Renovating your home is a fun and challenging task. Especially when it comes to painting the walls, you would never hesitate to compromise your budget over the decoration of walls and rooms. Sometimes you want some art and designs on the walls and probably think of acrylics as the primary choice. So “Can you use acrylic paint on walls?”
The answer is intricate, as some factors are there to be taken into account before you spend your hard-earned money on decoration with acrylics.
Here in the article below, we’ll chew over all the necessary information regarding the topic and provide you with practical tips on how to decorate walls with acrylics successfully.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Walls?
Yes, you can use acrylic paints on walls. When it comes to painting walls, the most popular and common option is acrylic latex paint. It is durable and covers the wall surface thoroughly. Additionally, the paint can also be successfully used on metal, wood, and glass surfaces.
Important Points About Wall Painting:
There are some valuable instructions to follow when you paint the walls with acrylics.
- The wall surface needs to be clean and dry to make the paint adhere to it firmly. The wet and dirty surface is one of the main reasons why paints peel off.
- Apply a good quality primer on the wall before you go for painting. It ensures durability and a smooth finish.
- Work in a smaller section while painting. It helps the paint dry symmetrically and gives an even look. Moreover, it prevents the paint from running out.
- Always use a fine-haired brush or roller for acrylics. The step is vital to create an even look and smooth finish.
These few instructions can surely help you get your paint job successful. Always try to work in parts while applying paints. It makes your work more comfortable and convenient.
Acrylic Paint For Indoor:
Is Acrylic Paint Good For Interior Walls? If you’re looking to renovate the interior walls of your home with some catching designs, drawings or simply new paint coating, you might consider acrylics an affordable choice. Yes, it is budget-friendly, but it has some lower and upper hands too.
Acrylics are long-lasting paints and have excellent durability making them a primary choice for high-traffic areas or rooms with greater possibilities of spills.
Moreover, acrylic paints dry fast, making them conserve your precious time and finish the task in no time.
The lower hand of using acrylics on walls is their inadequate coverage. Additionally, they are not as resistant to harsh conditions as latex paints and oil-based paints.
They might be time-conserving and budget-friendly, but they are low maintenance and sensitive on the other hand.
Acrylic Paint For Outdoor
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on the Outside Walls? The paint can be used on walls outside. But their age and durability will depend on the surface material and environmental conditions.
Moreover, the paint quality and brand can’t be ignored while painting a surface that will confront the environment. Especially if you are using acrylic paint on concrete walls, you need to consider many factors.
Acrylic Paint Usage on Bathroom Walls:
The dye can be applied to the walls of a bathroom, but you have to check on some factors before doing so.
Typically, the bathroom walls are damp, and moisture is in higher consistency there. It can affect the paint badly and cause it to crack and peel. Moreover, higher water spoils the original texture and tone of the paint.
So if you’re willing to paint the bathroom with acrylics, you should use primer and thick coatings first.
Importance of Acrylic Paint On Walls:
Painting walls with acrylics is a great idea and affordable too. The paint remains resistant to a harsh environment and stays for longer. But you have to make sure the surface is properly clean before painting and primer is rightly applied to gain the above benefits. Acrylics last longer once they are thoroughly dry.
For a better experience and wastage, apply the specific colour on a small section first and take a trial.
Shortly, acrylic paint is a beautiful idea and low on the pocket if you’re willing to paint the walls. But be careful and take preventive measures to make the paint perform well.
What is The Durability of Acrylic On Walls?
Acrylic paint remains intact on walls for longer, but some factors can affect the paint badly. At the same time, others are good for the paint.
The quality and brand significantly affect the age of the paint. Acrylic latex paints are designed specifically for surfaces like walls. They are blended with some specific regents to add some life. Some of the latex paints come with a guarantee of up to 15 years.
Other things that will affect the paint are the environmental conditions where the paint has to confront harsh climates. But taking care of the paint can help it withstand the harm.
For example, if you’re living in a rainy area or the paint has to face dampness, you can’t expect the paint to stay longer. It will peel or get cracked.
Moreover, if you like washing your walls regularly, stop it, as acrylic is not designed to bear harsh washing chemicals.
