DECORATIVE PAINTING SUPPLIES

Getting familiar with the things you need

By Cheryl Poulin

Decorative painting supplies. What do you need, and where do you find them?

I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to art materials. If there's something new on the market, I want to try it. And if you could see my studio, you'd understand why I occasionally ask myself, "Do I really need all this stuff?"

The answer, of course, is yes! (She says with a big grin.)

Fortunately, you don't need a studio full of supplies to get started. The basics include paint, brushes, mediums and something to paint on. As you learn new techniques and tackle different projects, you can add to your collection

Of course, painting requires a few other essentials, too. Keep a water bucket, disposable paper palette and paper towels handy. Tracing paper and graphite paper are useful for transferring designs. Your project instructions will tell you what else you'll need.

Looking for something to paint? You'll find delightful tole painting patterns here.

Now, let's look at the main categories of decorative painting supplies and where you can learn more about each one.

ACRYLIC PAINT

Acrylic paints are a staple of decorative painting. Most projects call for them.

Popular brands include Americana by DecoArt, FolkArt by Plaid, Ceramcoat by Delta Creative, Jo Sonja by Chroma, Liquitex, Golden and Pebeo, to name just a few.

Acrylics are my medium of choice. I love the beautiful range of colors, their ease of use, quick drying time and easy cleanup.

Because I paint, teach and test products for this website, you can imagine how many paint bottles and tubes I've accumulated!

Here's a tip that could save you money. Keep an inventory of your paints. It's surprisingly easy to forget what you already own and buy another bottle of a color you have tucked away somewhere. A simple spreadsheet will do the job, or keep a written list if that's more your style.

Are you curious about what's actually in your paint? I am. There's a bit of a nerd hiding behind this paintbrush!

You can learn about the general makeup of acrylic and other paints here.

BRUSHES

Decorative painters have a way of accumulating paintbrushes. Different shapes and sizes are designed for different techniques, so it's easy to convince yourself that you need just one more.

Do you really need every brush on the market? Probably not. But one more brush won't hurt, now will it?

To help you decide which brushes belong in your collection, here's lots of information about paintbrush styles.

The bristles matter, too. Depending on the paint you're using and the effect you're after, different brush hairs or synthetic bristles may be better suited to the job. You'll find more information right here.

And once you've invested in good brushes, take care of them! Proper cleaning and storage help your brushes last longer and perform better. Here's how to clean and care for your paintbrushes.

Good brushes are worth looking after. Your painting results will thank you.

MEDIUMS

Your decorative painting supplies may include a variety of mediums. These are products added to paint, or applied as part of a painting process, to change how the paint behaves or help you achieve a particular effect.

For example, want to paint a denim jacket or a pair of jeans? A fabric medium may be just what you need. You could even create custom T-shirts for the next family reunion!

Thinking about painting on glass with regular acrylic paint? A suitable glass painting medium can help the paint adhere to that slick surface. Always check the product instructions to make sure the medium is appropriate for your paint and intended use.

Or maybe you'd like to give a project a crackled, aged finish. There's an APP for that!

Just kidding. There are several crackle mediums, and each can produce a different effect.

The right medium can open up all sorts of creative possibilities. It's another way to get more from the paints you already own.

SURFACES

Decorative painters have a saying: if something sits still long enough, we'll paint it!

And there's a good reason for that. Decorative painting isn't limited to one type of surface. With the right preparation, paint and products, you can embellish an amazing variety of objects.

Wood is a popular choice. You can paint a new wood surface or give an existing piece of furniture a fresh look. Glass, tile, mirrors, metal and other materials offer plenty of possibilities, too.

Fancy dressing up a set of wine glasses? Or adding a little personality to clay pots or gourds?

You can also explore fabric painting techniques, decorate stretched canvas, paint floor cloths or even transform hardwood floors and countertops.

The possibilities depend on the surface, the paint and the preparation required. Before you begin, make sure your chosen products are suitable for the job.

And there you have it: the basics of decorative painting supplies. You don't need to own everything at once. Start with what your project requires, learn as you go, and add to your collection as your skills and interests grow.

Just don't ask me how many brushes you really need. I'm probably not the best person to answer that! 

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AUTHOR BIO

Cheryl Poulin, CPC, has been helping decorative painters of all levels grow their acrylic painting skills since 1993. She has taught thousands of students, published 50+ instructional packets and videos, and helped revive interest in the decorative art form with a beginner painting program using her step-by-step Earmark Studio Method.

Cheryl’s work has appeared in publications such as: The Decorative Painter, PaintWorks, and Tole World. Cheryl provides your-decorative-painting-resource.com as a free resource. She’s happiest when she sees her students succeed. Cheryl relaxes with a brush in hand, painting, doodling, and creating.

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