How to Save Money on Your Acrylic Paint

Discover tips and techniques to maximize your painting budget.

Introduction:

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium loved by artists for its quick-drying properties, vibrant colors, and adaptability. However, the costs can add up, especially when you’re working on large projects or creating art regularly. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips on how to save money on your acrylic paint without compromising on quality. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, these strategies will help you stretch your budget further.

1. Choose Affordable Yet High-Quality Paint Brands:

One of the most effective ways to save money on acrylic paint is by choosing affordable yet high-quality brands. For instance, Nova Color is an excellent alternative to more expensive brands like Liquitex and Winsor & Newton. Manufactured in Culver City, California, Nova Color cuts out the middleman by selling directly to artists. This results in significant savings—often around a third or half the price of other premium brands.

Why Nova Color?

High Pigment Saturation: Nova Color offers vibrant, saturated colors, ideal for glazing techniques.
Quality Resin Binder: The high-quality polymer resin binder ensures the paint’s longevity and resilience.
Cost-Effective: You get the same quality at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart choice for artists on a budget.

2. Buy in Bulk:

Another effective way to save money is by purchasing your paint in larger quantities. For example, you can buy a gallon of matte medium from Nova Color for the same price you’d pay for a quart at a traditional art store. This approach is especially beneficial for artists who paint frequently, as it significantly reduces the cost per ounce.

Benefits of Buying in Bulk:

Lower Cost per Unit: The larger the quantity, the lower the cost per ounce.
Fewer Purchases: Reduces the frequency of purchases, saving time and potential shipping costs.

3. Efficient Paint Dispensing:

While bulk buying is cost-effective, it can be cumbersome to work with large containers of paint. Instead of using spoons to transfer paint from a gallon container to your palette—an often messy and inefficient process—consider transferring the paint into smaller, more manageable containers.

Use Squeezable Tubes:

I recommend using Coughlin squeezable tubes, typically found in camping supply stores or online retailers like Amazon. Originally designed for toiletries, these tubes work perfectly for acrylic paint. They are easy to fill, and the clip-sealed caps prevent leakage, making them an excellent tool for a neat and efficient painting process.

How to Use Squeezable Tubes:

Transfer the Paint: Pour your acrylic paint from the large container into the squeezable tube.
Fill Wisely: Fill the tube about halfway to two-thirds full, leaving space to avoid spills when sealing.
Seal the Tube: After filling, squeeze out any excess air and securely seal the tube with the clip provided.
Dispense as Needed: When you’re ready to paint, simply unscrew the cap and squeeze the desired amount onto your palette.

4. Proper Storage Techniques:

Proper storage of your acrylic paint can extend its shelf life and prevent wastage. Make sure to keep your paint containers sealed tightly when not in use to prevent them from drying out. Store your paint in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can cause the paint to thicken or separate over time.

Storage Tips:

Tightly Seal Containers: Always reseal your paint containers properly after each use.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid exposure to heat and direct sunlight.
Use Smaller Containers for Daily Use: Transfer small amounts of paint into smaller containers for easier access and to avoid frequent exposure of the bulk paint to air.

5. Mix and Extend Your Paint:

Acrylic mediums can be used to extend the volume of your paint, allowing you to cover more area without needing more paint. Matte mediums, gloss mediums, and other acrylic additives can dilute the paint without compromising its consistency or color integrity.

Benefits of Using Acrylic Mediums:

Increased Coverage: Extend the paint to cover more surface area.
Enhanced Effects: Create different finishes, such as matte or glossy, depending on the medium used.
Maintained Quality: Dilute the paint while maintaining its color strength and consistency.

Saving money on acrylic paint doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of your artwork. By choosing the right brands, buying in bulk, using efficient dispensing methods, storing your paint correctly, and extending your paint with mediums, you can enjoy high-quality painting experiences while keeping your budget intact.

If you’re interested in trying out Nova Color or looking for affordable ways to extend your acrylic supplies, be sure to check out here.

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