Many people use acrylic paint in an effort to work with their creativity, or to save money on buying more expensive types of paint. The beauty of acrylic paints is that they are less expensive and dry faster than oil or latex paint. But, can you use acrylic paint on wall? Will it adhere?
Acrylic paints can also be used on other surfaces including walls. In fact, many artists use acrylics for their wall painting sessions, then switch to oils. You’ll need to take a few precautions when using acrylics on walls because they’re not as durable as oil-based paints .
In a nutshell, this blog will;
- Guide you on how to apply acrylic paint on walls
- Show you how to seal your wall designs
- Share tips on how to make acrylic paints last
If you’d like to paint your walls with acrylic paint, keep reading!
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How Do You Apply Acrylic Paint to a Wall?
Acrylic paints are ideal for decorating the walls of your home or office because they are easy to use and inexpensive. The following instructions will help you apply acrylic paint to your walls with ease;
Step 1: Select a Paintbrush
Acrylic paint should be applied with a brush so that the paint can be spread evenly over the surface being painted. Choose a brush with synthetic bristles rather than natural hair bristles because synthetic brushes hold their shape better. For best results you should also choose a brush with a long handle so that there is less strain on your wrist when you are painting large areas. I recommend ARTIFY 24 Pieces Paint Brush Set.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
Before applying acrylic paint to your walls, make sure that the surface is clean and dry by wiping down any dust or dirt with a damp cloth or sponge dipped in warm water and mild detergent solution. Allow these surfaces to air dry completely before proceeding to sand your wall surface.
Step 3: Sand the wall
The next step is to sand the wall. This will smooth out any uneven surfaces and get rid of any minor scratches or marks. You can do this with a fine grit sandpaper (about 100-grit) or even use a power sander if you want to make it easier on yourself. Just make sure when using a sander that you wear safety goggles and use a mask to protect yourself from any fumes coming off.
Step 4: Apply Primer
The next important step is applying primer to your wall. Wall priming will help to create an even base layer for your acrylic paint to adhere to and also help prevent bleeding through in certain areas of your design, especially if you have some darker colors in there like black or blue.
You can use spray primer but I would recommend going for something like Zinsser’s B-I-N Primer & Sealer because it has great adhesion properties and will help ensure that your design stays where it should be instead of bleeding through.
Step 5: Now, Paint
Now, paint your walls with acrylic paint. Apply it in thin layers and allow time for each layer to dry before applying the next coat. Once you’ve finished painting, let the wall dry for at least hours before proceeding with the sealer. If you are do not know which brand of acrylic to use, I suggest you check out the Top 10 Best Acrylic Paints.
Best Value for Your Buck: Acrylic Paint, Shuttle Art 24 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set
Step 6: Seal
The final step is sealing your walls once your painting project is finished. After all of your layers are complete (primer and paint), wait until everything has dried completely before sealing them with a clear sealer like gloss or satin water-based varnish or acrylic sealer/protector.
Using Acrylic Paint on Walls Can Be a Great Way to Transform Your Space. A Few Things to Keep In Mind
- Use primer before painting, especially if you’re painting over a light color or older paint job. Primer will help create an even surface for the new coat of paint and will prevent any peeling down the road. You can use either water-based or oil-based primer; though water based is more common and less expensive, some people prefer oil based.
- Choose a brush or roller depending on how much coverage you need and what kind of texture you want on the wall.
- Brushes are good if you’re working with intricate details or small spaces like frames around windows and doors. Brushes also work well for uneven surfaces like textured ceilings that would otherwise require multiple coats with rollers or sponges—but keep in mind that brushes don’t give as much coverage as rollers do since they don’t cover large areas at once. So, if you want full coverage over large areas then opt for roller/sponge instead!
Best Paint Roller: Voomey 4″ Foam Paint Roller Kit, 8 Piece 4 Inch Mini Paint Roller
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Wall?
Once you’ve finished painting, it’s time to seal your work of art. The best way to do this is with a satin or semi-gloss enamel spray paint. While you can use an aerosol spray for the initial coat (just be sure to use one with a trigger lock). Before you begin, make sure everything is clean and dry — including the wall, brushes, rollers and paint tray. Inspect the wall carefully for any missed spots or drips that need touching up before sealing the entire piece
Can You Mix Acrylic Paint With Wall Paint
You can mix acrylic paint with wall paint. Acrylic paint is water-based, so it can be used with other water-based paints. The best way to do this is to use the same brand of paint as your base coat. This ensures that the colors will match perfectly, making it easier to blend different paints together on your palette.
