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How Do You Use Acrylic Paint on Watercolor Paper?

Published in Acrylic Painting 3 mins read

You can successfully use acrylic paint on watercolor paper by first applying a layer of gesso. This creates a suitable surface for the acrylic paint to adhere to.

Preparing Watercolor Paper for Acrylics

Watercolor paper, while excellent for watercolors, is often too absorbent and flexible for acrylics. Applying acrylic paint directly to watercolor paper can lead to:

  • Paint sinking into the paper: The acrylic gets absorbed, resulting in a dull, uneven finish and requiring more paint.
  • Paper warping: The water in acrylic paint can cause the paper to buckle and warp, especially thinner watercolor paper.
  • Cracking: As the paper flexes, the relatively inflexible acrylic paint can crack.

Gesso: The Key to Success

Gesso is a primer that seals the paper and provides a slightly textured surface that acrylic paint can grip onto. Here's how to use it:

  1. Choose your Gesso: Acrylic gesso is readily available at art supply stores. You can choose between white, black, or clear gesso depending on the desired effect. White is the most common.
  2. Apply the Gesso: Use a wide, soft brush or a palette knife to apply a thin, even coat of gesso to the watercolor paper. Apply in one direction.
  3. Let it Dry: Allow the gesso to dry completely, according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually a few hours).
  4. Optional: Sand Lightly: If the gesso has created a very rough texture, you can lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper after it's dry. Be careful not to sand through the gesso layer.
  5. Apply a Second Coat (Optional): For extra protection and a smoother surface, apply a second thin coat of gesso, this time applying in a direction perpendicular to the first coat. Let it dry completely.

Watercolor Paper Considerations

  • Paper Weight: While gesso helps, using thicker watercolor paper (140 lb or higher) will minimize warping.
  • Cotton vs. Cellulose: If you're gessoing, there's often no need to use expensive 100% cotton watercolor paper. Cellulose (wood pulp) paper will work just fine since the gesso will act as a barrier.

Why Gesso Matters

Feature Without Gesso With Gesso
Paint Adhesion Poor; paint sinks in. Excellent; paint sits on top.
Paper Warping High risk. Reduced risk.
Color Vibrancy Reduced; colors may appear dull. Enhanced; colors appear brighter and more vibrant.
Paint Coverage Requires more paint. Requires less paint.

Conclusion

By applying gesso to your watercolor paper, you create a primed and stable surface that allows you to enjoy the vibrant colors and versatility of acrylic paints without damaging the paper.