Why Does Acrylic Paint Go Bad?
The worst downside of acrylics is they go wrong with time. The reason is apparent and crystal clear. Air and light are the leading causes of acrylic deterioration.
Oxygen causes chemical reactions in the paint’s pigment, while light supports such reactions. These reactions cause the colour to change its original tone and vibrancy.
In addition, high temperature and moisture can also affect the consistency of the paint and lower its age. They get brittle and flaky.
So for a longer lifespan of your paints, dry, cool and dark spot is vital.
How Long Does Acrylic Paint Take To Dry On Walls?
On average, acrylic paints take up to 4-5 hours to dry. But how long acrylic paint takes to dry depends on multiple factors, including the type of paint or brand, the thickness of the coat, ventilation in the area, and level of moisture.
Curing Time Of Acrylics:
Acrylic paints take up to 48 hours on average to get cured completely. If you’re looking to speed up the dry time, here are some tips.
Use a lower dry time brand; apply thin layers, and provide enough ventilation to help the water content in the paint evaporate quickly. You can use a fan or heat spray too.
How to Apply Acrylic Paint to a Wall? Step By Step
You can apply acrylic paint to a wall yourself without the need to hire specialists. The first thing is preparing the wall surface properly and choosing a good quality paint.
Here is a complete procedure on how to do acrylic painting on a wall.
Supplies needed:
- Acrylic paint of your choice
- Ladder
- Roller
- Fine haired brush
- Tape
Procedure
Step 1: Preparing the wall
The walls need to be adequately prepared to accept a new paint coating. Clean the surface thoroughly with washing agents. Use a sander to make the surface a little bit rough and even at the same time. Remove every kind of debris from the wall. Apply tape to the sections you don’t want to paint.
Step 2: Base coating
The paint can’t be applied directly to the surface. Even if you use it now, it will not be as firm as it should be. So a layer of primer is crucial.
The primer can be specific for acrylics or all-purpose. It helps the paint adhere to the surface firmly.
Step 3: Paint the surface
Now it’s time to paint the surface with acrylics. For painting, both roller and brush are effective. The difference is that painting with a brush may take more time compared to a roller. Painting with a roller is a fast way and provides a smooth and even finish.
If you’re painting using a brush, start from the bottom and go upward. You have to take the help of a ladder. On the other hand, painting with a roller doesn’t require a ladder. Start from the top and go down to the lower end.
Apply two layers one after another for the best results. Let the previous layer dry first before going for the second one.
Step 4: Finish painting
Once you’ve applied the paint thoroughly, remove the tape you have used it. Let the paint dry completely.
Sealing Acrylic Paint On Wall:
After the paint is dried completely, you can apply a sealer to prevent it from dust and dirt. In addition, the sealer extends the lifespan of the paint. A transparent acrylic sealer and varnish are both equally good.
Walls are usually made of matte, and it’s complicated to apply a suitable sealer to retain the original look and protect it simultaneously.
A sealer having too much glossy content should not be preferred as it can add an overshine to the wall. Use the same quality sealer as the paint for a perfect look.
For a satisfactory result, apply two coats of the sealer one by one. Let the first layer dry well before going for the second one.
Once the coats are cured, the wall will be safe and protected from stains and spills.
Can You Hang Things After Painting?
Hanging frames and décor right after the painting can leave the wall with spots and streaks. Leave the paint for about 24 hours. It ensures dryness and gives plenty of time for the paint and sealer to get cured completely.
Some acrylics may dry in less than 12 hours and can be touched and processed further.
Sleeping In A Room After Painting With Acrylics:
Sleeping in a room that is freshly painted with acrylics is not safe. The reason is wet paint releases fumes. These fumes can sometimes be allergic or toxic to health.
However, with good ventilation, the room is suitable for sleeping. But the best practice is leaving the space empty for approximately 24 hours before using it for sleeping or further decorations.
Will Acrylic Paint Wash Off the Wall?
Yes, acrylic paint is washable. If you have applied low-quality paint on the surface of a wall, there is a chance the paint will not withstand moisture and harsh conditions.
