Why start with acrylics?
Acrylic paint is one of the best mediums for beginners — water-based, fast-drying, versatile, and easy to clean up. It's forgiving, affordable, and works on almost any surface. Here's how to get started.
What makes acrylic paint special
Acrylics are water-based, so they clean up with just water — no harsh solvents. They dry quickly, let you paint over mistakes easily, and work on canvas, paper, wood, and more. Once dry, they're water-resistant and durable.
What you'll need to start
- A basic set of acrylic paints in a few key colours.
- Brushes suited to acrylics (synthetic work well).
- A surface — canvas, canvas board, or acrylic paper.
- A palette for mixing (a stay-wet palette helps).
- Water jars and rags.
Start with a few colours
You don't need dozens of tubes. Begin with the primaries (a red, a yellow, a blue), plus white and maybe black. You can mix a huge range from these and learn colour-mixing as you go.
Work with the fast drying time
Acrylics dry quickly — great for layering fast, but it means colours can dry on your palette. Work in smaller amounts, mist your palette with water, or use a stay-wet palette and a slow-dry medium (retarder) if you like to blend.
Easy clean-up
Wash brushes with water immediately after use — never let acrylic dry in them, as it sets hard. This easy clean-up is one of acrylics' biggest joys.
Great for India's homes
Water-based, low-odour, and quick-drying, acrylics suit small home studios and warm climates beautifully — no fumes, no long waits.
Just start
Squeeze out a few colours, try mixing, and make marks. Acrylics are forgiving — paint over anything you don't like. Every painting teaches you something.
Find quality, beginner-friendly acrylic paints at calaramanor.shop — free shipping across India and easy 7-day returns.