Acrylic paint is a must have for every painter. It may look like the most basic, dull and non shooting paint in your collection but but trust me, it is the most valuable.
Mixing white acrylic paint with other colors is one of the ways for creating opacity and making colors brighter. It is mainly used to tint other colors. To achieve a certain opacity for painting in canvas, roof ceilings, walls and also on furniture, white acrylic paint is a must have for painters..
In this blog post;
- I will teach you how to mix white acrylic paint with other colors.
- Discuss the different types of white acrylic paint and what they are best used for.
- On the last part of this article, I review several brands of white acrylic paint (with their specific uses) that are available on the market.
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Can You Mix Acrylic Paint With Resin?
The History of White Acrylic Paint and How It Began
It is hard to imagine an artist without white paint. But, before the 20th century, painters had no access to the pigment. The first attempts at creating a white pigment were made by Chinese artists in the 11th century. They mixed together lead white and chalk, resulting in a product which was brittle and chalky.
In Europe, artists used egg whites, casein and gypsum matrix as their primary whites until the 18th century. However, in the 2oth century around year 1921, Titanium white was introduced and became a game changer in white acrylic painting.
Related Reading: Acrylic Paints: What Are They?
Factors to Consider in Selecting White Acrylic Paint
When you are painting a room for example and want to add some color, the first thing you think of is the color of your walls. However, when it comes to selecting white acrylic paint there are a few things that you need to consider before buying it. These factors are mainly;
1.Whiteness of White Acrylic Paint
There’s no doubt that white is the most popular color in the world. It’s a color that can be paired with almost anything and it can give any room a clean, fresh look.
But when it comes to painting a room in white, there are many things you need to consider before picking up that paintbrush. First and foremost, you need to ensure that the white paint you choose is pure white. If it isn’t, then your walls could end up looking more like a yellowish or greenish hue.
You should also make sure that the paint is opaque enough so that it covers any imperfections on your wall surface. This will help keep the room looking clean and crisp even after several years of use.
As a painter, you want to make sure that your choice of white paint complements other colors in your home’s décor scheme.
2.Opacity or Transparency
When selecting white acrylic paint, you will have to consider opacity or transparency. The more opaque the paint, the more it will cover up a surface. The more transparent it is, the less it will cover up your project. So check that out before you purchase your white acrylic paint.
For painters, opaque paints are by far the best for covering up dark colors and making them look lighter. They are also good for covering up stains on a wall or ceiling. For versatility, opaque white paint can also be used to give an antique look to furniture like tables and chairs. It is not limited to only canvas or fabrics. You can get creative with white acrylic paint.
Transparent white acrylics on the other side are perfect for overall coverage of surfaces that are not painted over dark colors or stains. They can be used on wood panelling as well as concrete walls because it does not change the color of these surfaces when applied over them.
Pro-Tip: If you’re working on a project where you want the background color to show through, then you’ll need to choose translucent or semi-translucent white acrylic paint instead of opaque white acrylic paint.
3.Tinting Strength
Tinting strength is a measure of the amount of color added to a white paint. It is expressed as a percentage. The higher the tinting strength, the stronger the hue of the paint.
Tinting strength is important because it impacts both how much color you need to add when mixing your own custom colors and how much you’ll need to dilute them before applying them to your project.
When you choose white acrylic paint, look at the tinting strength. Acrylic paints are available in high- and low-tinting strengths, which is indicated by a number on the tube or can.
If you’re painting a canvas, for example, you’ll want to use a high tinting strength because it will hide the underlying colors better. For wood or metal surfaces, a lower tinting strength will suffice because the wood grain or metal shine will show through the paint.
4.Temperature
The temperature at which you mix your paints will affect the consistency of your finished product. White Pigments made from linseed oil tend to be more warmer than water based acrylics.
Pro-Tip: If you mix your paints in hot environment( warmer than room temperature in this case), they can become runny and may not adhere well to the surface you’re working on. If they’re too cold, they’ll be hard to spread out evenly across the canvas or paper because they’ll clump together rather than spreading out . So make sure that you use room temperature of 60° F / 16° C when mixing your paints so that they blend smoothly together.
Related Reading: What Can I Use Instead of Acrylic Liquid?
