Art Supplies: What's The Difference? Craft Acrylic Paint & Professional Mixed Media Paint

So what exactly are the differences between craft acrylic paint and professional mixed media paint and why am I sharing this?

The answer to this depends on what you are trying to achieve!

In this post, I will show you what the differences are amongst mixed media opaque, transparent, and color spray paint, then introduce the world's greatest invention ever so that you know exactly what to choose when you are in creation mode. If you are creating on different surfaces and whether your art will be exposed to the elements outside in nature it makes it different to know what type of paint to be utilizing!

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Mixed Media Paint Opaque Acrylic Gel

Used the best for bold edges, or for a layering appearance that oil paint produces. Since this is a gel opaque its more difficult to mix with softer colors so a heavier brush is needed if you're mixing right on the canvas, as I sometimes do this with backgrounds. Not the best option if you're experimenting with a scene as if you change your mind about where you want everything and you try to paint over it the bold edges from this paint are difficult to cover up.

Mixed Media Transparent Acrylic Gel

This type of acrylic paint is awesome if you are trying to create a watercolor effect or glazing without having to add any water. Since this is a gel acrylic it will hold its color and won't run when using on canvas. It's a bit more difficult to squeeze out of the container and can appear too sheer sometimes so I would recommend mixing on a palette first then using multiple layers for the desired color wanted. I tried using this to paint a rock and it didn't work out so well. I would recommend using this on a canvas panel, watercolor paper, or cardstock paper.

Mixed Media Color Spray

These usually can be purchased in pump spray bottles rather than aerosol cans so I don't call them to spray paints exactly. I've only used a color spray a few times which makes a nice spattered effect. Make sure to use in an area with proper ventilation and somewhere you don't mind getting things a bit messy as the spatter usually goes everywhere behind where you're spraying also.

Acrylic Marker Pens

These are awesome to use in a sketchbook, on wood, ceramic, fabric, rocks, Easter eggs, and just about anywhere else that you want to add a touch of art. More permanent than a Sharpie and they give you that awesome look that you used a precision medium angle paint brush with a steady hand. Very easy to unleash your inner creative spirit with these it might be difficult to refrain from adding a little flair to those drab plates in the kitchen cabinet or attempting shadows in your sketchbook before the scene goes onto the canvas.

Glitter Finish Craft Paint

This is great acrylic craft paint to use when blending the last layers of a background or when adding highlights to certain details that you want to show better on a painted rock or in my sketchbook. I love using the hologram color to brighten details on snowflakes for a winter scene! I also use this type of acrylic paint to blend where the sand and the low tide meet on a seascape. This paint dries only showing the color of the glitter, not the color that it looks when wet unless mixed with another color.

Mod Podge

Ok so this isn't exactly a type of acrylic however, I wanted to include this in here because it does work with acrylics so well when doing a mixed media art piece. Decoupage, or used as a varnish or before a final veneer its an awesome medium to use especially when gluing sand onto a canvas. I've tried tacky glue, E6000 (which I swear by if you're trying to glue beach glass to a canvas), and Krylon spray adhesive. I have to say that Mod Podge works the best across a canvas, glass, plastic, and regular rocks if you want to glue sand to any of the above.

Mod Podge is so versatile and it's only $1 at your local Dollar Tree! If you're painting rocks this is what you should be using when adhering the label on the back #NEOHRocks. I like to use this also when painting a dramatic abstract such as the cover photo on this post before sealing it with Krylon Kamar to give it a rough textured appearance. Usually takes over 24 hours to completely cure at room temperature and will feel tacky when touched until completely dried.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Part III will be based on strictly archival and professional acrylic paints in the meantime check out my official website!