How to Save Money When Buying blue acrylic installation art

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Who doesn't love turning a blank canvas into a vibrant masterpiece? But, let's face it, acrylic oil paints can leave quite a dent in our wallets. The good news is, there are plenty of savvy strategies to help you keep both your palette and pocket happy. Here are ten practical tips on how to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting.

Buy in Bulk

Remember the feeling of joy when you stumbled upon a sale at your favorite art supply store? Well, you can have that feeling all year round by buying acrylic oil paints in bulk. It may seem like a larger upfront cost, but it's a surefire way to save money in the long run. Here's why:

• Bulk means less packaging: When you buy a single tube of paint, you're also paying for the packaging. But in a larger set, the cost per tube tends to be much lower.
• Bulk means more paint: Bigger tubes of paint simply offer more bang for your buck. You'll find that the cost per ounce drops as the size of the tube increases.
• Bulk can mean discounts: Many art supply stores offer discounts when you buy in larger quantities. This is because it's easier for them to move large quantities of a product at once.

So next time you're planning a shopping spree at the art store, think big. Not only will buying in bulk help you save money, but it also means you'll have a steady supply of your favorite colors. It's a win-win situation for any artist wondering how to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting.

Mix Your Own Colors

Did you know that mixing your own colors can save you a heap of money? It's true! You don't always need to buy a tube of every shade on the color wheel. With a basic understanding of color theory, you can create a wide range of hues from just a handful of primary colors.

• Master the basics: Start with the three primary colors - red, yellow, and blue. You can mix these to create secondary colors like green, orange, and purple. But that's not all. You can also create an endless array of tertiary colors by mixing a primary color with a secondary one.
• Embrace the freedom: Mixing your own colors also gives you the freedom to create unique shades that are not readily available in stores. This can add a personal touch to your work that sets it apart from others.
• Save on space: By mixing your own colors, you'll also save space in your art studio. Fewer tubes of paint means less clutter and more room for creativity.
• Save on cost: Finally, buying fewer tubes of paint means lower costs. This is a great way to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting.

So why not give it a try? Mixing your own colors can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, it's a cost-effective solution to expanding your color palette without breaking the bank.

Store Paints Properly

When it comes to how to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting, proper storage is key. Taking care of your paints can extend their lifespan and save you from having to replace them prematurely.

• Keep them sealed: Ensure that you tightly seal your acrylic paint tubes after each use. This prevents air from drying out the paint and keeps it ready for your next masterpiece.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Acrylic paints don't like too much heat or cold. Try to store them in a room with a stable temperature, away from direct sunlight or freezing conditions.
• Store upright: Store your acrylic paint tubes upright with the caps on top. This prevents the paint from drying and makes it easier to squeeze out the paint when you need it.
• Check regularly: Make a habit of regularly checking your paint tubes for any leaks or damage. This way, you can catch any issues early and avoid wasting paint.

By following these simple storage tips, you'll ensure your acrylic paints remain in top condition for longer. The longer your paints last, the less frequently you'll need to replace them, helping you save money in the long run.

Recycle Unused Paint

Another great way to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting is by recycling unused paint. You might be thinking, how exactly can I recycle my extra paint? Well, let's go through some easy steps:

• Scrape it off: If you have unused paint on your palette, don't let it go to waste. Use a palette knife to scrape off the excess paint and store it in a sealed container for future use.
• Make your own shades: Have you ever considered making your own unique colors? Mix leftover paint to create new shades. This not only reduces waste but also gives you a chance to experiment with different color combinations.
• Reuse dried paint: Did you know that dried acrylic paint is still usable? Simply add a little water to rehydrate it and voila, it's ready to use again!
• Donate or exchange: If you have paint colors that you no longer need, consider donating them to a local school or community center. Alternatively, you could arrange a paint exchange with other artists to swap colors.

Recycling unused paint is a fantastic way to reduce waste and get the most out of your painting supplies. It's a win-win situation: you're not only being eco-friendly, but you're also saving money on acrylic paint for oil painting. And who knows? You might even discover a new favorite color or technique in the process!

Use a Palette Knife

Have you ever thought about using a palette knife instead of a brush? Yes, it might seem a bit daunting at first, but let me assure you, it's a game-changer when it comes to how to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting.

• Less is more: Palette knives don't soak up paint like brushes do. So, you end up using less paint for the same surface area. This can help you save a significant amount of paint in the long run.
• Easy to clean: Cleaning a palette knife is a breeze compared to a paintbrush. Just a quick wipe with a cloth or tissue, and it's ready for the next color. This not only saves you time but also prolongs the life of your painting tools.
• Mixing made easy: Mixing colors with a palette knife results in a more even blend and prevents unwanted color contamination. Plus, it's an excellent way to make use of any leftover paint from previous sessions.
• Unique textures: A palette knife can also add unique textures to your paintings that brushes can't. It may take some practice to master, but the results can be truly stunning!

So, are you ready to give it a try? Switching to a palette knife could be the key to unlocking new artistic possibilities, all while helping you save money on acrylic paint for oil painting.

Use a Wet Palette

Ever heard of a wet palette? It's a fantastic tool that can help answer the question of how to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting. Here's why:

• Keeps Paints Fresh: A wet palette is essentially a sealed container with a layer of water underneath a special paper. This setup keeps your acrylic paints moist and usable for longer periods, reducing the amount of paint wasted due to drying out.
• Improved Color Mixing: Mixing colors on a wet palette is a breeze. It can also help you achieve smoother color transitions in your paintings, giving your artwork a more professional look.
• Save Paints for Later: With a wet palette, you can save your mixed colors for later use. Simply close the lid, and your paints will be ready to use the next day, or even after a week! This means less waste and more savings in the long run.

