Acrylic paint on wood is very common because this kind of paint is versatile enough for use on different surfaces. You might have asked, “can I use acrylic paint on wood?” because the wood has a rough surface.
Besides, it is stuff that is from nature. It is somewhat difficult to imagine how acrylic paint can be applied perfectly to wood.
Keep on reading to find topics about various surfaces of wood and details about its painting process as well as the use of the right brushes.
It works well on finished and unfinished wood, paper, Styrofoam, primed metal, terracotta, and other materials.
Oil VS Acrylic Paint On Wood
Some users want to know the difference between oil paint and acrylic paint.
The difference lies in its base.
Oil paint is oil-based paint, and white acrylic paint has water-based paint. For sure, the penetration on the painting surface will result differently. Both have different benefits, so users can choose the one that suits one’s needs.
For those who want a longer life span on wood painting, acrylic paint is the best option.
Oil-based paint won’t last more than a year on a wood surface because it penetrates on wood instead of lying on the top of it. Yet, oil-based paint can work in all climates, while acrylic is much better used in humid climates.
Acrylic paint is the best choice for most external wood surfaces. While oil has a long-lasting finish, it cannot expand and compress, which can cause cracking under high temperatures. It may also lose its luster after only a few years.
Latex and water-based acrylic paints can be stored for up to 10 years. Alkyd and oil-based paints can be kept for up to 15 years.
Can I Use Acrylic Paint On Wood?
However, some people find out that oil-based paint is much cheaper.
But, it is important to notice that users must frequently reapply to maintain the color. It means it will need a higher budget than using acrylic paint. All in all, acrylic paint has a lower maintenance cost, so most users find this paint beneficial for their painting projects.
Of course, people find this paint the most affordable alternative for wood painting, especially for furniture. Compared to other kinds of paint, acrylic paint is considered the cheapest.
Yet, it still compromises on quality. However, regardless of the ease of applying acrylic paint on wood, it requires some steps to prepare the wood before the application process starts.
You can paint on wood with any acrylic you like. Apply the paint to the wood with a wide, flat paintbrush. Let the paint dry before adding a second coat, and then you can paint the back if you want to.
Acrylic paints for wood crafts
Acrylic paints are used for various crafts and are excellent for wood projects.
Acrylics Water-based paints have a low odor and are often easy to wipe up while wet. Acrylics, sometimes known as craft paint, have many applications.
Prep wood for acrylic paint
Because it dries fast, you should wash your brush in water. It should be dry after around 30 minutes. Sand the wood, remove the dust, and apply another coat of Gac-100. Repeat the sanding procedure until you have two smooth coats of sealant.
Seal acrylic paint on wood
It will fracture and peel off if you don’t seal your acrylic paint on wood. Properly painting a wooden surface can protect it and ensure it looks excellent for a long time.
It is pretty typical to seal it with a varnish or enamel spray. They can be an excellent choice if you want to keep your finish as inexpensive as possible, if you don’t want a polished finish, or if you need it done quickly.
Acrylic Paint is Not Waterproof When Dry, but it does resist water to a small degree when it is dry. Sealing the paint to make it more resistant to water would be best.
To use a wood varnish, you should check the label to ensure it is UV-resistant and water-resistant. It is better to use an art lacquer that is made to go over acrylic paintings.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint On Wood
Wood can indeed absorb paint heavily due to its natural characteristic. This is why sealing the pores is highly recommended.
Use the seal after eliminating the dust by using sandpaper. Apply the sealer with a wide brush lightly to the whole. Then, the sealer will dry. Reapply the sealant again.
Then, users can prime the wood surface. Its advantage is its ability to extend the painting. Priming wood surfaces can result in a longer life span. Besides, priming wood can fill the wood pores, so there will be a meager chance of absorbing moisture.
Seal acrylic paint with wax or polycrylic
Using furniture wax is a simple and natural way to seal acrylic paint on wood.
All you have to do is put a small amount of wax on a piece of cloth and rub it on the wood. Please wait a minute or two before using a soft, lint-free cloth to buff it; use a wax-based sealant for a flat finish.
The second method uses a clear sealant to protect acrylic paint on the wood. For a glossier finish, use a polycrylic sealant; seal your wood projects with Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish.
After the paint on your wood surface has dried, apply a thin coat of sealer with a moist sponge, cloth, or paintbrush.
Varnish over acrylic paint
The acrylic paint can also be protected with varnish, known as sealers.
Varnish is the best way to seal an acrylic painting. You can use Acrylic Polimer or Resin Varnish, which comes in different finishes. Choose a finish that fits the look and goals of your art. Choose whether you’ll use a brush or a spray.
