What’s the difference between al the types of acrylic paints? And more importantly, which acrylic paint is right for you?

Acrylic painters, beginners and professionals alike, love it for its fast-drying time, vivid colours, and versatility. But walk into any art supply shop, and you’ll quickly find there’s more than one kind of acrylic paint. Each with different qualities, prices, and purposes.

Choosing the right acrylic paint doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with a student-grade set that suits your style - heavy body if you like texture, or fluid if you prefer smoothness. Once you’re comfortable, you can always upgrade your supplies or experiment with new types. The best paint for beginners is the one that gets you painting - so dive in, mix some colours, and enjoy the journey.

Let’s break it down in this handy guide.

Student-grade versus artist-grade acrylics

This is the first major division in the world of acrylic paint.

Student-grade acrylics

These paints offer good quality without the premium price. If you're just starting with acrylics then these are a perfect choice for you.

• Perfect for beginners
• More affordable
• Good pigmentation (though less intense than artist-grade)
• Made with less expensive binders and fillers
• Great for learning, practising, and hobby painting

Artist-grade acrylics

Designed for professionals and serious hobbyists.

• Richer colours and higher pigment concentration
• Smoother consistency
• Better lightfastness (won’t fade over time)
• More expensive

Beginners tip: Start with student-grade, you can always upgrade later!

Types of consistency (viscosity)

Not all acrylics feel the same when you squeeze them out of the tube. Some are thick and buttery, while others are fluid and smooth.

Here are the main types:

Heavy body acrylics

• Thick, buttery texture (like oil paint)
• Retains brush or knife marks
• Ideal for impasto techniques and textured painting
• Slower to dry (but still faster than oils)
• Great for beginners who enjoy expressive brushwork or want to experiment with texture.

Soft body / fluid acrylics

• Smoother, more liquid consistency
• Ideal for blending, fine detail, or glazing
• Can be used for pouring when mixed with medium
• Great for beginners who want to paint smooth gradients, detailed pieces, or try fluid art.

Acrylic ink

• Water-thin, highly pigmented
• Applied with brushes, pens, or droppers
• Dries to a vibrant, flat finish
• Great for calligraphy, illustration, and experimental layering.

Interactive / slow drying acrylics

• Designed to stay wet longer
• Allows more blending and reworking time
• Excellent if you're used to oils or want more control
• Great for portraits (particularly skin tones), skies and realism

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.

Special acrylic variants

These aren’t necessary for beginners but are good to know about.

• Open acrylics – extra slow drying time for blending
• Acrylic gouache – matte, opaque finish (great for flat illustrations)
• Pouring acrylics – pre-mixed for fluid art techniques

How to choose the right acrylic paint as a beginner

Here’s a simple checklist to guide your choice:

1. Are you just starting and want a good balance of quality and price? Student-grade heavy body acrylics (like System 3 or Galeria)
2. Do you prefer smooth, detailed work over texture? Try fluid or soft body acrylics
3. Are you interested in textured, bold brush strokes? Go for heavy body paints
4. Want to experiment with abstract or pour painting? Consider pouring acrylics or fluid acrylics

Acrylic paint properties

Acrylic paints are one of the most versatile and accessible mediums for artists. This makes them perfect for beginners, but what exactly is acrylic paint, and what makes it so special? At its core, acrylic paint is a mixture of three main ingredients:

Pigment

Pigment is the fine, powdered substance that gives paint its colour. For examples, titanium dioxide for white, phthalocyanine for blue, and quinacridone for magenta. Pigments don’t dissolve—they remain suspended in the paint, which is why the colour stays vibrant.

Binder (acrylic polymer emulsion)

This is the “glue” that holds the pigment together and makes it stick to your painting surface. In acrylic paints, the binder is an acrylic polymer (a type of plastic) suspended in water. As the water evaporates, the acrylic polymer particles fuse into a solid, flexible, waterproof layer, locking in the pigment.

Vehicle (water)

The liquid that carries the pigment and binder so you can actually spread the paint. Since water is the vehicle, acrylic paint is water-based, making it easy to thin, mix, and clean up with just soap and water (no harsh solvents needed).

Additional ingredients

Many acrylic paints also contain fillers, to give body and texture. Additives, to control how the paint behaves, like making it dry slower or resist cracking. And preservatives to prevent mold and extend shelf life.

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