If you’re using a different brand of paint for your base coat, then you’ll have to experiment with mixing the two types of paints together until you get a color you like. It’s best to start with an equal amount of each paint and then add more or less until you achieve the desired shade.
How Long Does Acrylic Paint Last on Walls?
Your acrylic painting on wall should ideally last eight years if it’s well-applied and not subjected to much wear and tear. But, what about fading, can acrylic paint on walls fade? Acrylic paints are notorious for fading over time. Even if you use an archival quality art supply store brand, your artwork will eventually begin to fade and discolour if it is exposed to sunlight or other strong sources of light. The best way to protect your artwork from fading is by using a UV blocking varnish or clear protective coating over top of your work. I can bet on Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating, it is moisture resistant and blocks harmful UV light rays.
Related Post: How Long Do Acrylic Paints Last?
Will Acrylic Paint Wash off Walls?
Acrylic paint is easy to wash off. Water will remove acrylic paint from walls, so you’ll want to use a sponge or rag to wipe away any excess. I have an entire article on how to wash of acrylic paint, check it out here. If you want to cover an entire wall with acrylic paints, consider using a piece of cardboard as a masking tape for the edges of your design. The cardboard will protect the edge from getting covered in paint and make clean-up easier later on.
Is Acrylic Paint the Same as Wall Paint?
These two are totally different. Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that can be used on walls, canvas and other surfaces. Wall paint, on the other hand, is oil-based and used for coating walls for protection against moisture and mildew. Also, acrylic paints are generally more transparent than wall paint.
However, if you prefer a solid block of color or want something vibrant and bold then using an acrylic paint might work well for your needs. If you do choose to use an acrylic on your walls make sure to protect the surface with a primer first! By the way, you can also experiment with Neon Acrylic paints to add some pop and spark to your walls.
Acrylic Paint on Interior Walls
Acrylic paints are a great choice for interior walls. They’re water-based and easy to clean, so you can use them to paint all of your walls without worrying about maintenance. If you’re looking for an alternative to oil-based paints but want something durable, acrylic is an excellent option. It will adhere well to the surface of your wall, which means that the paint job will last longer than it would with other types of paint (even if it does get dirty).
What Are the Disadvantages of Acrylic Paint on Walls?
Disadvantage | Explanataion |
Limited Durability | Acrylic paint may not withstand heavy wear and tear, making it less suitable for high-traffic or exterior walls. |
Prone to cracking if not Properly Sealaed | Acrylic paint can crack over time, especially on surfaces that experience temperature fluctuations or settling. |
May be Difficult to Touch -Up | Blending and matching colors for touch-ups can be challenging due to acrylic paint's fast-drying nature. |
Less Coverage | Compared to oil-based paints, acrylics may require more coats to achieve full coverage, potentially increasing costs. |
Stains and Water Damage | It can be susceptible to staining and water damage, particularly if not sealed properly. |
No Glossy Finish | Acrylic paint doesn't typically achieve the same glossy finish as oil-based paints, limiting certain design options. |
Can be Toxic, if you buy the Wrong one. | While generally safe, some people may experience skin or respiratory irritation when working with acrylic paints( Go for non-toxic acrylic paints) |
Colors May Shift | Acrylic paint colors may slightly shift or fade over time due to exposure to light and other environmental factors. |
Less UV Resistance | Acrylic paint may not have the same level of UV resistance as some other types of paint, leading to fading and color changes when exposed to prolonged sunlight. |
Less Suitable for High-Humidity Areas | In areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, acrylic paint may not hold up as well as other paint types, potentially leading to peeling or mold growth. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use acrylic paint on walls?
Absolutely! It is possible to apply acrylic paint directly to a wall. After all, water and oil-based paints are also applied directly to walls. However, these types of paints tend to leave behind a more textured finish with visible brush strokes and are not as hard-wearing as acrylics. Acrylics are considered semi-gloss or gloss finishes so they shouldn’t require re-touching or repainting after two years in most cases.
How long does acrylic paint last on walls?
This depends on the type of wall surface you’re painting and how well you prepare your room before painting (for example: sanding down old layers). As mentioned above, water-based paints( acrylic paints) have been known to cause damage if not properly prepared beforehand; however this doesn’t always mean that they’ll show their age within a year either!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy to clean, non-toxic alternative to paint, then acrylic paint may be the right choice. It’s also worth noting that acrylic paint will not adhere well to unsealed or un-primed walls. But once your wall is primed , you can go ahead and experiment with different colors. Whether you’re looking for a bold splash of color or just want to re-decorate a boring bedroom, acrylic paint is your go-to.
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