5 Brush Techniques On How To Paint Smoothly In Acrylic

Learn the 5 techniques and tips to paint smoothly in acrylic

Introduction

Painting smoothly with acrylics can be a challenge, but mastering the right brush techniques can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll cover 5 brush techniques on how to paint smoothly in acrylic paintings. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these tips will enhance your painting process and results.

1. Apply More Pressure at the Beginning and Less at the End

One of the most effective techniques for smooth acrylic application is adjusting the pressure you use with your brush. Start by applying more pressure at the beginning of your stroke to ensure that the paint, mixed with a glazing medium, penetrates deeply into the weave of the canvas. As you proceed, gradually reduce the pressure to smooth out the paint and achieve a seamless blend.

How to Implement:

• Use a 90% matte medium to 10% paint ratio for a more visible glaze.
• Apply the glaze with firm pressure, holding the brush perpendicular to the canvas.
• Smooth the application by reducing pressure and using varied brush strokes.

2. Use a Variety of Brush Strokes

Incorporating different brush strokes is crucial for achieving an even surface when painting with acrylics. Using a mix of diagonal, horizontal, and vertical strokes helps to blend the glaze more evenly and reduce streaks.

How to Implement:

• Start with diagonal strokes in both directions.
• Continue with horizontal and vertical strokes to blend and smooth the paint.
• Adjust your technique based on how the glaze appears on the canvas.

3. Always Keep a Wet Edge

Maintaining a wet edge is essential for a smooth glaze application. As you work across a large area, avoid letting your paint dry before blending the next section. This helps in preventing blotchiness and ensures a consistent finish.

How to Implement:

• Smooth out one section at a time.
• Load your brush with glaze and work up to the edge of the previously applied glaze.
• Keep the edge wet to blend seamlessly without re-brushing.

4. Don’t Skimp on Glazes

Using an adequate amount of glaze is key to a smooth application. Avoid being frugal with the amount of paint and medium on your brush. A well-loaded brush will help coat the canvas thoroughly and reduce the likelihood of streaks and uneven areas.

How to Implement:

• Use a generous amount of matte medium and paint mixture.
• Apply the glaze with a brush that has a large dollop of paint.
• Smooth out excess paint if necessary, but ensure the surface is well-saturated.

5. Use the Right Brush for the Job

Selecting the appropriate brush size and type is crucial for efficient painting. Using a brush that is too small for large areas can lead to longer painting times and a streaky finish. Choose a brush that matches the size of the area you are working on to achieve a smooth application.

How to Implement:

• Opt for larger brushes for broader areas and smaller brushes for detailed work.
• Avoid using excessively small brushes for large sections to prevent uneven coverage.

Learning these brush techniques will significantly enhance your ability to paint smoothly with acrylics. Practice these tips on a spare canvas to become more familiar with their effects before applying them to your final artwork. By implementing these techniques, you’ll find that achieving a professional finish on your acrylic paintings becomes much more manageable.

Read more about my additional resources, tutorials, to learn more and check my free courses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s always something new to learn and apply to your paintings. Happy painting!

LEARN MORE

•  Sketching Your Painting Accurately
• Beginning a Pet Portrait in Acrylic
• The Mystery of Realism in Painting
• Apply A Burnt Sienna Glaze to a Portrait
• Learn How to Sketch a Portrait Freehand in 45 Minutes
• Adding highlights to your acrylic painting
• 5 Excellent Reasons to Use Aluminum Foil
• Paint Realistic Wrinkles in Acrylic
• Painting Clothing in an Acrylic Portrait
• Paint a Cloudy Sky Acrylic  
•  How to add Semi-Opaque Highlights
• How to Enhance the Contrast in Your Acrylic
• How to Add Glaze to Your Acrylic Painting
• Paint Realistic Reflections on Eyeglasses in an Acrylic Portrait
• Build Up Depth on Your Acrylic Portrait Backgrounds
• How Do You Do Layers With the Glazing Technique?
• Learn How to Paint Wrinkles in Acrylic

Read more about how to paint a portrait that you can surely be proud of!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read this tutorial and watch the video. That means a lot to me.  I hope you find it very helpful in your portrait painting.  

Yours for Better Portraits,

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