Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile options for DIY, crafts, and home projects. From walls, wood, plastic, and glass to unexpected surfaces like stone, fabric, countertops, and even furniture, acrylic paint can be used on dozens of materials. In this guide, you’ll find clear explanations, real examples, and direct links to dozens of related painting tutorials to help you choose the right type of acrylic paint for every surface.
What is Acrylic Paint Used For?
Acrylic paint is one of the most popular paint types thanks to its low odor, water-based formula, and versatility. It’s widely used in crafts, painting, DIY projects, and even furniture makeovers. You can confidently use acrylic paint on many everyday items around you.
Acrylic paints can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects. No matter what you’re painting, you should always choose the right type of acrylic paint and apply the correct technique based on the surface. For example, standard acrylic paints are suitable for indoor use, small wood crafts, and artwork.
However, for outdoor applications, furniture painting, or surfaces exposed to friction, it’s better to choose all-purpose acrylic paint, hybrid acrylic paint, or chalk paint, which is a type of acrylic paint.
What Can You Use Acrylic Paint On
Acrylic paint adheres well to many materials. But if the surface has a glossy coating or a previous shiny layer, lightly sanding or priming with an acrylic primer or bonding primer will help the paint stick better. On porous surfaces, acrylic paint may soak in. In that case, apply multiple coats with at least a 4-hour drying time between coats or use a primer. Here are the most common surfaces you can paint with acrylics:
1-Concrete and Walls
You can use acrylic paint on concrete or walls. Rough surfaces will require more paint, while smooth walls and concrete will give better results. Whether you’re painting a mural or an entire wall, acrylic paint works well for both.
For outdoor walls, choose all-purpose or hybrid acrylic paints for better durability. Adding a protective acrylic varnish will help the paint withstand harsh weather. If you plan to paint floors, remember that acrylic paint will wear down quickly due to foot traffic. Applying a clear epoxy topcoat will significantly extend its life.
2-Wood and Furniture
Wood and furniture are among the most common surfaces for acrylic painting. You can use acrylic paint on almost any type of wood. If the surface has a laminate coating or a glossy finish, priming will improve adhesion. For raw wood, primer prevents the paint from being absorbed into the surface.
Standard acrylic paints are great for small wooden crafts. For furniture painting, all-purpose or hybrid acrylic paints are more suitable. Sealing the painted surface with an acrylic varnish will protect it from scratches.
3-Plastic
Although plastic is a difficult material to paint, acrylic paint is still one of the best options. It works well for large plastic pieces and plastic toys. Choose all-purpose or hybrid acrylic paints, as they grip plastic better. Before painting, lightly sand or prime the plastic. Since acrylic paint is flexible, it works on both hard plastics and softer vinyl-type plastics. “Read this to learn how to paint plastic with acrylic paint.”
4-Fabric
You can paint fabric with acrylics, but results vary depending on the fabric type. Acrylic paint is not commonly used for fabric painting because durability can be limited. Always test on a small area first. If long-term durability is important, it’s better to use dedicated fabric paints instead of acrylics.
5-Stone
You can paint both small and large stones and rocks with acrylic paints. Rock painting is a very popular craft hobby. Use standard acrylic paints for small indoor stones, and all-purpose acrylic paints for large outdoor rocks. Sealing the stone after painting will extend the life of the artwork. “For more details, read the stone painting guide.”
6-Metal
Acrylic paint can stick to metal, but it’s not usually the first choice. Specialized metal paints, enamel paints, or oil-based paints are typically preferred. Still, you can use acrylic paint on metal if needed. Just keep in mind you may need several coats for an even finish. “Warning: If the metal is bare and unprimed, acrylic paint may allow small rust spots to appear over time.”
7-Glass
Acrylic paint is one of the most suitable options for painting glass. Dedicated glass paints adhere even better but are more expensive, which makes acrylic paint a practical choice. You can use acrylic paint on large glass panels, mirrors, and even windows. For more detailed information, read these articles:
What is Acrylic Paint Good For?
Acrylic paints are incredibly versatile, which is why we’ve recommended them in many painting tips. Here are more things you can paint with acrylic paint, along with related topics you may cover:
- Toys
- Wallpaper
- Tiles “Painting Tiles“
- Paper and Cardboard
- Small Decorative Items
- MDF “Can You Paint MDF?”
- Artwork / Canvas Painting
- Tin Cans “Painting Tin Cans“
- Fridge “How to Paint Fridge“
- Sink “Painting a Ceramic Sink“
- Styrofoam “Painting Styrofoam“
- Clay Pots “How to Paint Clay Pots“
- Marble “Painting Marble Countertops“
- Coffee Tables “Painting a Coffee Table“
- Wooden Pallets “Painting Wood Pallets“
- Grout Lines “How to Paint Grout Lines“
- Particle Board “Painting Particle Board“
- Vinyl Siding “How to Paint Vinyl Siding“
- Baseboards “How to Paint a Baseboard“
- Door Frames “How to Paint a Door Frame“
- Plastic Chairs “How to Paint Plastic Chairs“
- Plastic Shutters “Painting Plastic Shutters“
- Countertops “Painting Marble Countertops“
- Interior Doors “How to Paint Interior Doors“
- Wooden Chairs “How to Paint Wooden Chairs“
- Wood Cabinets “Painting Raw Wood Cabinets“
- Bamboo Furniture “Painting Bamboo Furniture“
- Window Frames “How to Paint Window Frames“
- Kitchen Cabinets “How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets“
- Wooden Dining Tables “How to Paint Dining Table“
- Metal Filing Cabinets “How to Paint Metal Cabinets“
- Plastic Flower Pots “How to Paint Plastic Flower Pots“
- Front Doors “How to Paint a Front Door Without Removing It“
