Acrylic is expensive, oil is expensive, and it also takes a long time to dry. What if you just want to try painting something on canvas? Just one picture for which you don’t want to spend “mad thousands” on paints that will then just sit idle? Or you are just learning, or drawing with children, or just drawing for yourself. In any of these cases, the gouache + PVA glue duo comes to the rescue.
My ceramist friends taught me this technique, and I used this mixture for a long time both for drawing on canvas and for painting figurines - yes, it can be used for anything. By the way, they say that boxes with traditional ornaments are painted with the same mixture.
After mixing with PVA, gouache becomes more durable, fits well on canvas or other surface, does not crumble, and also holds volume. And all this is on long years(the title picture was drawn 6 years ago and still no changes).
At the same time, if the work did not work out or is boring, open the tap with hot water and in one minute everything is washed away almost without a trace. And the canvas does not disappear, but goes back to work.
What you will need:
- PVA glue
- the most common gouache - 9 or 12 colors
- stacks or some sticks for mixing paints
- what you will draw on
- brushes (I use flat ones, like for oil)
- paper or rag for wiping brushes and stacks
- palette
- inspiration
We pour PVA glue into the palette cell at a rate of approximately 1 to 1 with paint, or 1 to 2 - look at the volume, the thickness of the paint, it is better to first experiment with different proportions.
Mix with paint. If you need to get a new shade, then first mix this shade, and then pour in PVA, because until it dries, it creates the illusion of a lighter color.
You will get such a voluminous mixture - that’s it, put it on a brush and paint.
You can rub it over the canvas in a thin layer, or you can lay it in volume.
After drying: the first strip on the left is gouache without PVA, in the middle there is voluminous gouache with PVA, on the right, the lightest gouache with PVA is crushed (see how much better the gouache + PVA mixture looks? And the one without glue is already ready to fall off)
To fix the finished picture, you can cover it with an additional layer of PVA or varnish (but if you use varnish, you won’t be able to wash off this picture with water).
And more tips:
*PVA glue is actually a treasure. With its help you can salt dough make it look like plastic if you add it to water
*Gouache and PVA give a durable layer; they are used to paint boxes.
Also, for a durable layer, you can use gouache + egg composition (yolk + pigment), you get egg tempera, icons are painted with this composition.
*If you add flour to PVA+gouache, you get voluminous contours that are super durable and easy to use
*You can paint with a mixture of gouache+PVA and glass
Today is the day when I show and talk about my acrylic and the tools used with it. The coatings on which you can work with acrylic are an endless number of options. The variety of acrylic paints is also amazing. Packaging from tubes to small and huge cans and cans! I do not consider artistic acrylic separately from what is used for finishing the premises and exteriors of buildings. All acrylic paints are compatible with each other and, for example, White color For me, this is definitely a Tikkurila bank.))
I love working with acrylic on canvas, on any rough surfaces (walls, for example). Excellent and affordable - on Goznak for watercolors stretched on a tablet.
Acrylic essentially replaces even oil paints. They just have to work quickly!
Acrylic can be used in any consistency; it’s great to paint with ink over a coating of acrylic paint, just like over a primer! Sheer pleasure.
Acrylic is eternal inspiration and experiments!
Like this work. Drawn by hand back in 2010. The format is slightly larger than A1.
I discovered this material at the same time that I took part in the making of wall paintings for the first time. I immediately gave the gouache to the children. I fell in love with the material.
Its possibilities are endless!
Description this time with more examples. But how else?)
I have the most common art acrylic - Ladoga.
I make sketches of their murals, art book spreads and sometimes other works. In my collection, the colors in the tubes are always simple. I mix everything that can be mixed on the palette. I can select and mix colors by eye using tints. Thanks to Soviet gouache and art school for this.)
The external paint collection is small, as there is no room for it yet. I distributed all the large jars left over from the paintings to those who need them more now. I'm temporarily on hiatus from this material, for some pleasant reasons.)
