12 Unique And Cool Acrylic Painting Techniques

Are you feeling creatively stunted or just want to add some flavor to your next painting session? This is done by engaging in different art styles to produce a work of art. One of the most diverse mediums is acrylic paint- it is bold, dries fast and can be used by a beginner. But are you really getting the best of it?

Acrylic is one of the most versatile mediums to work with, so in this post we are going to illustrate 12 distinctive and cool ways of painting acrylic. These paintings are more than simple brushwork though they include texture-rich styles and magical effects.

1. Dry Brushing

With very little paint on your brush, dry brushing creates a scratchy, textured look. It’s perfect for adding highlights, fur, or fog effects to your paintings.

2. Pour Painting

This fluid technique involves mixing acrylic paint with a pouring medium and letting gravity do its thing. Watch hypnotic marbled patterns form naturally as colors flow together.

3. Palette Knife Painting

Swap your brushes for a palette knife to create thick, expressive strokes and layered textures. Ideal for abstract art and bold landscapes.

4. Splatter Painting

Dip your brush in paint and flick it toward your canvas for a chaotic yet energetic vibe. It’s messy, spontaneous, and totally fun.

5. Scumbling

Use a dry, stiff brush to scrub paint lightly over dried layers. It adds soft transitions and texture, making your work feel more atmospheric and layered.

6. Stippling

Create images and shading with tiny dots of paint. This technique takes patience, but the results are detailed and striking, great for portraits and botanicals.

7. Sgraffito

Paint multiple layers, then scratch into the top layer to reveal the colors beneath. It’s a tactile way to combine line work with color.

8. Acrylic Ink Wash

By diluting acrylic paint with water, you can mimic the translucent quality of watercolor. Ideal for soft backgrounds or dreamy, fluid effects.

9. Impasto Technique

Apply your paint thickly to give your work dimension and depth. It’s almost sculptural and adds a dramatic flair to any painting.

10. Tape Resist

Use masking tape to block off areas, then paint over the surface. Once the tape is removed, it reveals crisp shapes underneath great for bold, geometric art.

11. String Pull

Dip string in paint, lay it down on your surface, and gently pull. You’ll create unexpected curves and organic shapes especially beautiful for abstract florals.

12. Bubble Wrap Texture

Press bubble wrap onto a painted surface or stamp it into wet paint. It adds a fun, bumpy texture that’s great for backgrounds and mixed media work.

Make It Pop with Quality Paint

To truly bring these techniques to life, using high-quality acrylic paint is a must. Drawlish Premium Acrylic Paints offer rich pigmentation, smooth blending, and quick drying perfect for trying out all these methods. Whether you're painting on canvas, wood, paper, or rocks, Drawlish gives your creativity the color it deserves.

Shop now at Drawlish.com and explore a range of vibrant, artist-grade acrylics.

Art is all about experimentation, and these techniques are just the beginning. Pick one, try it out, and let your style evolve as you explore new ways to use color and texture. The best part? There are no rules just paint, play, and enjoy the process.