How To Use White Acrylic Paint (A Beginner Tutorial)
Materials
- Canvas
- Bowl/ Glass dish
- Brushes
- Mixing stick
- White acrylic paint( water based)
- Any color of your choice( Red, blue, green , black etc)
Instructions
Starter Tip: The first thing you need to know about using white paint is that it comes in a variety of forms. You can use white spray paint, or you can use it as a liquid form, or even as an oil-based version. The most commonly used type of white acrylic paint is water-based( This is what I am using for this tutorial)
- Clean your canvas surface. You want to make sure there is no dirt or water on your board. You can use a cloth, towel or paper towels to wipe out dirt.
- Next step is the fun part- Mixing: in a bowl, spread out white acrylic paint and add any color of your choice. Start with the ratio is 1:1. This can be adjusted depending on how light or dark you want your final color to be. If you want to lighten it, add white until you get the desired shade. (For example; if you mixing white acrylic paint with red acrylics, the ratio 1:1 will give you a pink color)
- Mix them together on your palette until they reach your best acceptable shade.
- Get your brush and dip it into the mixture of color and white paint you just made.
- Apply this mixture onto your board or canvas in any way you like — whether it’s splattering, dabbing or stippling — and leave it to dry. ( it takes about 20-30 minutes for acrylics to dry)
- After your painting has dried, apply a sealant of your choice. ( I suggest Mod Podge CS11302 Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish)
Related Reading: Can You Add Water to Acrylic Paint?
Types of White Acrylic Paints
White acrylic paint is a versatile, high-quality paint that can be used on just about any surface. It’s ideal for use on walls and ceilings, as well as furniture and other home decor items. There are many different types of white acrylic paints available, so it’s important to know the differences between them so that you can choose the right one for your project.
The most common types of white acrylic paint are;
1. Opaque White Acrylic Paint
This type of white paint is opaque in nature and provides an even coat. It is ideal for projects that require a solid white color. Examples of Opaque White Acrylic Paint are;
a)Titanium White
Titanium white is a brilliant, opaque white pigment that has been made by heating and calcining titanium ore. It is the most popular white paint color for artists because of its high opacity and excellent covering power. The pro perk is that titanium white paint can be mixed with other colors to create any shade.
This type of white acrylic paint works best when applied in thin layers so that it dries completely between coats. If you’re using a brush, dip it into the paint and pull out as little paint as possible onto your palette before applying it to your canvas or paper surface. If you use a palette knife, wipe it off on a paper towel between each stroke so that there isn’t too much paint on the blade at one time.
b)Lead White Also Known as Flake White
This white acrylic paint contains lead. Lead white is also known as flake white . It is type of white pigment that was used by artists since ancient times and is made from ground lead carbonate. It’s a heavy, opaque white that can be used alone or mixed with other colors to create tints or shades. Flake white dries slowly, which makes it difficult to use on its own, but it’s good for mixing with other colors. It has since been replaced by lead-free alternatives. ( I suggest the Williamsburg Oil 37ml Flake White (60001049)
c)Titanium-Zinc (T-Z White)
Titanium-zinc white is a combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide with varying amounts of pigments added to it. It produces an opaque finish when applied thinly and a semi-opaque finish when applied thickly. The Amsterdam Standard Series Acrylic Paint Zinc White 1000ml is a favorite for many painters, It dries quickly and has good hiding power due to its zinc oxide content. ( Totally recommended for beginners and professionals)
d)Flake White Hue
Flake White is a good choice if you want a bright white hue that reflects light well, but it can be difficult to match with other colors. It does not contain lead, and it has a higher tinting strength than other types of white paint.
This type of paint was once widely used because it was inexpensive to produce and had excellent hiding power for its price range. Some brands that make flake white hue have lead in them. So check out the label before you purchase. I personally use the Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color, 37ml (1.25 oz) Tube, Flake White Hue( You might wanna check it out)
2.Transparent White
Transparent White is titanium 100% based and has a very low tinting strength. It is the most popular white paint for interior walls because it reflects light well, making rooms appear brighter and bigger. The Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint, Transparent Mixing White takes the lead as being the most popular and used transparent white acrylic.
It is also a good choice for exterior use on sunny days, as it helps to reflect sunlight and heat away from the building.
3.Other Types Of White Acrylic Paints
- Antique from Apple Barrel
Apple Barrel, Antique White, Acrylic Craft Paint is a matte, opaque white acrylic paint made from finely ground pigments and a binder that dries to a soft satin finish. It is recommended for use on canvas or paper in combination with other acrylic paints or as an opaque underpainting. Antique White also has excellent adhesion to most surfaces including wood.