For an art book and creative exhalations - an irreplaceable, plastic material!
Several spreads from 2013. 
When selecting material for today’s post, I discovered a lot of interesting and forgotten things. It turns out I have a lot of works done with acrylic and almost all of them are work myself.))
This is a sketch for a failed painting. A3 format. 
Several jars of artistic acrylic have been in my possession for more than one painting and I will not give them to anyone. Got it with top shelf only two cans.
I rarely use Pebeo, but I really like the one with the elephant. Brown color She has my love. And I can’t have too much black paint either.)
For paintings, I take all the light and saturated colors in jars - tinted ones, and dark ones I take like this.
Here is a brown one from the series with an elephant (the jar on the left in the previous photo).
This is also a sketch fragment for the painting. A2 format. 
I paint the walls with this paint. She's beautiful.
I recently gave away 9 jars...Almost brand new. When you have so much paint, you don’t even think about saving! 
Sketch and the last wall painting to date.
It just so happened that it was colored. There is a sketch and a color one. but I like monochrome better.) 
One of the first paintings. Height - 2.4 m.
Of course, I would do much better now! But it's still beautiful. The main thing is the mood. 
Process.
What other material will give so much freedom and the ability to cover a large area! 
This is the varnish used to cover the paintings on the walls. My jar has been removed somewhere, this is a picture from the Internet.
Matt lacquer. Only the manufacturer Tikkuril has one. 
I have significantly more brushes than for any other materials. Everything here was purchased for painting. That's how I use it. Taking care will prolong the life of your brushes. Some things, of course, don't survive...
Sketch for the painting. 
The larger the brush, the faster the painter will do the job!
But this is already for artistic matters. And for large fills - construction brushes. Bristles, synthetics. But I don’t keep them on the table. 
The messiest one in the previous photo is a participant in this process. And nothing, after the façade acrylic - she’s alive.)
Wash your brushes promptly, comrades!
These are my favorite brushes. This is exactly the series. I bring beauty with them. I draw lines with them...)
And when they become worn, I dedicate them to oil brushes. There are already some here.
When I go to the store, I buy the same favorite sizes, not remembering the numbers, just out of love.)
More from the collection. There are synthetic rubles and gamma and columns and small bristles.
You can create beautiful effects with bristles. I think this can be compared with the properties that goat calligraphy brushes have. 
One more part...
The range has very successful synthetic brushes. The blue pens are actually from a school set. I took it from someone, I can’t find the updated version.(
I was very pleased with the brush I received as a gift in the store (far right in the photo). It is easy for her to make neat contours. Smooth and patterned.
After the fan columns (on the left), the columns suffered on multi-meter areas of the walls.
I still buy it for painting. Let him turn into this every time (see. next photo)! I love it because!
Paint usually costs the same as brushes. Only the primary colors are tinted for painting, the rest is mixed on the spot using tints. Economical, convenient. 
Here they are, the sufferers. On the left are two after the wall, on the right is an almost new core brush.
They wear off on a rough surface. 
How would I cope with grapes on the ceiling without speakers?)) 
I have several palette knives. I'm not great at using them, but sometimes I get naughty.) (See next image.)
I also redraw the paint, squeeze the brushes out of the paint...
Anyone who hasn’t seen my old works will probably be surprised now that this selection is still modest.)
I am drawn to the unusual with acrylic, here are a few works as an example of how differently you can work with this material:
From transparency to saturation, to stroke relief, this is an opportunity, not a mistake!
Acrylic is like watercolor combined with graphics. Pen ink.
Any stories! Here about the forest lake.
Colored paper is included in the submission! A palette knife was used. There should be a bucket of white paint.)
On cardboard, why not.)
Monotype. Black craft.
Be sure to try adding a drop of alcohol or vodka into a non-dried liquid acrylic pour! Unfortunately, there is no example. But this must be done for the sake of the process.)
