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How to Make Acrylic Paint from Pigments

Published in Acrylic Paint Making 2 mins read

Making your own acrylic paint from pigments is a rewarding process that allows for customized colors and textures. It's simpler than you might think!

Essential Ingredients and Tools

You'll need:

  • Dry pigments: Choose high-quality pigments for vibrant, long-lasting colors. Many online retailers and art supply stores offer a wide selection.
  • Acrylic medium: This is the binder that holds the pigment together. Select a matte or gloss medium depending on your desired finish. Liquitex is a popular brand.
  • Palette knife or spatula: For mixing the pigments and medium. A flexible metal spatula is ideal.
  • Mixing surface: Use a glass surface (Plexiglas is acceptable, but glass is recommended).
  • Dust mask: Pigments can be fine and create dust, protecting your lungs is important.
  • Measuring tools: Teaspoons or measuring spoons work well for measuring out pigment and medium. Note that volume measurements are generally preferred as pigment density varies.

The Mixing Process

  1. Gather your supplies: Have everything ready before you begin.
  2. Scoop the pigment: Using a spoon or other utensil, add the desired amount of pigment onto your mixing surface. Remember that adding more pigment creates a more opaque paint.
  3. Add the medium: Add acrylic medium to the pigment, starting with a small amount and gradually adding more until you achieve your desired consistency. There's no precise ratio; experiment to find what works best for you.
  4. Mix thoroughly: Use your palette knife to mix the pigment and medium until they are completely blended and no streaks remain. Be patient and ensure a smooth consistency.
  5. Test the paint: Apply a small amount to a test surface to check the color and consistency. Adjust as needed by adding more pigment or medium.

Tips for Success

  • Start small: Begin with small batches to experiment with different pigment-to-medium ratios.
  • Volume over weight: Measure pigments by volume (teaspoons, tablespoons) rather than weight (grams) because the density of different pigments varies greatly. One tablespoon of one pigment could weigh significantly more or less than the same volume of another.
  • Cleanliness: Clean your tools immediately after use to prevent pigments from drying and hardening.

Example: Creating an Ultra Matte Acrylic Paint

To create an ultra-matte acrylic paint, use a matte acrylic medium and potentially incorporate additional matting agents, as demonstrated by Art Guerra in his YouTube video on making ultra-matte acrylic paint using dry pigment.