- Soft Mixing White
Soft Mixing White is a cool white that has a bit of blue in it. It’s used in small amounts to cool down a color and make it more grayish. Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color, 200ml (6.75-oz), Soft Mixing White is the white I use most often, especially when painting gray(check it out).
- Iridescent White
Iridescent White is a bright white, high gloss acrylic paint that has a slight iridescent sheen when viewed in different lighting conditions. The paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces including wood, glass and metal. It is also ideal for use on paper craft projects such as scrapbooking, card making and more. If you prefer iridescent white to titanium white, the Liquitex BASICS Iridescent Acrylic Paint is a good pick.
Most Iridescent White acrylics have been specially formulated to cover well with just one coat, so it’s great for DIY projects where you want to create a professional finish quickly and easily.
Related Reading : Are Acrylic and Latex Paint the Same?
Uses of White Acrylic Paint
Whether you are working on a canvas painting, re-decorating your living room or painting that old furniture, white acrylic paint is versatile enough. You can also use it as an accent color or highlight. Here are some ways you might use white acrylic paint:
1. To Create Opacity
White acrylics are generally water-based paints with a creamy consistency that dries to a finish when dry( Applying white acrylic paint on water color paper will give you a matte finish while white acrylic paint on a canvas will give you a glossy finish)
They’re used in both fine art and craft projects because they create a smooth surface that’s ideal for detailed work such as painting portraits. Artists often mix white with other colors to create their own custom hues of white or tint other colors by adding white to those colors. For example; mixing white to red creates a pink tint , white and blue gets you a sky blue tint while adding black to white gives you gray.
This is the beauty of acrylic whites. Their opaque nature of white acrylics allows you to use them on large areas without worrying about transparency issues caused by thinning down your paint too much (as you would with watercolors). They are also water- resistant( I have an entire article on this, read it here).
To create opacity, mix white acrylic paint with any color of your choice for your perfect tint. Apply you achieve your color mix, apply it onto your canvas or paper using brushes or sponges. Other people like to add resin to get a more transparent effect .
2. As a Base Coat for Other Colors.
You can use white acrylic paint to enhance any color you are using in your art. It will make the other colors stand out more against the white background. This can be very handy when working with two-dimensional paintings or drawings because it allows the viewer’s eyes to focus on what they are supposed to see rather than getting lost in all of those details that may not be important to the overall piece.
White acrylic paint also works well as an undercoat on canvas because it helps prevent bleeding from other paints that might get splattered onto your canvas while you’re working on it and also gives your final painting a nice clean look.
3. As an Accent or Highlight Color
Do you want a certain area of your art work to pop out more and stand out, then use white acrylic paint. White acrylic paint is most commonly used as an accent or highlight color. This is because it tends to be more opaque than other colors, so it can be layered over other colors without changing their appearance too much .
Keep in mind that acrylic paint dries to a matte finish and has excellent coverage, which makes it ideal for covering large areas of paper.
4. Brighten Your Painting
You might be having a dull painting that you just concluded. To brighten it a little, white acrylic paint does that job perfectly well. Highlighting is an important part of any art piece as it adds depth and dimension to it.
It will make your art piece look more vibrant and beautiful. Just add some white in the selected areas of your painting and see how it enhances the overall appeal of the piece!
5.Cover Stains
Painting can be challenging for new beginners . One of the challenges is spilling acrylic paint on your canvas or surfaces. If you have any type of stain on your walls or floors, acrylic paint can hide it. If you are trying to cover a stain on wood, prime it with an oil-based stain-blocking primer first and then apply your white acrylic paint over it. If you want to cover a stain on plastic, metal or masonry surfaces, then use an epoxy primer first before applying your white acrylic paint.
The Top 5 Best White Acrylic Paint
White is a color that can be difficult to paint, especially when you are looking for the perfect shade. There are so many different shades of white acrylic paints out there, and it can be difficult to choose the best one for your needs.
Here are the top 5 best white acrylic paints:
1. Golden Artist Acrylic, 32 Ounce jar, Titanium White (1380-7)
Golden Artist Acrylic Titanium White, 32 oz Jar is a professional grade paint for artists and students. It has a smooth, creamy consistency and dries to a brilliant opaque white. The paint has superior covering ability so it goes on smooth with great coverage. You can use this titanium white with any other color of your choice.
