Pro Tip: If you’re just starting with mixed media art, I highly recommend trying the Liquitex Heavy Body line. It’s a solid investment that performs consistently well, and you can get it in large tubes for even more bang for your buck.
2. Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint – A Budget-Friendly Alternative
For when I need to cover large areas or create backgrounds without breaking the bank, I turn to Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint. It’s a great budget-friendly option that still delivers solid pigment and coverage. While it doesn't have the same thick consistency as the Heavy Body paint, it’s perfect for laying down base coats or filling in large spaces with rich, even color.
One thing I appreciate about BASICS is that, despite being on the more affordable side, it doesn’t sacrifice quality. It’s much more fluid than the Professional Heavy Body version, which makes it great for wash techniques or quick drying layers. The colors are bright and mix well, making it a reliable paint for experimental work or when I’m not worried about getting every detail just right.
If you’re looking for something to handle those big background washes or larger paintings where you're not focused on texture, BASICS is a solid choice.
3. Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Color – A Step Up for Smoothness and Vibrancy
Next up is Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Color—a close second for my favorite acylic paint. It's a fantastic mid-range acrylic paint that offers smooth, buttery texture and exceptional vibrancy. Many artists love the Galeria line because it combines professional quality with an affordable price point. The colors are intense and mix beautifully, with a creamy consistency that feels luxurious to work with.
What stands out about Galeria paints is their versatility and smooth application. The paint flows effortlessly across the canvas, making it ideal for fine details and smooth gradients. I’ve found it particularly useful for my more refined, controlled pieces where precision is key. Reviews from other artists often praise its ability to retain vibrancy after drying, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s perfect for layering and glazing without losing the depth of the color.
If you’re looking for a step up from budget acrylics but aren’t ready to splurge on the higher-end options, Winsor & Newton Galeria is a great middle ground.
4. Charvin Extra-Fine Artists’ Acrylic Paints – For When You Want the Best of the Best
Now, let's talk about the crème de la crème of acrylic paints—Charvin Extra-Fine Artists’ Acrylic Paints. These are my luxury paints, and I use them for my smaller, more detailed works where I really want to bring out the best in my art. Charvin is a French brand known for its high-quality pigments, and it’s clear why they’re considered one of the best in the business. The colors are incredibly rich and vibrant, and the level of pigment in these paints is next-level. Every stroke feels like an indulgence - I am giddy whenever I get a new paint from them.
The texture of Charvin paints is beautifully smooth, and the colors mix incredibly well, giving you a lot of control over your palette. The way the pigment saturates the canvas is just... chef's kiss. Plus, because I usually use them for my smaller works, they last quite a while even though they’re on the pricier side. If you’re looking for an extra pop of intensity in your colors and are willing to invest in top-tier materials, Charvin is definitely worth considering.
Pro Tip: If you’re working on a fine art piece or a commission where the quality of materials really matters, I highly recommend Charvin.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Paint for You
There are so many acrylic paint options out there, but the key is figuring out which one best suits your style, technique, and budget. Personally, I love the versatility of Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylics, the practicality of Liquitex BASICS, the smooth performance of Winsor & Newton Galeria, and the luxury of Charvin Extra-Fine Acrylics for my most refined works. Each one has its strengths, and I switch between them depending on the project at hand.
Whether you’re painting large areas, adding fine details, or just experimenting with color, there’s a perfect paint out there for you. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite acrylic paint is or if you’ve tried any of these! Happy painting, and remember to always enjoy the process.
Shop all the acrylic paints I mentioned here on Amazon
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase using these links. Thank you for supporting my art journey!
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