Acrylic paint is one of the most popular choices for artists due to its versatility, quick drying time, and vibrant colours. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, understanding the price of acrylic colour is essential when choosing the right materials for your artwork.
In this guide, we’ll explore the factors that affect acrylic paint prices, the different brands available, and how to find the best value for your money.
1. Factors That Affect the Price of Acrylic Paint
a. Quality: Student vs. Professional Grade
The grade of acrylic paint significantly impacts its price.
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Student-grade acrylics: More affordable but contain less pigment and more fillers. They are great for beginners or practice work.
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Professional-grade acrylics: More expensive, but they offer higher pigment concentration, better blending ability, and greater lightfastness (resistance to fading over time).
b. Pigment Type
Different pigments have different production costs. Synthetic pigments are usually cheaper, while natural and mineral-based pigments (like cadmium red or cobalt blue) tend to be more expensive.
c. Brand Reputation
Well-known brands like Golden, Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, and Amsterdam often have higher prices due to their consistent quality and reputation in the market.
d. Tube Size
Larger tubes or jars of acrylic paint are more expensive but offer better value per milliliter. Many artists prefer buying bulk containers for frequently used colours.
e. Special Features
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Heavy body acrylics (thicker consistency) cost more than soft-body or fluid acrylics.
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Interference and iridescent colours (which change depending on the light) are priced higher than standard colours.
2. Price Range of Acrylic Paints
a. Budget-Friendly Acrylic Paints (Under $5 per Tube)
For beginners and hobbyists, student-grade acrylics offer affordability and decent quality. Some budget-friendly brands include:
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Apple Barrel – Common in craft stores, great for basic projects.
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Craft Smart – An affordable option for casual painting.
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Blick Studio Acrylics – A good balance between quality and price.
b. Mid-Range Acrylic Paints ($5 – $15 per Tube)
This range includes higher-quality student paints and entry-level professional paints. Brands include:
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Liquitex Basics – A favorite among students and intermediate artists.
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Amsterdam Standard Series – Offers vibrant colours at a reasonable price.
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Winsor & Newton Galeria – Known for its smooth consistency and good pigment load.
c. High-End Professional Acrylic Paints ($15 – $50 per Tube)
These paints offer high pigment concentration, excellent blending, and longevity. Top-tier brands include:
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Golden Heavy Body Acrylics – Premium quality, excellent texture, and colour vibrancy.
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Liquitex Professional Heavy Body – Rich pigments and smooth application.
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Winsor & Newton Artists’ Acrylics – Designed for professional use with excellent lightfastness.
d. Specialty Acrylic Paints ($30 – $100 per Tube/Jar)
For artists looking for unique finishes, some specialty acrylics come at a premium price:
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Iridescent and interference colours (Golden Interference Acrylics).
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High-flow and airbrush acrylics (Liquitex Professional Acrylic Ink).
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Metallic and fluorescent acrylics (Pebeo, Jacquard Lumiere).
3. How to Get the Best Deals on Acrylic Paints
a. Buy in Sets
Acrylic paint sets often offer a better price per tube than buying individual colours.
b. Purchase in Bulk
For frequently used colours like white, black, and primary colours, buying large jars can save money in the long run.
c. Look for Sales and Discounts
Many art stores have seasonal sales, student discounts, and online promotions. Websites like Blick, Jerry’s Artarama, and Amazon often have great deals.
d. Try House Brands
Some store brands offer quality paints at a fraction of the cost. For example, Blick Artists’ Acrylics provide great pigment load at a lower price than premium brands.
4. Is Expensive Acrylic Paint Worth It?
While professional-grade acrylics are more expensive, they offer better pigment quality, blendability, and durability. However, for practice work, studies, or large-scale projects, student-grade acrylics can be a cost-effective choice.
Tip: Many artists use a mix of both! Student-grade acrylics for underpainting and professional-grade paints for the final layers.
The price of acrylic paint varies based on quality, pigment type, brand, and special features. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, choosing the right paint depends on your budget, artistic needs, and project goals.
By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions and find the best acrylic colours for your creative journey.