Why Should You Golden Artist Acrylic, 32 Ounce jar, Titanium White (1380-7)
If you are a painter, here are a few reasons why you might want to add this product to your collection;
- Extra Thick
Golden Artist Titanium Acrylic paint is Extra Thick. This high-quality acrylic gives a rich, buttery paint that is perfect for all of your projects. The advanced formula provides the ultimate blending and smoothing experience for artists working in all mediums. Also, due to its thickness, you will not need to thin it out . Also, only a few coats of application are needed.
- No Dyes Added
Because Golden Artist Acrylics have no dyes added, they are the closest match to natural oil colors available. This also means that they are water resistant and will last longer than regular whites. In depth, this titanium white paint will allow you to create rich, vibrant colors with a glossy finish.
You can actually mix it well with Goldens Heavy Body, Goldens Fluid, Egg Tempera and Standard Acrylics to create your perfect tint. And, can be diluted with water or alcohol to extend color range.
- Permanent
Whether you’re creating fine art or feel art, Golden Artist Titanium Acrylic paint is permanent and has semi-opaque coverage that is durable, lightfast painting on almost any surface in your studio: paper, canvas, wood, fabric and more. So if you want to get value for your buck, this is it.
Pros
- Very Thick
- Permanent
- Can be mixed with any color to achieve any shade
- Can be diluted with water
2. Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color, 200ml (6.75 oz) Tube, Titanium White
Winsor & Newton Artists’ White Oil Color is a professional-quality white paint that opens the door to many painting techniques. This high-quality acrylic paint is a perfect choice for artists and crafters who want to achieve brilliant color tint that work on all types of surfaces. The colors are formulated with high concentrations of pigments for outstanding clarity, coverage and adhesion. This product can be can be mixed to create custom tints and shades.
Why Should You Buy This Product
- 74 Single Pigment Colors Available to Choose From
With 74 single pigment colors available to choose from, and a rich color range with strong tinting strength, this option gives you variety. Apart from the white color paint, they also have tons of extra colors to pick from or to mix with ensuring that you can mix the perfect hue. it is no wonder that this product is a favorite of artists for years.
- Permanent
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Titanium White Oil Color is high quality paint that can be used on canvas, paper and other surfaces. It is perfectly not limited to few surfaces only. I also like that it is super lightfast, permanent and has excellent tinting strength so it gives a wide range of coverage
- Oil based
The most traditional range of oil colors, with a wide spectrum of pure pigments. Each pigment has been selected to impart maximum brilliance and clarity of color. The paints are grounded in oil to bind them together, creating an especially durable paint film that can be repeatedly rewetted and cleaned.
Pros
- Permanent
- Available in 74 colors
- Durable
- Long Lasting
- Opaque
Cons
- Only comes as oil- based and not water based.
3. Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint, 250ml (8.5-oz) Tube, Titanium White
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Titanium White Paint is a great choice for any artist wanting to explore the versatility of acrylic paints. This white acrylic paint from Liquitex is also a perfect germ for artists who prefer working with water-based paints. The Titanium White is a versatile, is ultimately bright and works for seascapes and portraits alike, as well as for creating bright accents in an otherwise monochromatic painting.
This titanium white is great for intermixing especially if you are just starting out.
Reasons for Buying Liquitex Basics Acrylic Titanium White
- Water Based
Liquitex Titanium White is opaque and bright, yet dries to a matte finish. The acrylic polymer dispersion used in this water- based paint has excellent ability to resist cracking and yellowing, even in the harshest conditions.
- Highest quality pigments
This Titanium white acrylic paint is top tier. I placed in third place because of its quality. Highest quality pigments and lightfastness, with a creamy consistency for brush and knife application. It is also made from the purest titanium dioxide available. A combination of modern and traditional materials creates more vivid, transparent color than any other paint line in the market.
I love the fact that this titanium white acrylic paint is highly permanent, intense and dense pigment that provides strong tinting strength and high opacity in water based mediums.
- Economical
Speaking of affordability, it is is super affordable. You’ll also love how it feels between your fingers, not too thick or thin. It has a really creamy consistency and a matte finish. Overall, this popular brand is known for its reliable, exceptional performance and great quality.
Pros
- It is Acrylic Water- Based
- Finishes to amore matte finish
- Affordable
- Available in all colors
Cons
- It is not oil- based( Purely water based)
4.Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (2 oz), 20505, Antique White
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Antique White is a high-quality paint that is suitable for use on paper and other surfaces. The non-toxic formula contains white craft acrylic, making it ideal for mixed media art projects. It also provides superior coverage, elasticity, and durability while working well on fabric and paper. This package contains one 2 oz tub.