Using a wet palette might take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you'll wonder how you ever painted without it. It's a simple, effective way to save money on your acrylic paints for oil painting. Give it a go, and see the difference it makes!

Limit Your Color Palette

Did you know limiting your color palette could help you save money on acrylic paint for oil painting? Here's how:

• Reduces Waste: The more colors you use, the more paint you'll potentially waste. By sticking to a limited color palette, you'll use less paint overall.
• Improves Skills: Working with a limited color palette forces you to learn more about color mixing and color relationships. This will not only develop your painting skills but also ensure you're making the most out of each tube of paint.
• Creates Cohesion: Using fewer colors can help create a more cohesive look in your art, making your paintings more visually appealing. And who knows? This could lead to selling more of your work, therefore offsetting your paint costs.

Remember, limiting your palette doesn’t mean limiting your creativity. It's about making smart choices and understanding how to work with what you have. So next time you're wondering how to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting, consider limiting your color palette. You might be surprised by the results!

Invest in Quality Brushes

You might be wondering, how does investing in quality brushes help save money on acrylic paint for oil painting? Well, let's explore this:

• Longevity: Quality brushes last longer. This means you won't constantly spend money replacing worn-out brushes. A well-cared-for brush can last for years, making it a wise financial decision in the long run.
• Efficient Paint Distribution: Quality brushes distribute paint more efficiently. They hold more paint and release it evenly, reducing the amount of paint wasted or absorbed into the brush.
• Better Results: High-quality brushes give you better control over your strokes. This results in fewer mistakes, less wasted paint, and more successful paintings. Plus, better work could mean more sales!

So, while it might seem counter-intuitive, spending a bit more on quality brushes can actually be a smart way to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting. Remember, it's not just about the cost upfront, it's about the long-term savings and improved results. It's a win-win!

Clean Brushes Immediately

Let's move on to another tip on how to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting. It's all about keeping those brushes clean.

• Preserve Brush Quality: If you clean your brushes immediately after use, you will preserve their quality for a longer time. Accumulated paint can damage the bristles, making them stiff and hard to work with. This leads to an uneven application and a higher consumption of paint. So, by keeping your brushes clean, you're saving paint and money.
• Avoid Replacement Costs: If paint dries on your brushes, it can be a real challenge to get it out, and you might end up needing to replace the brush. By cleaning your brushes immediately, you avoid this unnecessary cost.
• Prevent Color Mixing: Cleaning your brushes also ensures that old paint doesn't mix with new paint. This can cause unwanted color changes and can waste your precious acrylics.

So remember, a little bit of soap, warm water, and a few minutes of your time can go a long way in helping you save money on acrylic paint for oil painting. It's a simple habit that can have a big impact on your wallet and your artwork.

Paint on Alternative Surfaces

Here's an interesting thought: what if you could save money on acrylic paint for oil painting by simply changing your canvas? Switching up the surface you paint on can make a big difference.

• Repurpose Old Materials: Ever thought of painting on an old piece of wood, a cardboard box, or even a used canvas? Repurposing these materials can save you the cost of buying new canvases. Plus, it's a great way to recycle and create unique pieces of art. Just be sure to prepare the surface properly for painting.
• Buy Non-Traditional Canvases: Stores often sell non-traditional canvases like paper, board, and even fabric at a lower price than traditional canvases. These can be a great cost-effective alternative. Don't be afraid to experiment—you might find a new favorite surface to paint on!
• Make Your Own Canvas: If you're feeling handy, why not make your own canvas? You can buy canvas fabric and stretch it over a frame. It's more work, but you'll save money and gain a new skill. Plus, you can customize the size to fit your masterpiece perfectly.

So, get creative with your surfaces. It's an easy and fun way to save money on acrylic paint for oil painting. Who knows, you might even discover a new style or technique in the process!

If you enjoyed our "10 Money-Saving Tips for Acrylic Oil Paints" blog post and want to further improve your acrylic painting skills, check out Rachel Christopoulos' workshop, 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills.' This workshop will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to help you take your acrylic painting to new heights while staying within your budget.

One of the biggest costs for a painter is the canvas and, of course, the paint. I’ve been painting for over 20 years and during that time, I’ve had many fine brands of acrylic to choose from like Liquitex, Windsor & Newton, and Golden. But tubes of paint are crazy expensive.

In 1999, I got turned on to Nova Color paint by a muralist from Los Angeles. Nova Color manufactures and sells their own high quality paint, comparable to the name brands, out of California, and ships it direct to artists, cutting out the middleman–and the huge price tag.

I can buy a pint (16 oz) of paint for the same price as a 6 oz tube at the local art store. Big savings.

And big mess.

The only problem was that Nova Color ships their paint in jars, not tubes. Tubes are nice. You can squeeze just the amount of paint you need onto the palette.

With jars, the only way to apply the paint onto your canvas is with a spoon. And that gets very, very messy. And you waste paint every time you load up your palette. And so preparing my palette is something I have grown to hate. I sometimes endure nearly dried gobs of paint rather than scoop fresh paint from the jar.

The solution.

Finally, after 15 years, I found a  a way to get rid of the mess and waste: refillable squeeze tubes. They weren’t easy to find, but I purchased some squeezable tubes online at REI.com that people use for camping and travel. They work perfect for paint.

You just open the end, pour in the paint, and crimp it to seal.

Done. Now I have reusable paint tubes with high quality, low priced paint.

I’m loving preparing my palette.

I think I’m going to go paint now.

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