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 |
| 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 |
| 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.