It's just small piece from what is possible.
So. I got distracted, now about additional helpers in working with acrylic paint.
I am a big nature lover and try to minimize the amount of plastic and trash I use. I won't buy the package again. I go to the store with a reusable or rag bag.. But only for the sake of working with acrylic I collect and use plastic utensils.)) Plates - palettes. I manage to wash them and use them several times, my colleagues laugh...) Spoons and knives - apply paint (easier to wash than brushes). Glasses - for water on the stepladder with you and for auxiliary flowers. At night (or for a longer period of time), the glasses with paint are covered with cling film and tape.
Can be used for acrylic glass plates like palettes. The paint is washed off with warm water. Removed with film. (Not façade, this is about artistic acrylic). 
Very necessary thing, close the edges of the painting and make straight lines, pack the paint after painting, stick a sketch or stencil to the wall. 
There is not much material, but the prospects are limitless.) Material without rules. Material of the future.
Trying, playing around, PAINTING, repainting, looking for what you love and what you love, creating... this is acrylic paint for me.
In the Academy of Arts, I think that’s why acrylic is not in honor.
Thank you for your attention!!!
Both experienced and novice artists care about painting their masterpieces. However, if the former have long ago decided on the choice of optimal paints, then the latter may be somewhat confused. On the one hand, I would like to give preference to bright, thick gouache. However, on the other side of the scale are acrylic paints, which today enjoy wide popularity among creative people. What are the advantages and weak sides these materials? Let's try to figure out the difference between gouache and acrylic paint.
Definitions
Gouache– a type of water-soluble paints on adhesive based with a dense matte texture. The product has rich history, because it was used back in medieval Europe. However, the term arose only in the 18th century in France. During the Middle Ages, gouache in combination with watercolor was used to create book miniatures. Renaissance artists used the material to make sketches and other preparatory work. Technology flourished in late XIX– beginning of the 20th century. Domestic artists painted theatrical costumes and posters with gouache, created sketches of scenery and large easel works. By the way, the word gouache is translated from French as “ water paint" It is made from adhesive pigments mixed with white. The latter give the paint a spectacular matte velvety finish. Despite the fact that gouache is independent equipment, it is extremely rarely used by professional artists. Many artists consider it suitable only for creating children's drawings and designing posters.
Gouache
Acrylic paint– water-dispersed paint made on the basis of polyacrylates and their copolymers. It is used both in painting and in construction when carrying out outdoor and interior work. Serves as a worthy alternative oil paints. It can be applied to paper or planes in liquid (with the addition of water) or paste form. Last option most popular among professional artists. Acrylic does not crack, lays down as an even film, is slightly shiny and does not require fixing. Sometimes the paintings he painted resemble works done with watercolors or oil paints. However, in most cases, acrylic has a unique color rendition that is unattainable in other areas. visual arts. Largely due to this, he enjoys wide popularity among contemporary artists.
Acrylic paints Comparison
The first difference lies in the composition of the products we are interested in. Gouache is made with the addition of white. In this regard, the paint after drying becomes significantly lighter and becomes matte. In general, the composition of gouache is similar to watercolor. Whereas water-dispersed acrylic has a structure similar to oil paints. It dries very quickly, which cannot be said about gouache. As long as the paint remains wet, it will not special labor can be washed off with water. Acrylic is highly resistant, it does not fade in the sun, and does not spread when applying a new layer. With gouache everything is exactly the opposite. But it is much thicker and denser than acrylic paint. Due to the high content of coloring pigments, gouache is characterized by a very saturated color, and the pattern it creates is opaque. Acrylic paints lie on the surface much smoother, as if forming an invisible film on it. After drying they darken a little. Gouache gives a thicker and uneven layer. The transitions from one shade to another are quite abrupt.
