Studio Tips &
Buying Guides
Practical guides on art materials, studio workflow, and techniques — written for working artists and beginners alike, grounded in day-to-day conversations with artists in Kingston, Ontario.
Art Supplies Guides and Studio Tips
Best Paint for Kids: Tempera vs Acrylic and Watercolour
Choosing the right paint for young artists can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Tempera paint remains the gold standard for children's art projects due to its safety, washability, and ease of use. While acrylic and watercolour paints have their place, tempera offers the perfect balance of vibrant colour, forgiving application, and cleanup that won't stress parents. Understanding the differences between these paint types will help you make the best choice for your budding artist's needs and skill level.
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How to Varnish an Acrylic Painting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the proper techniques for varnishing acrylic paintings to protect and enhance your artwork. Discover when to apply varnish, how to choose the right type, and step-by-step application methods. Get expert tips on achieving professional results while avoiding common mistakes that can damage your painting.
Read moreImpasto Painting Techniques: Your Guide to Heavy Body Acrylics
Learn impasto painting techniques with heavy body acrylics to create stunning textural effects. Discover how to choose the right paints and tools, explore application methods from palette knives to brushes, and get practical recommendations for building your impasto toolkit. Perfect for artists ready to add dimension and tactile interest to their work.
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Acrylic Mediums Explained: What Each One Does and When to Use It
Acrylic mediums can transform your paintings in amazing ways, but knowing which one to choose can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the most common mediums - from texture gels to flow aids - and explains exactly when and how to use each one. Whether you're looking to slow drying time, add texture, or improve paint flow, we'll help you pick the right medium for your artistic goals.
Read moreAcrylic Paint on Wood: Complete Priming and Sealing Guide
Transform any wood surface into the perfect canvas for acrylic painting. Learn why proper preparation matters, how to choose the right primers and sealers, and get step-by-step techniques for professional results. From furniture makeovers to fine art panels, proper priming ensures your acrylic paintings last for years.
Read moreAcrylic Paint Markers vs Paint Pens: Your Complete Buying Guide
Confused about acrylic paint markers versus paint pens? You're not alone. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences that matter for your art projects. Paint markers typically feature broader tips and more paint flow, while paint pens offer finer control with smaller tips. Both use acrylic paint that dries permanent and opaque on most surfaces. The key is choosing the right tool for your specific project needs.
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Understanding Acrylic Finishes: A Guide to Final Finish, Top Coats and Liquid Glass from Tri-Art
Acrylics have become an extremely popular painting medium over the past near-century since their creation in the 1930’s. This medium has been thoroughly explored by many artists, and allows more people to participate in painting practices as the paints do not require special solvents for cleaning, and also do not emit the same toxic fumes that exist in traditional oils.
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Using Liquid Glass Resin for a Crystal Clear Finish
There isn't anything much more satisfying than the look of a thick crystal clear coat of epoxy resin on your painting. It is incredibly appealing and tempting to coat all your paintings in epoxy resin, however they have very low UV stability compared to acrylic polymer emulsion products. Yes it's true, some epoxy resin products have better UV stability than others, but the bottom-line is all epoxy resin will yellow, it just depends on how much time has passed.
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Why We Recommend Unprimed Canvas
What should you do? Always prime canvas yourself, if you have purchased a pre-primed canvas, it would be good practice to add at least one layer of your own acrylic gesso. Use a good quality acrylic gesso if possible, avoid primers designed for walls as typically these are lower quality.
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Acrylic Paints: The Definitive Guide Before you Buy
Acrylic paint shopping is easier when you start with how you paint. This guide compares professional, student, and classroom acrylics, shows what to check on labels, and gives a simple step plan to build a starter palette and avoid waste, using Tri-Art examples from Art Noise.
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Acrylic Paints and Brushes: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started
Not sure which acrylic paints and brushes to buy, or how to use them without wasting time? This guide shows a simple starter kit, a repeatable 30-minute painting workflow, and fast brush care habits so you can paint more often with less mess, even in a small space.
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Acrylic Paint vs Oil Paint: Choose the Best Medium for Your Schedule
Not sure whether to paint with acrylics or oils? This guide compares drying time, blending, cleanup, and cost, then gives a simple decision plan and starter kit lists so you can begin today, even with a small space and a busy schedule.
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Do Acrylic Paints Go Bad? Shelf Life, Spoilage Signs, and Storage Steps
Acrylic paint usually fails from air exposure, poor seals, or contamination, not from a strict expiry date. Learn the quick checks for separation, skinning, rubbery chunks, and off smells, plus a step-by-step plan to rescue usable paint and store the rest so it lasts longer.
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