The Best Acrylic Paint for Canvas: Which One Should You Buy?

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Understanding how to choose the best acrylic paint for canvas

best paint pens for canvas

Painting on a canvas can be intimidating. There are so many colors, brands, and types of paint available to choose from. Which is the best? This article will help you find the perfect paint set that is right for you.

First, a little bit of background on how these paints work. Acrylic paint is made up of acrylic and water; it’s non-toxic, durable, and flexible which makes it perfect for painting on a canvas or other surfaces.

The pigment particles are suspended in the acrylic liquid, so they don’t settle at the bottom like oil paints do after being used.

Watercolor paints have more colors than oil paints because they use more water instead of oil to create their pigments. They’re also easier to mix because water dissolves both oil and acrylic.

Some other features that make them ideal for beginners are their low odor and negligible toxicity (when compared to oil).

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What are the different viscosities of acrylic paints?

The viscosity, gloss, and opacity of the acrylic paints you use are all important factors to consider when selecting them for your project.

Acrylics come in a variety of viscosities, from fluid acrylic ink, which comes in bottles, to tubes of heavy body paint, to meet a wide range of applications.

Below we will look at each type in-depth covering their wide range of consistencies, thus helping you make an informed decision about which one is ideal for your next painting project.

Acrylic paint is a type of paint that comes in different thicknesses, finishes, and colors. There are 3 main types of acrylic paints:

  • heavy-bodied acrylics which are thick and have the most pigment but the least durable finish,
  • mid-bodied acrylics which have a medium viscosity but good coverage with a durable finish, and
  • thin-bodied acrylics which are more fluid than other types of acrylic paints.

Acrylics are the most widely used type of paint because they’re nontoxic (when compared with oil paints).

The best highviscosity (heavy body) acrylic paints

best acrylic paint for canvas
The best heavy body acrylics

If you are looking for paint that will last in humid or wet conditions, you should go with heavy body acrylic paint. Unlike oil-based paints, this paint is water-based and can be applied to any surface without fear of it cracking or flaking off.

The acrylic coating is also more environmentally friendly than other types of paints because it dries quickly and does not emit harmful fumes.

Many artists use heavy body acrylic paint in their artworks because of how it handles. The heavy body acrylic paint is thicker and denser, which means the colors are more intense.

This density also means that the paint dries faster than regular acrylics, which makes for easier handling when painting large surfaces or working with watery colors.

The consistency allows for smoother color transitions, which is especially common in abstract artwork.

The heavy body acrylic is Ideal for:

  • Painting with a palette knife
  • To create texture and three-dimensional effects 
  • If you love the impasto technique
  • Great for creating layers of rich colors

Characteristics of high-quality heavy body acrylic paints:

  • ARCHIVAL QUALITY – On the wall of a client. In a gallery setting. Your work must remain exactly how you intended. Heavy Body pigments are lightfast. This implies that your work will have the longest possible archival durability – at least 50 years in gallery settings – with no color shifting or fading, ensuring that it remains vibrant and accurate.
  • PURE PIGMENTS – Heavy Body Acrylic is well-known for its vibrant, long-lasting color. To bring out the finest in each pigment, chemists use the most up-to-date basket bead mill technology. Fine dispersion, superb color development, strength, and brightness are all provided by tiny reinforced ceramic beads.
  • HIGH VISCOSITY – Heavy Body Acrylic has a rich color and is the perfect consistency for a variety of methods. These types of paints come with the highest viscosity. They allow for greater open-working time, and good surface drag provides outstanding handling and blending characteristics. Never allow yourself to become overly slick or sticky.
  • VERSATILE – Heavy Body’s low-odor acrylic resin foundation offers the latest in acrylic resin technology, providing increased open time and vibrant colors with the minimal wet-to-dry shift. When dried, the paint film is extremely flexible, long-lasting, non-yellowing, UV-resistant, and water-resistant.
  • NON-CRACKING – Heavy body acrylic paints are known for their flexible and crack-free nature. Even if you go all out. Because of sophisticated acrylic technology, which gives the paint film elasticity, impasto and 3D applications dry without fracturing. Providing a long-lasting, non-cracking finish.