However, good quality paint can be trusted. It is expected to last longer as compared. Besides the quality, other factors are also responsible for the peeling of the paint, such as the preparation of the surface before painting and using a primer.
Why Is My Acrylic Paint Not Sticking to the Walls?
Usually, acrylic paint is preferred to be painted on walls because of its sticking ability when applied correctly. The paint is durable and last longer. But sometimes you may not have good experience with acrylics even after doing your best. There are some potential reasons behind such misfortune.
You might have ignored preparing the surface before painting. Acrylic paint sticks firmly to a non-porous and even surface. Too much smooth surface is not ideal.
If the surface is already painted with other paints like oil-based paints, the new coat of acrylic may not find an ideal surface to hold onto.
Another reason may be the poor quality of the paint. An expired, dried-out, thickened paint doesn’t retain its original consistency. It makes the paint challenging to adhere to any kind of surface.
If you suspect thickness in the paint, the loss can be reserved by adding water and stirring the paint evenly.
Lastly, moisture has a lot to do with paint’s stickiness. A wet surface is worst to paint with acrylic. Avoid painting the damp locations and prevent the paint from humidity.
Tips For Painting Wall With Acrylics:
Painting your room’s interior walls gives a fresh and fetching look to your room. Here are some tips to keep in mind while dealing with acrylic painting on walls:
- Always give plenty of time to the painted surface for drying. Handling the walls while the paint is not cured may ruin your hard work. Acrylics are water-based, so be patient and wait for a few hours.
- It’s essential to use the right tool for applying the paint. Brushes are good, but rollers are time-conserving and work perfectly. Use the rollers with caution to avoid over-thickness and uneven appearance.
- Always apply the sealer after the paint is dried thoroughly. Spending on sealer is worth it. They extend the lifespan of the paint and enhance its attraction.
Best Acrylic Paints for Wall:
The most challenging task is deciding on what type of paint is best for walls. It’s not that complicated if you know what you’re looking for. For instance, if you’re planning to choose an acrylic paint with good coverage and durability, you would probably go for thicker paints. These types of paints are less likely to show any imperfection on the wall.
On the other hand, for a dark tone, acrylic paints with higher pigment concentrations are ideal. They provide a perfect dark tone and appearance.
The lower hand of highly pigmented acrylics is their durability and higher susceptibility to Ultra Violets and oxygen.
For a matte finish, the paint should be necessarily glossy. A matte finish gives a much more natural look as compared to a glossy one. Keeping all these considerations before you going to make you decide quickly.
Some of the familiar and usually used brands for walls include:
- Liquitex
- Golden
- Blick
All these brands come in a variety of colours. You can choose the one that suits your requirements.
Acrylic Paint and Wall Paint:
Acrylic paint and wall paint are not exact. Both have their specifications. Acrylics are composed of polymer, while wall paints are generally made from latex material.
Acrylics have a bit higher durability and lifespan. In contrast, wall paints are less likely to stay longer as they lose adherence to the surface gradually.
Is Acrylic Paint Good For Indoors?
Everyone has their own opinion regarding painting indoors with acrylics.
Some may find acrylics perfect, while others would never recommend them indoors.
One of the best things about acrylics is their ability to get dry in no time. It makes them stand on the top while you’re given a strict timeline to complete your paint job.
The downside to such a faster dry time is you may not be able to achieve satisfactory smoothness. So the painters find them difficult to work with.
On the plus side, acrylics are versatile mediums, and they can be utilised in a bunch of projects and paint jobs compared to oil-based paints, which are less likely to cover your needs.
So, whether you are planning to add some vibrance to your room or create a unique blend of colours, acrylic should be the primary choice.
Best Paint For Interior Walls:
Different kinds of paints are compatible with the wall’s surface and can be utilised for painting purposes. But acrylics and latex paint are standard and widely used.
Latex paint is a good choice when it comes to painting walls which are facing harsh environments, spills and stains. It is easy to work with and has a broader range of tones and colours.
Acrylic paint is water-based and composed of a resin or polymer suspended in a chemical, i.e. pigment. Acrylic is also durable and resistant to common domestic conditions.