Another significant difference between gouache and acrylic paint is the area of use of materials. As a rule, the first is used for drawing on paper of any thickness, less often for painting fabrics. Acrylic is characterized by a wide range of applications. It is indispensable for painting ceilings, walls and other surfaces on a wooden or metal base. Creating drawings, painting on glass, decorating ceramic products, applying images to fabric and leather, airbrushing - the list of possibilities of acrylic paints is very extensive. This explains the comparative high price material. If gouache is sold exclusively in sets with a certain number of jars in a box, then acrylic paints are often sold individually. They are bottled in a wide variety of bottles, be it miniature tubes of 20 ml or large bottles with the capacity of a standard glass.
Let's summarize what is the difference between gouache and acrylic paint.
| Gouache | Acrylic paint |
| Water-soluble paint made with the addition of white | Water-dispersed paint based on polyacrylates |
| The composition is similar to watercolor | The structure is identical to oil paints |
| Lightens after drying | It gets darker as it dries |
| Dries within a few hours | Dries in 10-15 minutes |
| Dissolves when exposed to water | Does not spread when applying a new layer |
| Not very durable and prone to fading | The stability is very high |
| Has a dense, thick and opaque texture | More fluid, lighter and transparent |
| Characterized by a very rich shade | The colors are much paler |
| Lays down in a thick, uneven layer | Lays down perfectly evenly, as if forming an invisible film on the surface |
| Transitions between shades are sharp | Transitions are smooth and imperceptible |
| Used for painting on fabric and paper | Has a wide range of applications |
| Affordable cost | The price is much higher |
| Sold in sets | Sold both in sets and individually |
| Fits in standard jars with a lid | Available in jars, tubes and bottles of various sizes |
Acrylic paints for decoupage: features of choice
Acrylic paints allow you to perform decoupage on any surface Decoupage is a technique that can transform any unnecessary thing into real works of art. However, to work in it, in addition to napkins and printouts, you need to purchase a huge variety of different additional materials, one of which is acrylic paints. They are available in a wide selection on the shelves of handicraft and stationery stores. Their cost is often quite high. However, knowing some secrets, you can save a little.
Acrylic varnishes and paints for decoupage
The key to successful decoupage is a set of beautiful and bright colors. They are sold in art and stationery stores. They cost a little more than, for example, watercolor or gouache. But acrylic paints have properties that make them ideal for decoupage.
Advantages of acrylic paints:
- Suitable for any surfaces;
- They have a bright and durable color;
- Shades of acrylic paints can be mixed together using a solvent;
- When dry, they form a dense waterproof film;
- Undried paint can be easily washed off with water.
Acrylic varnishes and paints can be purchased at any store that sells craft supplies
Thanks to these features, water-based acrylic can decorate any product designed using the decoupage technique. Acrylic varnish is best suited for such paints, which can also be used on any surface. A special acrylic primer is sold for primer, but it can easily be replaced with white paint with a similar composition.
Set of acrylic paints for decoupage: what to replace
Decoupage paints are quite expensive, but knowing a few tricks, you can save a lot on them.
For paints for decoupage, it is better to go not to a specialized store, but to a hardware store. There the price for substances similar in composition will be much lower.
For surface priming wooden product You can use not a special primer, for example “Olki”, but white construction paint for interior work. It does not have a pronounced unpleasant odor and lays on the surface of the product in an even thin layer, after which it dries quite quickly. This paint is sold in cans ranging from 400 grams to 5 kilograms, but since the primer is used most often, during active work this volume will not last long.
An alternative to acrylic paints can be found at a hardware store.
It’s cheaper to buy a can of white paint to prime a product, for several craftswomen at once. Afterwards, the composition can be divided by pouring into separate sealed containers.
You can also save a little on colored paint by replacing some shades with pigments. Such dyes are sold in construction and art stores; they need to be mixed in small quantities with white paint, so you get a delicate bed tone. Of course, if you need very bright colors, you will have to buy a set of special acrylic paints, but if used correctly it will last you a long time.
