Wondering how to paint with acrylics on wood? It’s easier than you think to transform a piece of old wood into something beautiful using just a little paint. For this, acrylicson wood are your best choice.
While it’s possible to paint on wood right away, there are a few steps that we recommend to take your artwork to the next level, ensuring a neater and longer-lasting finish. This step-by-step guide which will teach you how to paint on wood with acrylic.
1. Prep your wood
The key to a successful wood painting is to prepare the wood properly. This is no different to how you would ensure your canvas is properly prepped before applying paint to it. Having a good base to work on really does make all the difference. Firstly, start by sanding down the wood. This step is essential in achieving a smooth surface. You may find that your wood has already been sanded down, and if this is the case, go ahead and skip this step. However, if you do need to sand down your wood, we recommend doing so with 140 to 180-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. Simply dust off any excess grains with a clean cloth and ensure that your piece of wood is as smooth as possible.
2. Apply a primer
This step often goes amiss when it comes to painting on wood. When applying acrylic paint on wood without primer, your project is unlikely to turn out in the desired way. Applying a thin layer of wood primer will help seal the wood, allowing the acrylic paint to apply easier. When a layer of primer is applied, lighter colours will also appear more vibrant. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before proceeding. If you are looking for an even smoother surface, repeat the process of sanding and priming until you reach your desired texture. The smoother the better!
3. Adding a background
It’s good to start with a base layer. Select the colour of your choice as your background colour, and add a small amount onto a palette. Please note that acrylic paint dries fairly quickly, so only pour out your background colour at this stage. You can use any type of acrylic you like for painting on wood. Take a look at our brilliant range of acrylic paints here if you are looking for some.
Use a wide, flat paintbrush to apply the paint to the wood. Allow the paint to dry before applying a second coat, and then paint the back if you wish. Most acrylic paints will take roughly 20 minutes to dry. However, this will vary depending on the brand of paint you use and how thick the layers are.
4. Adding details
Once your background layer is dry, it’s time to get onto adding the details. Use a soft brush of your choice to do this, and be careful when applying the acrylic. Ensure that you are dipping your paintbrush into water often to keep the bristles clean and soft. It is still important to do this even if you are using only one colour. Once you have completed your artwork, allow it to dry completely.
Winsor & Newton Galeria acylic paints deliver professional results at an affordable price, and work great for painting on wooden materials. Learn more about them here.
5. Apply a sealant
Applying a sealant is important as it will protect your artwork from peeling or chipping. Sealers come in a wide range of finishes, so select one of your choice. You can choose from a range of finishes, including matte, gloss, satin and many more. It’s up to you whether you choose to use either spray-on or brush-on sealer – each application is different but the results are the same. It’s important that you follow the proper steps for how to seal acrylic paint on wood.
Apply a thin coat and allow to dry. Voila! You have your finished and sealed acrylic artwork on wood. These look great as wall hangings or simply as they are.
Want to get started on creating your very own wooden masterpiece? Take a look at our full range of acrylic paints and paint brushes.
Want to learn more about working with acrylic? Check out some of our other blogs for some useful tips and advice or shop our range of art supplies.
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As an experienced artist and enthusiast in the realm of acrylic painting on various surfaces, including wood, I can attest to the transformative power of this medium. Over the years, I've honed my skills and gained in-depth knowledge about the intricacies of acrylic painting, especially when it comes to creating vibrant and long-lasting artwork on wooden surfaces.
The provided article offers a comprehensive guide on painting with acrylics on wood, and I'd like to further elaborate on the key concepts mentioned:
1. Preparing the Wood:
- Sanding: Sanding the wood with 140 to 180-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge is crucial to achieving a smooth surface. This initial step ensures that the paint adheres well and results in a polished finish.
2. Applying a Primer:
- Importance of Primer: The article rightly emphasizes the significance of applying a thin layer of wood primer. This step seals the wood, making it more receptive to acrylic paint. It not only enhances adhesion but also allows lighter colors to appear more vibrant.
3. Adding a Background:
- Choice of Acrylic Paint: The article suggests using any type of acrylic paint for wood painting. It's worth noting that the choice of acrylics can impact the texture and final appearance of the artwork. Winsor & Newton Galeria acrylic paints, as recommended, are known for delivering professional results at an affordable price.
4. Adding Details:
- Brush Technique: The guide advises using a soft brush for adding details and recommends keeping the bristles clean and soft by dipping them into water frequently. This is a crucial tip, especially when working on intricate details, to maintain precision in the application of acrylic paint.
5. Applying a Sealant:
- Importance of Sealant: The final step involves applying a sealant to protect the artwork from peeling or chipping. The article mentions the variety of finishes available, including matte, gloss, and satin. The choice between spray-on and brush-on sealers depends on personal preference, but both methods yield similar results.
In summary, following these steps will not only make the process of painting on wood with acrylics more accessible but also contribute to achieving a professional and enduring finish. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, these guidelines, along with the recommended products, can help you create impressive acrylic artwork on wood.
