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When it comes to starting your acrylic painting journey, having the right tools and materials can make all the difference. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your setup, investing in quality supplies will help you create smoother blends, richer colors, and more precise details. That’s why I’ve put together this list of Acrylic Painting Essentials—a breakdown of must-have supplies that will set you up for success.
From selecting the right brushes and paints to preparing your canvas properly, each tool plays an important role in how your artwork turns out. For instance, a good color wheel will help you mix colors more accurately, while a sturdy easel provides the stability you need for better control. Not to mention, having a reliable brush cleaner will extend the life of your brushes, saving you money in the long run. By choosing the right materials upfront, you’ll not only make painting more enjoyable but also set yourself up to develop strong techniques from the start.
To make things simple, this list includes 12 must-have supplies that will help you get started with acrylic painting. From priming your canvas with gesso to protecting your finished piece with gloss varnish, each product plays an important role in your creative process. With the right tools at your fingertips, you can focus on what really matters—creating art. So, let’s take a look at the essential acrylic painting supplies every artist should have on hand!
#1 – Every artist needs a color wheel!
JimKing Creative Color Wheel—Your Guide to Perfect Color Harmony
Master color mixing and design with the JimKing Creative Color Wheel. This double-sided tool makes it easy to understand color relationships, complementary pairs, and mixing techniques at a glance. Whether you’re a painter, designer, or crafter, this essential guide helps you choose the perfect hues with confidence. Compact, durable, and easy to use, it’s the perfect companion for any creative workspace.
#2 – You can’t paint without paintbrushes!
Princeton Aspen Paintbrushes—Precision, Durability, and Effortless Control
Designed for serious artists, Princeton Aspen Paintbrushes deliver exceptional control and smooth, even strokes. Featuring synthetic bristles that mimic natural hair, these brushes maintain their shape while offering excellent paint retention and effortless flow. Ideal for acrylics and oils, they resist water absorption, ensuring consistent performance in any environment. Durable, responsive, and beautifully balanced, they’re built to elevate your painting experience.
#3 – This cleaner saved my brushes that were headed in the trash!
24 oz Tub.
The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver—Restore, Protect, and Extend Brush Life
Keep your brushes in top condition with The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver. This versatile, non-toxic formula removes oil, acrylic, watercolor, and more, restoring even hardened brushes to their original softness. Perfect for daily maintenance or deep cleaning, it conditions bristles to prevent damage and extend their lifespan. Trusted by artists for decades, it’s the essential solution for preserving your favorite brushes.
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#4 – This is a great deal! You can never have too many canvases.
KEFF Artistry Creations Canvas Pack—Ready to Inspire, Perfect for Every Artist
Create without limits with the KEFF Artistry Creations 24-Pack Canvas Set. Featuring 100% cotton, pre-primed canvas boards, this set includes four versatile sizes (5×7, 8×10, 9×12, and 11×14) to suit any project. Ideal for acrylic, oil, watercolor, and tempera, these durable, warp-resistant boards provide a smooth, even surface for bold strokes and fine details. Whether for beginners or professionals, this bulk set ensures you’re always ready to paint.
#5 – Don’t forget the Gesso!
32 oz Jar.
Hyatt’s All Things Creative Acrylic Gesso—The Perfect Foundation for Your Art
Prepare your canvas with Hyatt’s All Things Creative Acrylic Gesso, a high-quality primer designed for students, hobbyists, and professional artists alike. This 32 fl oz jar delivers smooth, even coverage, creating the ideal surface for acrylic, oil, and mixed media painting. Made in the USA, this versatile, fast-drying formula enhances paint adhesion while preventing absorption, ensuring bold, long-lasting results.
#6 – My favorite acrylics and my favorite color! You can never have enough Mars black!