Acrylic varnish for decoupage: properties and characteristics
The varnish layer protects the product from harmful effects environment and gives it a finished look appearance. Acrylic clear varnishes come in matte and glossy finishes; they have a lot of positive qualities.
To do acrylic paint matte or glossy, just dilute it with a drop of varnish.
Lakra compositions are most often used in decoupage for the finishing coating of crafts.
After decoupage of any object, it is recommended to cover its surface with a thin layer of acrylic varnish
Positive properties of acrylic varnish:
- Acrylic compounds are non-toxic and non-flammable;
- They do not have a pronounced pungent odor;
- Durable and elastic;
- Do not turn yellow after drying;
- They have high moisture resistance.
Despite all its advantages, acrylic varnish also has one drawback - its drying speed directly depends on the humidity of the room. Often, an item coated with such a composition can be used only 2-3 days after drying.
How can I replace acrylic varnish for decoupage?
Special varnishes for decoupage, like paints, are sold in small containers and are quite expensive. Therefore, you can go to a hardware store to buy them.
Other types of varnishes may have low price, however, they are not able to give a composition made using the decoupage technique the same decorative effect as acrylic
What varnishes can replace acrylic varnish for decoupage?
- Parquet varnish will successfully replace a specialized acrylic finishing composition. After drying, it becomes colorless and very durable. Although it has a pungent chemical odor, it costs several times less than its decoupage counterpart, and its properties are practically in no way inferior to it.
- Yacht varnishes can also successfully replace acrylic products, but after drying they acquire an amber tint, so their use is justified for objects that need to be given the effect of antiquity. Tools such as parquet varnishes, have high moisture and sun protection properties. Yacht compositions look especially good on wooden furniture.
Of course, construction varnishes will not be able to impart decorative effects to the product, but they are quite suitable for a protective finishing coating.
Decoupage with acrylic paints: master class
To better understand the principle of working with acrylic paints and varnish, you need to review all the stages of their use. To do this, we will analyze the process of decoupage of a wooden board.
Using acrylic paints you can decoupage a plate, box, glass or other item
Master class on decoupage wooden board:
- Clean the workpiece with sandpaper:
- Apply a special primer or white construction paint for interior work to the front side of the workpiece;
- Paint the product in the main color using pastel acrylic paint;
- Paste a fragment of a napkin or decoupage card;
- Now you need to shade the edge of the image using acrylic paint;
- Complete the missing elements;
- Cover the product with 2-3 layers of varnish, sanding the previous one before applying a new layer.
At all stages, before applying a new layer of one composition or another, the previous layer must be allowed to dry completely; only if this condition is met can maximum accuracy of the product be achieved.
Glazing: decoupage with acrylic paints
In decoupage, such a wonderful technique as glazing is widely known. However, not every novice craftswoman knows what this technique is.
Glazing is the painting of a product in translucent layers followed by sanding to obtain an interesting color transition.
Glazing is recommended for those people who have been doing decoupage for a long time.
To make it easier to understand the principle of operation of this method, let's look at detailed master class to create a box with such an effect.
Master class “Glassing”:
- Sand the wooden piece thoroughly.
- Mix a small amount of paint of matching colors with water in separate containers. The paint must be diluted to a translucent state. Classic combination colors - blue, pink, purple, lilac.
- Apply the first layer of paint, for example lilac, to the outer and inner surfaces of the workpiece. Let it dry for 2 hours, and then sand it along the grain.
- Now we apply a purple layer, let it dry and, too, sand it. We repeat these steps with all the prepared shades.
- For the last layer you can use acrylic enamel metallic colors. After drying, it also needs to be sanded.
- Glue a napkin motif onto the product;
- We cover the wooden box with several layers of varnish.
In this way you can achieve a subtle color transition or a rainbow effect.
Review of acrylic paints for decoupage (video)
If you are new to decoupage technique, you should not immediately buy the most expensive materials; you can always find a replacement at a more reasonable price.