5 of the best heavy body acrylic paints

The following are 5 of the best heavy body acrylic paints:

1. Golden Heavy Body Acrylic Paint

Heavy Body Acrylic Paint by Golden

Many acrylic paint brands are known for their lightweight, watery consistency. Golden is known for being the opposite of that.

Our paint has an exceptionally smooth and thick texture, which makes it ideal to use when aiming for a rich finish on your finished product.

Golden Artist Acrylics are known for their exceptionally smooth and thick pigments. This allows the artist to create a variety of techniques, from bold strokes to detailed brushstrokes.

The vivid colors are sure to make any piece pop off the canvas. Golden is my go-to brand when I want my painting pieces to have that refined, museum-quality finish.

2. Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint

Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint
Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint

Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone that wants to paint with a rich variety of highly pigmented colors.

This is our highest viscosity paint, perfect for layering in multiple coats for heavy coverage!

This paint is for the artist who wants to create something that will last through generations. Our Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint is the strongest, most resilient acrylic paint on the market.

This is our highest viscosity paint, meaning it has an increased pigment-to-binder ratio–giving you more painting power with less product.

It’s also 100% acid-free and made from lightfast pigments, so your work can be enjoyed for years to come!

3. Premium Paints by MyArtscape

Premium Paints by MyArtscape
Premium Paints by MyArtscape

Premium Paints by MyArtscape are the perfect choice for artists who want their artwork to last. Every color can be combined to create a painterly masterpiece with lasting vibrant colors.

This paint stays vibrant because instead of using too much water, it is mixed with an acrylic polymer medium, which gives it a more matte surface after drying.

A standout feature of this paint is that its waterproof pigment helps resist cracking over time so that your art lasts forever!

Vibrant colors that last. Say goodbye to acrylic paint colors that fade from vibrant to pale, and hello to our highly pigmented, matte paints that stay that way. Easily blended with other colors or just used as a single shade for a striking look!

4. MEEDEN Heavy Body Acrylic Paint

MEEDEN Heavy Body Acrylic Paint

Paint is never meant to be left unfinished. MEEDEN Heavy Body Acrylic Paint is made with non-toxic, rich pigments that are perfect for acrylic poured paintings, art classes, and wall painting projects.

With vivid colors that dry quickly, this paint can be used on any surface without the worry of staining or bleeding through the color layer.

This paint is especially safe for kids because it does not contain harmful toxins like lead or benzene found in other brands.

Need the perfect paint for painting on walls, pouring on canvas, and even more? MEEDEN’s heavy body paint is non-toxic and has rich pigments to give you your desired color. With its strong coverage, it will make any project look great!

5. Sax True Flow Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set

Sax True Flow Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set
Sax True Flow Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set

Sax True Flow Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set is an excellent choice for your painting project.

This unique paint has a buttery, heavy body that provides the best coverage and opacity of any acrylic paint for professional-grade results.

The improved formula gives you better layering and intermixing with other Sax paints without sacrificing their distinct characteristics.

Color is vital to any artist’s palette and better than ever with this new True Flow Heavy Bodypaint.

This acrylic paint is the perfect choice for those who want to layer and mix colors quickly and easily. The improved formula allows for more vibrant color and a smoother finish, which means faster work for busy artists.

5 of the soft body/open acrylic paints-medium viscosity

Soft Body Acrylic Paint
The Best Soft Body Acrylic Paint

Soft body and open acrylic paints, made with a medium viscosity, consist of pigments and acrylic resins. These paints are semitransparent and lightweight. Colors in this type of paint can be blended easily to create different shades or colors.

Paint is a crucial part of creating art. The way the paint acts and feels on the surface of the paper or canvas can make or break a painting.