Reasons to This Antique White
- Finishes to a Matte Finish
Create a wide range of effects with this Apple Barrel Antique White Acrylic Paint in a matte finish. It is 100% water-based and eco-friendly. It also includes a low-odor pigment, bright white and will add a lovely finish to your project. If you are looking to create tints, this is a good option.
This paint can be used on its own or mixed with other paints or mediums (such as Apple Barrel Pearl Ex Pigment) to give your work an eye-catching sparkle. You can use it with stencils, fine line brushes and details tools.
- Versatile
Apple Barrel Antique White Acrylic Paint gives you lots of options for painting. This versatile paint can be used on many different surfaces including paper, wood, metal, leather and any surface. So, you are not limited to just canvas.
- Good Coverage
Talking of coverage, this paint gives really good opacity and is transparent with a flat finish. It is ideal for both indoor & outdoor craft projects. For best drying results, seal with a matte or gloss finish acrylics varnish.
- Easy to Use
This antique White acrylic paint is an easy-to-use, high-quality paint that dries quickly and covers well. Ideal for most types of crafts and surfaces, this paint is perfect for school projects, home decor, holiday decorating and more! It works well with other mediums such as crayons, chalk pastels and dye markers.
Pros
- Gives you a matte finish
- Versatile
- Mixes well with other colors
5. Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color, 37ml (1.25 oz) Tube, Flake White Hue
The Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color, 37ml (1.25 oz) Tube, Flake White Hue is a high quality oil paint that offers excellent durability and lightfastness. In addition, this paint has an exceptional color strength, ensuring that it can be used to mix any color and in any number of arts and crafts projects.
Why Should You Buy This Flake Hue White Oil Based Paint
- Blended From High Quality Pigments Dipped in Oil
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Color Flake White Hue is a high-quality traditional oil color made from the finest pigments that is suitable for all media and offers a long working time allowing you to build up your color gradually. It is also formulated with pure pigment for superb lightfastness and durability.
- Can Be Thinned and Cleaned Up With Water
Add color to your work with Flake White Hue. This oil-based paint can be thinned and cleaned up with water. The creamy consistency allows you to create gradations, while the color palette is versatile enough to match its subject matter. Whether you’re painting landscapes, portraits or interiors, this flake white hue will add dimension and interest to your art projects.
- Fast Drying Time
I like the fact that this Flake White Hue has a Fast drying time. This fast -drying, highly pigmented artists oil color is formulated for use on stretched canvas, board and paper. It features a very heavy duty film forming layer that will not crack or craze when thinned with solvents.
Pros
- Oil based
- Dries fast
Related Reading: How Long Do Acrylic Paints Last?
Whats the Difference Between Gesso and White Acrylic?
Gesso is a type of paint used as an undercoat for canvas and other surfaces. It creates a flat surface for you to paint on, and it can be tinted with acrylic paints or pigments.( The Liquitex Professional Gesso Surface Prep Medium is one perfect gesso ) You can apply gesso over other types of primers and surfaces like paper, wood or fabric. The main difference between gesso and white acrylic is that gesso is thicker and more matte than white acrylic paint.
Acrylic on the other side are water-based paint made from pigment, binder, and water. Acrylics have no solvent, so they dry faster than oils. They’re ideal for outdoor painting since they withstand weathering well.
Related Reading: Acrylic Paints: What Are They?
Does White Acrylic Paint Turn Yellow?
Acrylic paint does not yellow. Acrylics are different from other types of paints in that they do not contain any waxes or oils, which can cause them to yellow over time.
Instead, acrylics are made from synthetic polymer resins that are clear when dry and flexible when wet. The resins themselves are colourless, so the yellowing effect comes from impurities in the pigment or filler used to make the paint.
Related Reading: Is Acrylic Paint Flammable?
Conclusion
Aside from white being a great color choice, there are other advantages to using white acrylic paint over other colors. The first is the ability to mix a variety of different colors to create a perfect tint. You can also simply thin it out by adding water. This makes it an ideal starter paint for beginners.
So, next time you are considering painting a canvas, fabric, leather or room, use white acrylic paint to refresh your project. You will save money and have more control over the end result( and have fun while at it).
It is a good alternative to oil paint when you want to save money or have lessened time.
SOURCES
Intro to the whites: Symbolism of the Color White
Titanium white: History of Titanium white
LinkedIn: WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR COLOR IN THE WORLD?