Acrylic resin varnishes have a higher gloss, are more durable, and are clearer than acrylic polymer varnishes. Use an acrylic resin varnish-like Golden MSA Varnish if you want a high-gloss finish.
If you paint acrylic on the wood, you must seal and prime the surface first. This step can’t be skipped in any case.
It would be best to put a clear coat over your finished acrylic paintings. The varnish will keep dust, UV rays, and yellowing from damaging the painting.
Varnish is a strong, protective, and removable coating applied to the painting surface. Mineral spirit-based can be used over anything, but it is critical to have adequate ventilation. Please wear a respirator.
Acrylics dry rapidly on the surface; however, they should be varnished after at least a week. Acrylic paintings are frequently moist below, even after hours.
Most acrylic paintings only require two coats of varnish, but if the surface is uneven, add a third. Each thin coat may not completely cover the canvas.
Make acrylic paint look glossy
Acrylic paints can dry matte and dull, which is frequently disappointing compared to how they gleam when wet.
To make acrylic paint look glossy, mix the gloss media with the paint on the palette before painting as usual. The paint should dry with a glossy sheen. When the painting is done, and the paint has dried, use a high gloss lacquer to achieve even more luster.
Applying a glossy coat on top of the dried painting can bring those colors back to life and brighten them up – almost like a wet effect.
How long does acrylic paint take to cure?
The temperature, humidity, paint type, layer thickness, and other factors influence how quickly acrylic paint dries.
A light acrylic paint coating will cure in 10-30 minutes on average; a thick layer of acrylic paint, on the other hand, can take up to two hours to dry enough to touch. It takes roughly 24 hours to recover fully.
Is acrylic paint permanent on wood?
Once the surface has dried and been sealed, acrylic paint is permanent. Acrylic paint comes in different colors and finishes, cleans up easily, and dries quickly.
Most wood has been treated, stained, or sealed with heat, so the paint won’t stick unless the surface is first prepared. The paint is made of pigments that are mixed with an emulsion of acrylic polymer.
The pigments give the paint its color, and the polymer holds the pigments together as the paint dries. When acrylic paint is completely dry, it is permanent and doesn’t get damaged by water.
To make acrylic paint permanent on wood, sand your wood, wipe it down, prime the surface, and paint. You can seal it with a clear coat of Krylon crystal clear acrylic coating, Liquitex acrylic varnish, Mod Podge, polycrylic finish, or Mr. Super Clear protection finish.
Acrylic paint is perfect for outdoor decorating on wood, terra cotta, concrete, stucco, masonry, stone, ceramic bisque, cast aluminum, and Styrofoam. This water-based paint is permanent, scuff resistant, and won’t crack or peel.
Can acrylic paint be removed?
There are different ways to get acrylic paint off of wood. Even though it’s best to clean up a paint spill right away, you can get rid of either wet or dry paint with :
- soap and water
- a heat gun
- rubbing alcohol
- solvents, or sandpaper
Acrylic paint is intended to dissolve in water, but it can stain clothes if it gets on them. Fortunately, in many circumstances, it is feasible to remove it quickly.
Acrylic paint can be removed off the clothes with the correct treatment, such as hairspray or isopropyl alcohol. Because this paint is water-soluble, you can frequently wholly remove it if you catch the paint stain before it dries!
Polyurethane over acrylic paint
Polyurethane can be applied over any paint, as long as the surface is properly prepared, including semi-gloss paints.
High gloss, chalk, latex, water, oil-based, or even acrylic paint provide a lasting finish.
Make sure to prepare the painted surface and apply the polyurethane finish properly.
You can apply oil-based or water-based polyurethane over latex paint; however, oil-based polyurethane tends to yellow as it ages, while water-based versions remain transparent.
Over the paint, you can apply both oil-based and water-based polyurethane. The polyurethane will protect the paint’s surface while improving its appearance and durability; although it takes many hours to dry, oil-based polyurethane levels out to a smoother surface.
Acrylic paint bleeds on wood
When painting wood, any sort of acrylic is acceptable. Use an old, flat paintbrush to paint the board. It effectively uses a flat paintbrush. Before applying the second layer of paint, let it dry completely before applying your preferred back color.
Acrylic paint and fabric medium cannot prevent paint from bleeding; instead, use only one coat of paint at a time.
To protect acrylic paint from bleeding on wood, apply a light layer of Mod Podge to your wood stencils before painting.
