A plastic mixing container Wooden chopstick Dry pigment Painting spatula An acrylic base Solution (water or an alcohol like rubbing alcohol) Acrylic retarder
Grind the pigment until you do not feel any “grittiness” as you apply pressure. Most pigments will break down fairly easily, so just make sure that there are no irregular lumps remaining. [4] X Research source If the pigment has come in powdered form, you may not need to grind it unless it is lumpy.
Acrylic base is essentially paint without pigment. It will usually come in a squeezable tube and the substance itself will appear white. There are several different sorts, such as glossy or matte, and you must determine which type you need for your painting. [6] X Expert Source Jeanine Hattas WilsonProfessional Painter Expert Interview. 5 May 2021.
Some pigments (especially organic ones) have a tendency to float on water. In this case you would substitute alcohol. Make sure you are using a solution appropriate for the pigment. [8] X Research source It’s not ideal to mix alcohol into acrylic paints because alcohol dries quickly, causing the paint to also dry quickly. If you are using a pigment that mixes best with alcohol but want the paint to dry more slowly, you can add water after you have mixed the pigment with alcohol. Too much water or alcohol will dilute the acrylic binder, so be careful.
Acrylic retarders are especially necessary if you are attempting to create photorealistic paintings or portraits of a human subject. Colors must be blended together on the canvas to create the contours of complex shapes, but fast-drying acrylics will set before a second color can be added. [9] X Research source
A plastic mixing container Wooden chopstick Liquid paint Common white glue
Some versions of the white glue dry clearer than others. For more vibrant colors (rather than pastels), you may want to find a variety with that dries more clear. [10] X Research source
