Types of Paint

Paint Type Base Drying Time Surface Compatibility Skill Level Notes
Acrylic Water-based Fast (5–30 mins) Canvas, wood, paper, fabric ⭐⭐ Versatile, beginner-friendly
Watercolour Water-based Very fast (5–15 mins) Watercolour paper ⭐ Transparent layers
Gouache Water-based Medium (15–45 mins) Paper, wood ⭐⭐ Matte, vibrant, reactivates
Oil Oil-based Slow (days–weeks) Canvas, board ⭐⭐⭐ Blendable, advanced handling
Tempera Water-based Fast Paper, cardboard ⭐ Best for kids or classroom
Alcohol Ink Alcohol-based Fast (2–10 mins) Yupo, tile, glass ⭐⭐ Bright, fluid, needs sealant

Paint Brush Types

Brush Type Shape Best Use Works With
Flat Square tip Bold strokes, edges Acrylic, oil
Round Pointed tip Detail, lines Watercolour, ink
Filbert Rounded flat Soft blending Acrylic, oil
Fan Fanned bristles Texture, blending skies Acrylic, oil
Angular Slanted tip Sharp lines, corners All types
Detail/Liner Thin tip Fine lines, signing Watercolour, ink

Canvas & Surfaces

Surface Ideal For Cost Prep Needed Common Sizes
Stretched Canvas Acrylic, oil $$ None (pre-primed) 8x10, 12x16, etc.
Canvas Panel Studies, beginners $ Optional 5x7, 8x10
Watercolour Paper Watercolour, gouache $ None 140lb+ preferred
Wood Panel Acrylic, oil, mixed $$ Gesso recommended 6x6, 8x8, etc.
Mixed Media Paper All-in-one option $ None Pads & loose sheets
Yupo Paper Alcohol inks $$ No absorbency Slick surface

Painting Techniques (Beginner–Advanced)

Technique Paint Type Description Difficulty
Dry Brushing Acrylic, oil Light texture ⭐
Wet-on-Wet Watercolour, oil Soft blending ⭐⭐
Scumbling Oil, acrylic Scratchy, layered look ⭐⭐
Glazing Acrylic, oil Transparent layering ⭐⭐⭐
Impasto Acrylic, oil Thick texture ⭐⭐
Masking & Resist Watercolour Protected white areas ⭐⭐

Beginner-Friendly Projects

Project Paint Type Supplies Needed Time Profit Potential
Mini Canvas Art Acrylic Canvas, 3 brushes 1–2 hours $10–25
Greeting Cards Watercolour Blank cards, brush pen 1–2 hours $5–15
Painted Rocks Acrylic Rocks, sealant 30–90 mins $5–12 each
Art Prints Any Paper, scanner, print setup 3–5 hours $10–50/print
Bookmarks Watercolour/gouache Paper scraps, brush 1 hour $2–10 each

Intermediate to Advanced Projects

Project Medium Skills Needed Material Cost Revenue Range
Large Canvas Acrylic/Oil Composition, layering $20–50 $100–300
Portrait Painting Oil/Gouache Blending, proportion $30–80 $200–600
Custom Pet Art Watercolour/Acrylic Detail, likeness $15–40 $50–250
Mixed Media Panel All types Layering, adhesives $20–50 $60–200
Alcohol Ink Art Alcohol Ink Blending, control $25–50 $50–150

Paint Additives & Mediums

Medium Use Compatible With Result
Acrylic Medium Thin, extend, glaze Acrylic Smoother finish
Flow Improver Reduces drag Acrylic Fluid blending
Retarder Slows drying Acrylic More working time
Gesso Primer for surfaces All Preps canvas/wood
Masking Fluid Preserves whites Watercolour Peel after dry
Linseed Oil Thinner & shine Oil Glossier, slower dry

Studio Setup Essentials

Item Budget Option Ideal Upgrade
Easel Tabletop wood Standing, adjustable
Palette Plastic tray Glass or stay-wet
Brush Cleaner Water jar Silico pot with ridges
Storage Drawer bin Rolling cart
Lighting Natural window Daylight lamp
Apron/Table Cover Reused cloth Spill-resistant cover

Safety Tips

Material Risk Prevention
Solvents Fumes Use in ventilated area
Oil Paint Toxic pigments Wear gloves, avoid skin contact
Acrylic Paint Skin irritation Wash hands, avoid eyes
Alcohol Ink Flammable No open flames
Varnish/Spray Fixative Inhalation Use mask, spray outside

Art Supply Pricing Guide

Supply Beginner Budget Mid-Tier Pro Quality
Paint Sets $10–30 $30–80 $100+
Brush Sets $10–25 $30–60 $80+
Canvas $2–10 each $8–20 $20–50
Paper Pads $5–20 $15–30 $30–60
Mediums & Additives $5–15 $10–25 $25+

Selling Your Art

Sales Channel Best For Fees Pros
Etsy Prints, small art ~6.5% + listing Built-in traffic
In-person Markets Originals Booth rental Local connection
Art Fairs Larger works Application + booth Collector audience
Own Website Full control Hosting cost Brand building
Social Media Commissions Free Direct to followers

Community & Learning

Platform Use Cost Notes
YouTube Techniques Free Search medium-specific
Skillshare Classes Paid (monthly) Structured lessons
Reddit (r/learnart) Feedback Free Supportive community
Instagram Inspiration Free Art reels & reels
Craftsy / Domestika Project-based $10–60 per class Great for hobbyists

Painting turns blank surfaces into beauty. Whether you’re crafting for joy or profit, let your colours lead the way.