The consistency of these paints allows for them to be applied with a range of brush sizes and shapes. There is an abundance of artists who use these types of paints frequently because they offer versatility and quick drying time.

The soft body acrylic is Ideal for:

  • Creating fine details in your work
  • Excellent for glazing technique
  • Works well with staining
  • Great choice for dry brush and spraying

1. ARTEZA Iridescent Acrylic Paint

ARTEZA Iridescent Acrylic Paint
ARTEZA Iridescent Acrylic Paint

ARTEZA Iridescent Acrylic Paint creates a beautiful, lustrous sheen that you won’t believe is water-based.

The high viscosity paints will cling to your paper and the brush easily, giving you complete control over the look and feel of your artwork.

Just one coat of this paint will give you a metallic finish that looks like it was painted with oil paint!

Who says you need oils to make beautiful art? The brilliant iridescent colors in this range of high-viscosity paints will have you swapping your oils for acrylics.

This acrylic paint is a superb choice for professional or craft projects. It has a thick consistency, so it holds its shape well, and the paint can also be applied with a brush. The color is vibrant, but not as intense as oil-based paints.

2. Liquitex Professional Soft Body Acrylic Paint

Liquitex Professional Soft Body Acrylic Paint
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The Liquitex Professional Soft Body Acrylic Paint is a dream come true for painters of all levels.

With the latest resin technology, this paint gives you maximum clarity and vibrancy with a minimal wet-to-dry shift.

It’s so light and smooth that you can use it on small or large projects, indoors or out!

This is the new generation of acrylic paint. It features a revolutionary resin that gives you maximum clarity and vibrancy.

You can use it for all your painting needs: on canvas or wood paneling, dry brushing, sponging, and more!

3. Golden Fluid Acrylic

Golden Fluid Acrylic
Golden Fluid Acrylic

Golden Fluid Acrylic is a wonderful paint for every artist.

This medium-bodied liquid acrylic paint can be used to mix, tint, and shade colors.

It is ideal for use on dry or wet surfaces and can be applied with a brush or airbrush.

Golden Fluid Acrylic has a fluid consistency that allows it to spread evenly with minimal effort on the part of the artist.

With its bright golden color, this product will add vibrance and vibrancy to any project.

This paint is perfect for beginners who are looking for quality acrylic paint at an affordable price.

4. Sargent Art Acrylic Paint

best paint pens for canvas
Sargent Art Acrylic Paint

Sargeant Art Acrylic Paint is the best way to get started on your next project.

Made of rich, smooth, and versatile acrylic paint, Sargeant Art Acrylic Paint can be used to lay in color or washes.

Mix with water for a more subtle effect or keep it unmixed for bolder colors!

You can even use it on porous surfaces like paper, wood pieces, and canvas – giving you endless possibilities for creativity.

A rich, smooth and versatile paint Sargent Art Acrylics can be used for laying in color, achieving seamless washes, or adding highlights.

This fine acrylic is best for projects involving details and multiple layers of paint where a blendable consistency is needed.

5. Liquitex 4332415 BASICS Acrylic Paint

Liquitex 4332415 BASICS Acrylic Paint

This thick, creamy paint is perfect for any acrylic painting. It comes ready to use, with a pleasing satin finish.

The pigment load is strong and does not fade away easily. With UV blockers to help reduce fading over time, this paint retains peaks and brush strokes so that the true artist’s vision will shine through every inch of the work created.

Liquitex Basics is a versatile, dependable paint that comes in a wide variety of colors.

Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint has the slightest glossy sheen and is perfect for beginners or for professional artists who need to create outstanding work.

5 of the best fluid acrylic low viscosity acrylic paints-high flow ink

best fluid acrylic

In today’s ever-changing artistic landscape, artists are constantly searching for the best way to create their work. Paints have been around for centuries and they’ve never lost their popularity, but with the introduction of new tools, many artists have switched from paint to a more high-tech approach.

