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Paint is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to add color and style to any surface. Wood is a versatile crafting medium that accepts paint well—so it’s natural that the two go hand in hand.
You are watching: The Best Paints for Wood Crafts of 2023
There are many options for paint that will work on wood crafts. Acrylic paint is the most popular due to its versatility, range of color, and price point. However, there are other paints that work well if you are trying to achieve a particular finish. With so many options available, it helps to have a guide like this to show you why certain paints are ideal for wood crafts. We also explore the best paint for wood crafts that will turn any wood surface into a work of art.
- BEST OVERALL: Apple Barrel PROMOABI Acrylic Paint Set
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aen Art Acrylic Paint
- UPGRADE PICK: Liquitex BASICS 48 Tube Acrylic Paint Set
- BEST FOR OUTDOOR WOOD: FolkArt Outdoor Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint Set
- BEST SPRAY PAINT: Rust-Oleum 249078 Painter’s Touch
- BEST FOR FURNITURE: Rust-Oleum Brands Chalked Ultra Matte Paint
- BEST METALLIC: FolkArt Metallic Acrylic Craft Paint Set
- BEST CHALK PAINT: FolkArt Home Decor Ultra Matte Chalk Finish Set
Types of Paint for Wood Crafts
Paint for wood crafts is available in several forms, colors, and finishes. Selecting the right paint mainly involves choosing a product that will achieve the look and finish you want. All wood crafting paint might seem similar, but it helps to consider a few things when shopping for one.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is the most popular choice among crafters and artists because it’s affordable, available in a range of colors and finishes, cleans up easily, and dries quickly. Acrylic colors are permanent once dry.
Acrylic paint is a pigment mixed with an acrylic polymer and is a water-based paint. It’s available in many colors and either matte or glossy finishes. The paints can be used directly out of the bottle or the tube for an opaque look. It dilutes with water easily for a wash effect. Acrylic paint works well on finished and unfinished wood, paper, Styrofoam, primed metal, terracotta, and other materials.
Spray Paint
Spray paints are liquid paints, typically oil based, that are contained in an aerosol can. A pressurized gas forces the paint out of the can in an even stream. These paints enable the user to quickly apply an even and thin coat of paint onto an object. Spray paints are available in a range of colors and finishes.
Spray paints work well for painting items with corners and crevices that are hard to reach with a brush. These paints are suitable for use on all types of woods and other surfaces such as plastic, paper, stone, and more. The paint should be used in well-ventilated areas to minimize the chance of breathing in fumes.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paints are multisurface paints used on glass, furniture, cabinets, and walls. Created by Annie Sloan, the paint rose in popularity due to the modern farmhouse trend. Chalk paints have an ultra-matte finish and work well for most wood surfaces. Unlike chalkboard paint, which creates a surface that you can write on with chalk, chalk paint is a specialized paint that lends a chalky appearance and feel to surfaces.
As opposed to paints that can make nearly any surface look like wood, chalk paint gives wood surfaces a time-worn or modern rustic look. The best thing about using chalk paint is that a primer is often unnecessary because the paint is thick and clings to porous and nonporous surfaces. Once the paint dries, it can be sanded and distressed. It’s also a water-based product, which means it cleans up easily with soap and water. The paint can also be finished with a wax that is buffed to seal the paint and provide a smooth protective finish.
Outdoor Specialized Paint
Outdoor or exterior paint is specially formulated to be durable and last under all weather conditions. It’s designed not to fade or chip against moisture or sunlight. These paints are perfect for sprucing up pots, lawn ornaments, and other surfaces.
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Outdoor paints come in various forms, finishes, and colors. They have resins and other additives that prevent them from cracking, chipping, and fading when exposed to the elements. Outdoor paint will also protect the wood and other surfaces from decay and damage.
Metallic Paint
Metallic paint is an inexpensive way to create an all-over metallic effect on surfaces. These paints are available in various forms, and many have water-based formulas for easy cleanup.
Most metallic paints have a glossy finish, but some are available in a matte finish. The paints come in spray or liquid form. Colors aren’t just limited to traditional metals like silver, gold, and bronze. Metallic paints offer plenty of bright tones like magenta and tangerine, plus pastels such as lilac and sage.
What to Consider When Choosing Paint for Wood Crafts
Crafters who are new to painting wood might not be sure what to look for when choosing craft paint. Wood surfaces can be challenging to paint, especially if you do not choose the right paint. The best paint for wood crafts varies based on thickness, lightfastness, opacity, and pigment. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best paint for wood crafts.
