Adding texture to your acrylic paintings can often feel like breathing life into every stroke on the canvas. Texture transforms flat colors into an interactive experience, adding depth and dimension that’s both visual and tactile. Whether you are chasing moody impressionism, raw, grungy ambiance, or the refined sophistication of the masters—acrylic painting with texture can unlock a new world of possibilities for you to explore.
In this guide, we’ll share seven of our expert's tips for creating texture with acrylic paint. You’ll learn to advance your unique art style with dynamic, touchable effects, from tools to technique and clever hacks!
1. Start with the Right Base
Before we explain how to add texture with acrylic paint, the first thing you should consider is your canvas. Is it a heavy-duty surface like a canvas board or wood panel? These surfaces can handle weightier textures more than your standard stretched canvas.
White or Black Gesso will be your go-to art tool here. Apply multiple layers to strengthen the surface and create a gripping, toothy foundation primed for your bold techniques and experiments.
Nova Color Tip: Experiment with tintable texture paste for intriguing underlayers that can peek through textures.
2. Experiment with Acrylic Gels & Texture Pastes
If you’re wondering if there are other options for painting acrylics with texture besides Gesso, you’ll be happy to know there are! Painting with textured acrylics is called impasto painting. If you’ve ever envied luscious, raised strokes and wish you could recreate them, there are many acrylic gels and texture paste options you can experiment with using it mixed with acrylic paint or on its own.
Use a palette knife to spread or sculpt your textured paint on your canvas, create peaks, swirls, abstract forms—whatever you can imagine!
Nova Color Tip: If using as a base, let your gels or paste dry entirely before layering paint over it for more vibrant, crisp edges.
3. Layer with Palette Knives instead of Brushes
Palette knives are great at mixing paint, but did you know they are also essential tools for painting with texture on canvas? Their flexible blades allow for bold strokes, jagged edges, or smooth sweeps and curls of color.
Once mixed, load up your favorite palette knife, or knives, and apply it directly for that dramatic texture. You can also use their edges to scrape back layers, revealing any contrasting colors underneath.
4. Adding Texture with Everyday Items?
Creating texture with acrylic paint can be done with gesso, gel, pastes, and everyday items you may already have at home. Household items like:
- Plastic or bubble wrap
- Sponges
- Combs
- Masking/Painter’s tape
- Fine sand added to wet acrylic paint or sprinkled directly on the painting
- Modeling paste
- Glue
Nova Color Tip: Try using old credit or business cards or even cardboard scraps to drag through wet paint for more fascinating textures or etching lines.
5. Incorporate other Media
Try mixed media for those who want to push the boundaries of acrylic painting with texture even further. Add materials like fabric, eggshells, crumpled, torn, or flat paper—again, your imagination is the limit here, and the more you play with media, the better texture effects you’ll master. You can adhere to these elements with an acrylic gel medium, layering paint over or around them.
Nova Color Tip: Don’t have sand lying around, or are you interested in a textured, speckled effect? Try using Coarse Lava Gel!
6. Master the Art of Dry Brushing
Not all textures have to be bold and chunky if that’s not your desired effect. Dry-brushing is a technique that creates a soft, whispery-like texture perfect for adding a touch of dimension without overpowering your composition. Dip the tip of your brush into the paint, gently blot off the excess, and dot or sweep it in gentle circles across the surface for a feathery, almost distressed look.
Are you worried about ruining the shape of your favorite acrylic brushes? If you have any flagged brushes, meaning the bristle ends have split and frayed from their original shape—these can be perfect for dry brushing!
7. Harness the Power of Your Layers
Texture doesn’t have to be all about physical ridges or peaks; it’s also about experimentation and creating depth in your art through layers. Try alternating between thin washes and thick strokes, or try glazing over textured areas to bring attention to them and provide contrast.
Layers invite viewers to explore your artwork dynamically and richly.
How to Create Texture with Acrylic Paints?
Now that you have the techniques, ideas, and inspiration, just remember the core principle: art and creating texture is about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try some unconventional tools or methods. The beauty of acrylic paint with texture lies within its nearly endless versatility and forgiving nature.
Different Texture with Acrylic Paint: Beyond the Basics
Textures can evoke emotions and tell stories. For moodier pieces or pieces that you want to add drama to, go heavy on the texture and darker tones. For a lighter, ethereal feel, try thin, translucent layers and subtle-dry brushing. The variety of textures you can achieve with acrylic paint ensures your art stays fresh and exciting with every brush or palette knife stroke!
Get Inspired and More Creative with Nova Color!
Acrylic painting with texture doesn’t solely rely on technique but shines when you embrace the unpredictability and exploration of the entire process. Whether layering with palette knives or embedding unusual mixed media, the journey is as rewarding as a result.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tools and let loose those ideas to explore the boundless possibilities of textured acrylic art. It’s your turn to experiment! With Nova Color acrylic paints, how will you create your next textured masterpiece?