The fluid acrylic paint provides a professional leveling of pigment and dries quickly.

The soft body acrylic is Ideal for:

  • Creating watercolor effects
  • Great for stamping
  • Works well with an airbrush, dip pen, and calligraphy

1. Pouring Masters 48 Color Ready to Pour Acrylic Pouring Paint Set

Pouring Masters 48 Color Ready to Pour Acrylic Pouring Paint Set
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You deserve to be creative. You should have the richest, most vibrant colors at your fingertips.

This 48-color paint set has all the colors you love—from bright greens and blues to rich pinks and purples.

With no waiting time, you can create anything your heart desires with this Ready-to-Pour Acrylic Paint Set!

Pick from 48 dynamic Ready to Pour acrylic paint colors. They are ready to go straight into the mixing cup, so there’s no need for additional stirring oils or solvents.

This is a great set of paints that will provide you with all the vibrant colors you could want for your artwork.

2. Liquitex Pouring Medium Technique Set

Liquitex Pouring Medium Technique Set
Liquitex Pouring Medium Technique Set

Pouring medium is a great way to perfect your painting, and it’s available in this Liquitex Pouring Medium Technique Set.

This set includes three bottles of pouring medium plus one bottle of acrylic paint, so you’ll have everything you need to pour beautifully.

The tips for mixing colors will help you achieve the right shade that completes your masterpiece.

The Liquitex Pouring Medium Technique Set is designed for artists who like to experiment and have a sense of style all their own.

With this set, you’ll be able to pour as well as use traditional painting techniques.

3. Golden High Flow Acrylic

Golden High Flow Acrylic
Golden High Flow Acrylic

Golden High Flow Acrylic is specially formulated to work with Golden’s high-quality acrylic paints and mediums.

The set includes 10 bottles of 1 oz, so you have plenty of paint for your project.

Use it in any artist tool from brushes to palette knives – it’s a versatile choice!

Golden High Flow Acrylic is an easy way to get started with acrylics.

It’s the perfect companion for artists who work in other mediums, want to experiment more, or just need some extra colors! This set includes ten of 1 oz bottles of Golden Acrylic.

They are compatible with our mediums and come in a variety of colors that can be mixed together

4. Liquitex Professional Acrylic Ink

Liquitex Professional Acrylic Ink
Liquitex Professional Acrylic Ink

Liquitex acrylic inks are professionally transparent, containing six essential professional ink colors, including black.

They are intermixable with Liquitex professional acrylic paint colors and mediums to create your desired color effect.

The transparency of the ink allows for the creation of vivid effects as well as subtle nuances; layer them up to achieve a more complex appearance.

This set includes six different colors: red, blue, yellow, green, violet, and black.

The color is fantastic, and it has a really nice consistency. You can use this with other acrylic paint to create even richer colors.

5. Arteza Iridescent Acrylic Paint

Arteza Iridescent Acrylic Paint, Set of 4

Arteza Iridescent Acrylic Paint, Set of 4

This set of paint includes 4 colors, each in a high-quality 4 oz. size jar.

These acrylic paints are perfect for any type of project you wish to take on because they can be used as glass paint, ceramic paint, or paint for canvas painting.

Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience behind you, these paints are versatile enough to help you create your next masterpiece!

If you’ve been looking for an acrylic paint that is non-toxic and eco-friendly, we’ve got the perfect product for you.

Our team formulated our paints to be toxin-free, so you don’t have to worry about what you are breathing in while painting. It also provides a luminous finish with no unnatural hues or sheens.!

Final Thoughts on Best Acrylic Paint for Canvas

In conclusion, it is clear that the best paint for canvas varies according to the intended use. If you are looking for long-lasting paint with high water resistance, then try out Golden Heavy Body Acrylic paints.

If you’re in need of inexpensive paint with great coverage, then try out acrylics by Krueger or Liquitex. Whether you choose to go with Golden Heavy Body Acrylic paints or something else entirely is up to your needs and preferences.

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