Best Paint: How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Art

When you start a new piece, the first question is often "what paint should I use?" The answer depends on the look you want, the surface you work on, and how fast you need the paint to dry. Below you’ll find practical advice that helps you pick the best paint without getting lost in jargon.

How to Pick the Right Paint for Your Project

First, think about the medium you enjoy most. Acrylics dry quickly, so they’re great for fast‑paced work or when you need to layer colors soon. Oils stay wet longer, letting you blend and rework areas for weeks. Watercolors demand special paper and can be re‑activated with water, which is perfect for soft washes.

Second, match the paint to the surface. Canvas and linen are classic for oils and acrylics; they grip the paint and let you build texture. For detailed work, a smooth panel or heavyweight paper gives a clean finish. If you love sketchy, loose effects, a textured watercolor paper will make the grain part of your style.

Third, consider the finish. Matte paints hide brush marks and work well for realistic portraits. Glossy paints add shine and are popular for vibrant abstracts. Some brands offer satin or semi‑gloss options that sit between the two, giving you flexibility without switching products.

Top Paint Types and Their Best Uses

Acrylic Paint: Fast drying, easy to clean, and versatile. Mix with water for a thin wash or add a medium for thick impasto. Ideal for beginners and artists who like to work quickly.

Oil Paint: Slow drying, rich colors, and excellent for blending. Use linseed oil or turpentine as a medium to control flow. Perfect for portraits, still life, and any piece where you need time to perfect details.

Watercolor Paint: Transparent and fluid. Works best on specially designed paper that absorbs water evenly. Great for landscapes, loose portraits, and any style that benefits from soft edges.

Gouache: Opaque watercolor that dries matte. Use it for illustration, design work, or anything that needs solid color blocks. It re‑activates with water, so you can adjust areas later.

Enamel Paint: Hard‑wearing and glossy. Often used for murals, signage, or any surface that needs durability. Not as common for fine art, but handy for mixed‑media projects.

Now that you know the basics, test a few paints on a scrap piece of your chosen surface. Look at how the color appears when dry, how it blends, and whether the texture feels right. Small experiments save time and money before you commit to a full‑size canvas.

Don’t forget to store your paints properly. Keep acrylics sealed tightly to avoid drying out, and store oils in a cool, dark place to slow oxidation. Watercolors love a flat, dry area where the paper won’t curl.

Finally, trust your own taste. What works for a friend might not feel right for you. The "best paint" is the one that matches your style, your workflow, and the result you want to achieve. Experiment, take notes, and soon you’ll know exactly which paint to reach for every time you begin a new artwork.