Painting a small layer of clear acrylic over the edge of the tape, waiting until it is dry, then painting on your acrylic color and pulling away the masking tape is an excellent strategy to keep the paint from leaking under the tape.
Various Wood Surfaces Types
Woods have various kinds of surfaces. Before painting wood, it is recommended to find the reasons for painting them.
Many people repurpose old wood instead of throwing it away. It is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
Acrylic paint for woods is mostly for kids’ toys. Wood toys are considered very safe for kids. Yet, it is important to notice that the acrylic paint should be sealed. However, lots of woods are good for acrylic paint.
However, users should avoid using too much wood primer for acrylic paint because the wood pores will be filled with paints. The finishing will look awkward.
Best Acrylic Paint For Wood
Many brands of the best acrylic paint for wood are easy to find. Those brands are mostly affordable.
They have a unique colors collection. Most brands offer various colors, so users don’t bother about color mixing.
The fact is that those brands might offer their specialties for painting on wood, yet they are still applicable for various surfaces.
- Crafts 4 All Acrylic Paint Set
- FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint Set
- FolkArt Metallic Acrylic Craft Paint Set
- Arteza Acrylic Paint
- Castle Art Supplies 24 Acrylic Paints Tubes
- Acrylic Paint Set, Shuttle Art 30
- Magicfly 30 Colors Acrylic Paint Set
- GOTIDEAL Acrylic Paint Set
- Mont Marte Signature Acrylic Color Paint Set
- Sax True Flow Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set
- Apple Barrel PROMOABI Acrylic Paint Set
- Aen Art Acrylic Paint
- Liquitex BASICS 48 Tube Acrylic Paint Set
Wood has distinctive smoothness. It also lacks texture, making it perfect for any painting project. Users can also use water-based paints and oil paint for wood as well. But, many users prefer to use acrylic paint because it is perfect for this kind of surface, thanks to its ease of application and versatility.
What to Avoid when choosing Acrylic Paint For Wood
Yet, it is important to avoid hardwood furniture. This is because acrylic can’t be sealed perfectly on this kind of wood.
The same thing applies to plywood. But, acrylic paint will be suitable for some kinds of wood like soft maple. Besides, this kind of wood is affordable and has hardly warped for a long time.
Wood and acrylic can work together because it dries fast. It is also safe to use and can be applied easily with the proper precautions to any wood. By doing so, the finishing can have a longer life span. Cleaning this paint is as easy as using soapy water.
Wood Primer For Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint on wood without primer is still applicable. But, the result might not show up as it is expected. This paint’s best impact on wood is by first priming its surface. Painting acrylic paint on wood will not result in cracking as long as the wood doesn’t crack.
However, choosing woods with a clean and smooth surface is recommended. This is to ensure that the result is satisfying. To avoid discoloration of the painting, then using sealer or primer is highly recommended.
Prime wood before painting with acrylics
Priming wood before painting it with acrylic paint is optional but highly recommended.
It is common practice to prime the board before painting with acrylics. If you apply acrylic paint to wood without first priming it, your project is unlikely to work well.
Sand the board and use a tack cloth to remove the dust. A light layer of wood primer will help seal the wood and make it simpler to apply the acrylic paint. You may begin with a basecoat of white acrylic paint, so you won’t have to apply as many layers of color.
Latex primers can prepare the surface and help acrylic paint stick.
This gives you a flexible surface that can withstand even the harshest weather. Since the primer and the paint are water-based, They dry more quickly and are easy to clean with soap and water.
Acrylic Paint On Wood Without Primer
However, the finishing type of wood painting is also important if users don’t plan to use a primer.
Users can choose whether they want matte or glossy finishing for aesthetic reasons. Fortunately, there are abundant choices of finishing for acrylic paint for wood.
Here is a little secret: choose the appropriate paint by checking the bottom of the bottle instead of choosing a color based on the label.
This is because the actual color of the paint is much more accurate. Applying wood painting should follow the viscosity standard, so the paint isn’t too thin.
Acrylic Paint On Wood Outdoor
Acrylic paint on outdoor wooden furniture is similar to applying paint indoors.
Choosing the right acrylic paints for the painting work is always recommended before buying one that suits the needs. Still, choosing the most proper acrylic paint for woodwork is somewhat challenging.
Many brands offer wood-safe acrylic paint. Those brands include this notification on the package. Or else, the paint will not attach to the surface of the wood so the woodwork will be less effective.
Acrylic paintings are durable but should be avoided in direct sunlight all year.
UV-proof glass and indirect natural lighting should still be used as safeguards. Heat should also be avoided To prevent fading so that the ingredients in the paint are not disrupted.
