Acrylics can be smooth, textured or layered, the secret is in how you apply them. Explore the essential techniques every beginner should know.

Artists love acrylic paint for its versatility. You can make it look thick and textured like oils, or smooth and transparent like watercolours. Here are the foundational techniques every beginner should try.

Flat washes

Flat washes detail, Barry Herniman

What it is: Applying an even layer of paint across the surface.

How to do it: Load your brush with thinned paint (add a little water or medium) and use long, even strokes.

Why it’s useful: Great for backgrounds, skies, or underpainting.

Beginner tip: Work quickly, overlapping strokes can leave streaks as acrylics dry fast.

Dry brush

Dry brush detail, Elena Parashko

What it is: Using very little paint on a dry brush to create scratchy, textured marks.

How to do it: Wipe most paint off your brush, then drag it lightly across the canvas.

Why it’s useful: Adds texture, highlights, and a sense of movement.

Beginner tip: Perfect for fur, wood grain, or rough textures.

Glazing

Washes and glazes combined in Linda Birch's Pennine Farmhouse, acrylic on card, 11x15in (28x38cm)

What it is: Applying thin, transparent layers of colour on top of dry paint.

How to do it: Mix paint with a glazing medium (or water, sparingly) and brush it over a dry layer.

Why it’s useful: Creates depth, richness, and glowing effects.

Beginner tip: Use a soft brush for smooth, streak-free layers.

Impasto

Linda Birch's Impasto Sheep, acrylic on card, 6x8 in (15x21cm)

What it is: Thick, textured paint applied with a brush or palette knife.

How to do it: Use heavy body acrylics or add modelling paste for more texture. Apply generously in bold strokes.

Why it’s useful: Adds dimension and expressive brushwork.

Beginner tip: A palette knife gives bold, sculptural effects; a stiff brush gives ridges and movement.

Stippling and dabbing

Stippling and dabbing detail, Barry Herniman

What it is: Applying paint in small dots or dabs.

How to do it: Use the tip of a stiff brush, sponge, or even your fingers.

Why it’s useful: Great for foliage, textures, or creating soft blends.

Beginner tip: Layer different colours for natural, organic effects.

Scumbling

Scumbling detail, Barry Herniman

What it is: Rubbing a thin, broken layer of paint over a dry colour to let the base show through.

How to do it: Use a dry brush with very little paint, scrubbing it gently over the surface.

Why it’s useful: Softens edges, creates hazy effects, or simulates atmosphere.

Beginner tip: Ideal for clouds, mist, or aged textures.

Splattering

Splattering detail, Barry Herniman

What it is: Flicking paint onto the surface for random patterns.

How to do it: Load a brush with watery paint and tap or flick it.

Why it’s useful: Adds energy, texture, or abstract elements.

Beginner tip: Cover any areas you want to keep clean, splatter travels far!

Blending

Blending detail, Alice May

What it is: Mixing colours smoothly on the canvas while wet.

How to do it: Work quickly with slightly damp brushes, pulling colours into each other.

Why it’s useful: Perfect for gradients, skies, or soft shadows.

Beginner tip: Mist your surface lightly with water to extend working time.

Knife painting

Tim Fisher, Narrowdale, Impasto effect with a painting knife, acrylic on canvas-covered board, 12x16in (30x41cm)

What is it? Knives are powerful tools for creating bold textures, crisp edges, and expressive strokes. Unlike brushes, they don’t hold much paint, so every mark you make is confident and visible.

Basic knife painting techniques:

• Flat spread - creates smooth, bold patches of colour. Load the back of your knife with paint, then spread it across the canvas like buttering toast.
• Scraping - reveals textures underneath or softens areas. Use the edge of the knife to scrape away or drag thin layers of paint.
• Impasto strokes - adds texture, depth, and a sculptural feel. Apply thick paint directly with the knife, letting ridges form naturally.
• Edge lines - creates sharp lines or details without a brush. Run the thin edge of the knife through wet paint.
• Blending on canvas - produces organic blends and colour transitions. Place two colours side by side and pull the knife across.
• Scraping back (sgraffito) - reveals the underlayer and adds decorative lines. Apply a thick layer of paint, then scratch into it with the knife tip.

Beginner tips:

• Use heavy body paint: Thin paint runs, thick paint holds the texture.
• Don’t overwork: Each stroke is best left bold, too much reworking turns colours muddy.
• Wipe often: Clean the knife between strokes to keep colours fresh.
• Layer up: Apply light colours over dry darks for striking contrast.
• Experiment: Try dragging, dabbing, or even pressing the flat of the knife for unexpected effects.

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.

Paint pouring (free-flow)

Pouring (free-flow)

What is it? This technique swaps brushes for cups and gravity. Liquid acrylics flow across your canvas to create vibrant, abstract artworks.

How to do it: Choose from a variety of pouring techniques including:

• Dirty pour - creates swirled, marbled effects. Layer several paint colours in one cup, then pour onto the canvas.
• Flip cup - makes bold bursts and organic cell patterns. Fill a cup with layered paints, place it upside down on the canvas, then lift.
• Puddle pour - good for experimenting with colour mixing. Pour separate puddles of colour directly onto the canvas, letting them overlap.
• Swipe - reveals cells and striking blends. Pour colours across the canvas, then drag a tool (like a palette knife or paper towel) through them.
• String or chain pull - produces flowing, feathery patterns. Dip string or chain into paint and drag it across the surface.

Why it’s useful: Paint pouring is as much about letting go as it is about creating. You guide the paint, but the magic comes from unexpected swirls, drips, and cells. With just a few basic tools and techniques, you’ll be making vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces in no time

Beginner tip: Don’t overmix: Keep paint layers distinct in the cup for better patterns. Mastering acrylics isn’t about knowing one technique, it’s about combining them. Try layering washes, adding dry-brush textures, or finishing with a glaze. Experiment, play, and soon your paintings will carry both depth and personality.

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