How to Mix Acrylic Paint Colors

Acrylic paints provide an easy medium to experiment with while you learn to achieve many different effects. Whether you're just starting out as an amature artist or as a professional, mixing acrylic paint allows you to work with colors and textures to create just what you want.

Instructions

1. Invest in quality paints. While student quality paints are cheaper, they will fade with exposure to light. They are also made of cheap pigment substitutes that will make your colors muddy.

2. Add a drop or two of acrylic retarder when mixing colors on a palette. This will help prevent it from drying before you start painting.

3. Use a palette that will help the paint stay moist. Specially made palettes for mixing acrylics are available, or you can just store your colors in film canisters. Just make sure to keep the lids on when you're not using the color.

4. Mix acrylic paint with other liquids. A variety of effects can be created by mixing acrylic paint with water, a flow aid or a gel medium.

5. Care for your brushes properly when mixing colors with acrylic paint. It's best to wash your brushes with warm water and lay them flat to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Never mix acrylic paints with oil paints. This causes flaking and warping.

• Make sure to completely clean the tops of your paint containers to prevent the paint from drying and gluing your containers shut. Acrylic paint dries rapidly, so don't leave the caps wet even for a second.