Pigment Quality
Color quality depends on the concentration of finely powdered pigment in the paint. Paint consists of pigments, binders, solvents, and additives. Pigments provide the color and help with hide (ability to obscure background), while binders can hold the pigment together and create the paint film.
Professional quality paints are richer in pigment and are more vibrant and consistent. Craft or student-quality paints have less pigment and, therefore, are less expensive. A high percentage of pigment in paint provides better coverage. However, the sheen of the paint also affects coverage. Flat or matte paint contains more pigment than glossier paints. Overall, paints richer in pigment will cost more.
Absorption Capacity
The absorption rate of paint mostly depends on the surface. Unfinished wood absorbs a lot of paint. Furthermore, the variations in the wood grain can create an uneven finish. However, a finished wood surface will not absorb paint efficiently. For the best results, use a primer on any porous surfaces and sand finished surfaces before painting for the smoothest coverage.
Opacity
Opacity refers to the paint’s translucence or the quality of allowing light to pass diffusely. Opacity in paint mostly means how much the surface is visible through the paint. Higher opacity means more light can come through.
Two qualities affect a paint’s opacity: color and body. Lighter colors will have higher opacity, but applying multiple layers of any color paint will decrease the opacity. Thick or heavy-bodied paints have a higher opacity because they deposit a heavier layer of paint with each stroke.
Lightfastness Rating
Lightfastness, also known as permanence, refers to the paint’s ability to resist gradual fading when exposed to light. Artist and craft paints are labeled with a permanence rating from ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials). The ASTM permanence ratings are:
- ASTM I = Excellent lightfastness
- ASTM II = Very good lightfastness
- ASTM III = Not sufficiently lightfast
Exterior paints and aerosol spray paint contain additives to help protect the pigment from ultraviolet radiation caused by sunlight, fungal growth, and high temperatures. These paints resist fading better than indoor paints.
Drying Time
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A paint’s drying time will depend on its additives and viscosity. Water-based paints, like acrylics, dry quickly. Heavy-bodied or oil-based paints take longer to dry. Also, drying time varies depending on the layers of paint on a surface.
Safety
In the United States, any craft paint labeled with the phrase “conforms to ASTM D 4236” means the product is nontoxic. The bottle or tube will often highlight that the paint is nontoxic. The good news is that most acrylics and craft paint are not toxic.
Exterior and spray paints contain more additives that might be toxic. Furthermore, these paints release harmful chemicals or particles into the air as they dry or “off-gas.” When applying these paints, wear protective clothing, a respirator, and make sure to work in a well-ventilated space.
Our Top Picks
Considering the above shopping considerations, choose a paint among these recommendations that will suit your needs. The best paint for wood should be easy to use, have vibrant color, and have good coverage. The products below were picked based on brand reputation, value, and customer satisfaction.
Our Verdict
The Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set is an excellent option for crafters and DIYers. It’s our top choice based on price, versatility, reputation, and quality. Those looking for a wide range of colors at an affordable price might look to the Aen Art Acrylic Paint, which features 24 bold and vibrant colors.
How We Chose the Best Paint for Wood Crafts
After exploring dozens of paint options for wood crafts, we considered several criteria before choosing our top picks. We based our choices on brand reputation and each paint’s versatility, usability, and price. The top choices feature a range of colors, are made from high-quality pigments, and work on wood plus other various surfaces.
FAQs
There is a lot to consider when shopping for the best paint for wood crafts, so it’s understandable if there are some lingering or specific questions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about paints used for wood crafting.
Q. How do I paint wood crafts?
Start by prepping the wood surface. If you are painting unfinished wood, wipe the dust away with a tack cloth, then paint. For finished wood, sand the surface first or use a primer before painting.
Q. Do I need to seal wood before painting?
No. Typically, the wood is sealed after painting to help preserve the surface.
Q. Can I paint acrylic directly on wood?
You can use acrylic paint on unfinished wood surfaces. If the wood surface is finished, you will need to sand or prime the surface prior to painting.
Q. Are craft paint and acrylic paint the same?
Most craft paints are acrylic. However, craft paint can also be oil based or spray paint.
Q. How do I protect a newly painted surface?
Use a polyurethane sealer to protect a newly painted surface.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