If you’re going to decorate or paint the kitchen or bathroom, you have to consider the humidity there. It can be a big hurdle in the way of painting. Humidity dramatically reduces the life span of acrylics.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to paint a bedroom or dining room, you must take measures to protect the surface from stains and spills. It can be done by sealing the paint. Or you have to choose an oil-based paint as it is cleanable.
Disadvantages of Painting Walls With Acrylic Paint:
The paint has no doubt a list of benefits, but on the other side, it also has some drawbacks.
- Acrylic is dried quickly and is complicated to manage for a beginner. The paint must be applied evenly at the first stroke, or you may not get enough time for correction later. So it’s pretty tricky to work with acrylic paints.
- Acrylics are expensive when you paint a more extensive section, like walls. The cost may be high on the pocket if you want to buy high-quality paint.
- Acrylics don’t allow you to correct mistakes compared to oil-based or latex paint.
How To Remove Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint can be removed from the wall surface, but it is pretty intricate to do so as the surface of the wall is rough. Moreover, the quality and amount of paint to be removed are also counted.
For removing the paint, you can utilise a knife, scrapper or sometimes a wire brush too. Chemical reagents like acetone, ethyl alcohol and lacquer thinner are equally effective.
Below are a few tips on removing acrylic paint from your wall.
- A hairdryer is a suitable option to loosen the surface paint.
- Soak a piece of cloth in ethyl alcohol or acetone and rub over the paint. Then you can use a wire brush or scrapper to remove the paint from the roots.
- Petroleum jelly is an excellent alternative to alcohol. Apply and let it sit for the whole night. The next day, the paint will be soft enough to be removed with a sharp tool.
FAQs
Is acrylic paint the same as wall paint?
No, there’s a difference between acrylic paint and wall paint. Acrylics are water-based, dry quickly, and are affordable compared to wall paint which takes time to dry and is costly.
Will acrylic paint peel off walls?
Acrylic paint will not peel off walls easily if the wall is primed with Gesso and sealed after painting. Applying a varnish or sealer protects the paint on the wall from peeling.
How do you seal acrylic paint on the wall?
You can seal acrylic paint on walls in simple and easy steps. Let the paint dry before you go for sealing, and apply the sealer in thin coats, but the number of coats should be multiple. Make sure you use a clear sealant.
Does acrylic paint stick to walls?
Acrylic paint can stick to walls because the walls have a rough texture which is suitable for adherence to the dye. But sanding the surfaces is an excellent option if you want the paint to cling firmly to the walls.
What type of finish can I achieve with acrylic paint on walls?
Acrylic paint offers various finishes, including matte, satin, and glossy. The finish depends on the type of acrylic paint used and any additional sealants or topcoats applied.
Can you mix acrylic paint with wall paint?
No, you should not mix acrylic and wall paints, as both have specific compositions and consistency. Solvents, binder or resin are different in both, which, on mixing, can react and give disappointing results.
Final Thoughts
So, can you use acrylic paint on the walls? We have concluded that acrylics can be used on the walls by taking into account a few considerations.
Acrylics are resistant to harsh climates and can be used in areas with high traffic. They are considered durable, simple to manage and easy to work with. They don’t fade easily if appropriately applied and sealed well.
It is worth noting that acrylics need to be applied on the surface multiple times or in thicker coats to get overall coverage.
Ultimately, it depends on your skills and expertise to decide whether to use acrylics for walls or not. No matter what paint you choose, it would help if you had a good grip over its usage and applications. Read the instructions on the pack carefully.
Thank you for reading. You’re welcome in the comment section for queries, suggestions and support.
After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York City with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting, I began my professional career as an artist. I quickly earned recognition for my extraordinary style and began displaying my work in galleries and museums across the country.
Throughout my career, I have received numerous accolades and awards for my work, including the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the Guggenheim Fellowship. I’m also a part of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Being in the field of art and painting for more than over 30 years, I’ve taught and trained dozens of students and helped them achieve their goals. My passion for teaching motivated me to start a website where everyone could get free access to my services. So here I’m with my website beacrylic.com.
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