Choosing the Right Paint for Your Art
Picking the right paint is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an artist. Each type of paint has its own personality—some are bold and thick, others are soft and delicate. The key is knowing what will work best for your style and project.
So let’s break it down.
The Four Main Types of Paint
Each paint type brings something different to the table. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
Oil Paint
🖌 Rich, classic, and slow-drying
Texture: Thick, smooth, and blendable
Drying Time: Takes months to fully dry (but that gives you time to tweak and blend)
Best Surface: Canvas
Extra Gear Needed: Turpentine or white spirit for thinning and cleaning
Why choose oil?
If you want depth, richness, and the ability to make changes as you go, oil is your best friend. It’s a commitment, but it pays off in a stunning finish.
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Set, 20 x 12ml (0.4-oz) Tubes
Acrylic Paint
🎨 Fast-drying and versatile
Texture: Thick like oil but water-based
Drying Time: Dries within minutes to hours
Best Surface: Canvas, linen, or acrylic paper
Cleanup: Just water—no harsh chemicals needed
Why choose acrylic?
It’s beginner-friendly, dries fast, and works on a variety of surfaces. Perfect if you like layering or need something less fussy than oil.
💧 Light, transparent, and delicate
Texture: Thin and fluid
Drying Time: Quick-drying
Best Surface: Watercolor paper (the thicker, the better)
Blending: Excellent for soft transitions and detail work
Why choose watercolor?
If you love softness, transparency, and effortless blending, watercolors are a dream.
ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set, 48 Vivid Colors in Portable Box
Gouache Paint
🎭 A mix between watercolor and acrylic
Texture: Thicker than watercolor, more opaque
Drying Time: Quick-drying
Best Surface: Watercolor paper
Versatility: Can be layered like acrylic or thinned like watercolor
Why choose gouache?
It’s a great middle ground—perfect for bold, opaque colors while keeping that watercolor feel.
HIMI Gouache Paint Set, 24 Colors x 30ml/1oz with Brushes & Palette,
Choosing Between Student Grade & Professional Grade Paints
The Quality Factor
The difference between student-grade and professional-grade paint comes down to one thing: filler vs. pigment. More filler = weaker color.
💡 Tip: If you’re just testing the waters, student-grade is fine. But if you’re serious about your art, investing in pro-grade paints will save you frustration (and money in the long run).
Recognizing the Difference
Here’s a quick way to tell:
Student-Grade Paint: Less pigment, more filler, weaker color
Artist-Grade Paint: More pigment, richer color, better mixing
Professional-Grade Paint: Highest pigment load, best quality, $$$
A good example? Winsor & Newton. Their "Winton" line is student-grade, while their "Artists’ Oil Colour" line is a step up.
💡 Pro Tip: Look at the price. If a color costs $8 in student grade and $24 in artist grade, that’s a clue.
Is Professional Grade Worth It?
It depends. Some pro-grade paints can be twice the price of artist-grade—sometimes even $40-$80 a tube. Brands like Williamsburg, Old Holland, and Michael Harding offer top-tier colors, but do you need them?
🔹 If you’re buying pro-grade, do it for specific colors. Some pigments are worth the upgrade. For example, Winsor & Newton’s Cadmium Red is the best red I’ve found—no orange or blue undertones, just pure, rich red.
🔹 The Old Masters didn’t use pro-grade. In the 19th century, artists like John Singer Sargent used Winsor & Newton and Sennelier—and their paintings are in museums. That says a lot.
What Should You Buy?
1️⃣ If you’re experimenting: Go with student grade. It’s budget-friendly and great for practice.
2️⃣ If you’re serious about art: Artist-grade paints will give you richer colors and a better painting experience.
3️⃣ If you’re all in: Invest in pro-grade only for the colors that matter most to you.
At the end of the day, it’s not about the price—it’s about the color. The right paint is the one that helps you bring your vision to life.
What’s your go-to paint? Drop a comment and let’s talk! 🎨