8 oz Jar
GOLDEN Acrylics Professional Acrylic Paint—Mars Black, 8 oz Jar
Unlock rich, professional-grade color with GOLDEN Heavy Body Professional Acrylic in Mars Black. This highly pigmented, thick acrylic provides exceptional coverage and smooth application, perfect for bold strokes, fine details, and textured effects. Designed for lightfastness and permanence, it delivers deep, opaque black that stands out on any surface. Ideal for artists who demand quality and consistency.
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#7 – What would we do without white?
32 oz Jar.
GOLDEN Acrylics Professional Acrylic Paint—Titanium White, 32 oz Jar
Achieve brilliant coverage and superior opacity with GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylic in Titanium White. This professional-grade acrylic features a thick, buttery consistency for smooth blending, bold highlights, and rich texture. Engineered for lightfastness and permanence, it delivers strong, opaque white that holds its vibrancy over time. Perfect for artists who demand exceptional quality and performance in every stroke.
#8 – Red has always ruled my heart and this red holds a special place.
GOLDEN Acrylics Professional Acrylic Paint—Cadmium Red Medium Hue, 8 oz Jar
Make a statement with GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylic in Cadmium Red Medium Hue. This professional-grade acrylic delivers rich, highly pigmented color with a thick, buttery consistency, perfect for bold strokes, smooth blending, and textured applications. Engineered for lightfastness and permanence, this vibrant red offers exceptional coverage and lasting brilliance. Ideal for artists seeking intensity, depth, and professional performance.
#9 – This is one blue that won’t get you down!
8 oz Jar.
GOLDEN Acrylics Professional Acrylic Paint—Ultramarine Blue, 8 oz Jar
Discover the intense depth and vibrancy of GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylic in Ultramarine Blue. This professional-grade acrylic features a thick, buttery consistency for smooth application, bold coverage, and expressive textures. Formulated for lightfastness and permanence, this deep, rich blue offers exceptional color saturation and blends beautifully for dynamic results. Perfect for artists who demand quality, control, and lasting brilliance.
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#10 – Yellow brings the sunshine to your creativity!
GOLDEN Acrylics Professional Acrylic Paint—Cadmium Yellow Dark, 8 oz Jar
Bring warmth and depth to your artwork with GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylic in Cadmium Yellow Dark. This professional-grade acrylic delivers intense pigmentation with a thick, buttery consistency, perfect for smooth blending, bold strokes, and textured applications. Engineered for lightfastness and permanence, this deep golden yellow provides exceptional coverage and lasting vibrancy. Ideal for artists who demand rich, professional-quality color.
#11 – When you’re ready to seal the deal, this is the gloss for it!
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Mediums Gloss Medium 16.9 oz. Bottle
Give your acrylic paintings a rich, glossy finish with Winsor & Newton Galeria Gloss Medium. This versatile medium enhances color depth, transparency, and flow, allowing for smooth blending and even application. Designed to maintain flexibility and durability, it prevents cracks while adding a vibrant sheen. Ideal for artists who want brilliant, professional-quality results in every layer.
#12 – If you’re like me you need to get up close and personal with your canvas. This is the easel that lets you do it.
VISWIN Inclinable A-Frame Easel—Sturdy, Adjustable, and Built for Creativity
Designed for artists of all levels, the VISWIN Inclinable A-Frame Easel offers stability, versatility, and ample working space. Crafted from solid beech wood, this durable studio easel adjusts to a maximum height of 95 inches and holds canvases up to 49 inches. The tilt-able design allows for the perfect working angle, while the spacious storage tray keeps your supplies within reach. Whether for professional studios or home setups, this easel is built for comfort, control, and lasting use.
Ready to Paint? Let the Creativity Begin!
With the right supplies in hand, now you’re ready to dive into acrylic painting with confidence. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, having quality tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. From experimenting with color mixing to perfecting brush techniques or tackling your first masterpiece, the right materials can make all the difference. The beauty of acrylics lies in their versatility and ease of use, so don’t be afraid to layer, blend, and explore different styles along the way. Above all, enjoy the journey—because every brushstroke brings you one step closer to creating something truly your own.
