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How to Mix Acrylic Paint

Choose the best quality

Invest in quality paints. While student quality paints are cheaper, they will fade with exposure to light. They are also made of cheap pigment substitutes that will make your colors muddy.

Use Acrylic Retarder when mixing

Add a drop or two of acrylic retarder when mixing colors on a palette. This will help prevent it from drying before you start painting.

Your Palette

Use a palette that will help the paint stay moist. Specially made palettes for mixing acrylics are available, or you can just store your colors in film canisters. Just make sure to keep the lids on when you're not using the color.
Step4
Mix acrylic paint with other liquids. A variety of effects can be created by mixing acrylic paint with water, a flow aid or a gel medium.
Step5
Care for your brushes properly when mixing colors with acrylic paint. It's best to wash your brushes with warm water and lay them flat to dry.

Other Liquids

Mix acrylic paint with other liquids. A variety of effects can be created by mixing acrylic paint with water, a flow aid or a gel medium.

Brush Care

Care for your brushes properly when mixing colors with acrylic paint. It's best to wash your brushes with warm water and lay them flat to dry.

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