Learn how to read paint labels, what colours you really need and the use of mediums in acrylic painting

Choosing colours is one of the most exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, parts of starting your painting journey with acrylics. With shelves full of bold reds, calming blues, earthy greens, and shimmering metallics, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Understanding temperature in colour helps you control mood and depth in your painting.

Warm colours: Red, orange, yellow – energetic, inviting, advance in a painting.

Cool colours: Blue, green, violet – calming, distant, tend to recede.

Example: A landscape might use warm colours for the foreground and cool ones in the background to create depth.

Reading acrylic paint labels

When you pick up a tube of acrylic paint, the label will often show:

Colour name: Sometimes poetic (alizarin crimson, phthalo blue), sometimes practical (cadmium red hue).

Pigment code: A standardised pigment identifier (like PB15 for phthalo blue). Useful for consistent colour mixing across brands.

Opacity symbol: Solid square = opaque. Half-filled square = semi-opaque. Empty square = transparent

Lightfastness rating: Indicates how resistant the colour is to fading over time: ASTM I = excellent. ASTM II = very good. ASTM III = poor (avoid for artworks you want to last)

Beginner tip: Stick with ASTM I or II and choose opaque paints for better coverage while learning. Colour is at the heart of acrylic painting, and understanding how it works empowers your creativity. Don’t worry if your mixes aren’t perfect at first, it’s all part of the process. Start simple, experiment often, and you’ll soon develop an instinct for what works.

Mixing tips for beginners

• Use white to lighten, not just water, water will thin and dilute, but won’t add opacity.
• Mix small amounts first, you can always add more.
• Keep a mixing journal or swatch sheet to track how colours behave.

Single pigment versus mixed pigment paints

Some paints are made from just one pigment, others are a mix.

Single pigment colours: More predictable when mixing (great for beginners).

Multi-pigment colours: Can be beautiful, but might behave unpredictably. Check the label, many brands include this info.

Understanding paint names

Some paint colours are named after historical pigments, like Cadmium Red or Cobalt Blue. These can be pricey, so manufacturers offer more affordable alternatives. ‘Hue’ means it’s a substitute for the original pigment. E.g., Cadmium Red Hue is not real cadmium, but it looks very similar. Hue versions are cheaper and non-toxic—ideal for beginners!

Fun extras (if you're feeling experimental)

Once you’re comfortable with your core colours, try:

• Metallic acrylics (gold, silver, copper)
• Interference colours (shift in the light)
• Fluorescents & neons (bright, bold effects)
• Iridescent or pearl mediums (add shimmer to your own mixes)

Recommended colour palette for beginners

Rather than buying dozens of tubes, start with a limited palette you can mix fro. These colours give you a wide mixing range for landscapes, portraits, abstracts... you name it!

Basic starter set: Titanium white, Mars black, cadmium red hue, cadmium yellow hue, phthalo blue

Optional additions: Burnt sienna, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, viridian green, dioxazine purple

Using mediums with acrylics

Acrylic paint is already versatile, but using mediums expands what you can do with it. Mediums change the texture, transparency, drying time, and finish of your paint, without weakening the colour.

Mediums are additives mixed into acrylic paint (not the same as water or solvents). They modify the behaviour of the paint while keeping it stable. Basic types of acrylic mediums include gloss, matte and satin. Think of them as ‘helpers’ that let you:

• Make paint smoother or thicker
• Increase transparency or opacity
• Change drying speed
• Add texture or special effects

Beginner tip: Start with a matte or gloss medium to see how your colours look different.

If you're new to acrylics, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your acrylic skills.

Gel mediums

Thicken paint for texture and brushstroke retention. Soft gels produce smooth, creamy blends. Heavy gels are more for thick impasto, knife painting.

Beginner tip: Try mixing heavy gel with your paint to make it buttery, like oil paint.

Modelling paste

Create thick, sculptural texture on your canvas. Modelling paste can be carved, sanded, or painted over once dry.

Beginner tip: Use a palette knife to spread it like frosting before painting.

Pouring medium

Makes paint flow smoothly for acrylic pouring. Prevents cracks and helps paint self-level.

Beginner tip: Don’t add too much water, use this instead for glossy, fluid effects.

Glazing medium

Makes paint transparent for layered colour effects. Great for glowing effects and depth.

Beginner tip: Mix a little paint with glazing medium for stained-glass-like colour.

Retarder / slow-dry medium

A retarder slows drying time, so you can blend longer.

Beginner tip: Use sparingly, too much can make paint sticky.

Safety and practical tips

• Always use mediums made for acrylics (not oils or solvents).
• Clean brushes quickly, mediums can dry just as fast as paint.
• Label your jars if you pre-mix paint and medium.
• Experiment with one medium at a time so you can see its effect.

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