If you’re searching to add a touch of sparkle to your acrylic paint creations, using gloss mediums is not the solution.
You should try out Glitters. Don’t be surprised, I’m here to guide you step by step. This blog will explain four proven methods on how to add glitter to acrylic paint.
Adding glitter to acrylic paint is a simple yet exciting process that can instantly transform your painting into a fetching and unique piece of art. With this technique, you can create stunning textures, highlights, and visual interest in your paintings.
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Method 1: Use a Glitter Acrylic Paint
The easiest way to add some spark to your acrylic painting is by using glitter paint.
Glitter acrylic paint is a ready-made medium that consists of glitter particles in a specific consistency. The particles may be coarse or fine, depending on the type of paint. They are available in various colors and offered by different brands, including Liquitex, DecoArt, and others.
Here’s how to use glitter acrylic paint:
- Open the tube of glitter paint and squeeze a small amount into a palette.
- Mix it with a palette knife for different purposes or thin it if desired.
- Here you go, start applying it over a surface you want to add a glitter effect.
- You can apply it to canvas, paper, wood, or any other surface. The paint is equally compatible with all types of surfaces.
- You can apply the paint to smaller sections as well and use it along with traditional acrylic paint.
- Once applied thoroughly, let it dry, and you’ll get a glittering effect.
Method 2: Mix Dry Glitter In Traditional Acrylic Paint
Another very common way to add glitter to your acrylic painting is by mixing glitter particles into the paint before applying it to a surface.
You can find glitters online on Amazon or Walmart or buy them from a nearby store. The size of these particles matters. You can opt for either coarse or fine particles, depending on your requirements.
You also have the choice to select any color of glitter available. Assess your painting and go for the one that suits you the most.
Here’s how to make DIY glitter acrylic paint using this technique:
- Squeeze out a little amount of traditional acrylic paint into a palette.
- Sprinkle a smaller amount of glitter over the paint; of course, you can add more if you want, but it is a good practice to begin with a smaller quantity.
- With the help of a palette knife, start mixing both. Make sure you mix them evenly.
- You can also add more than one color of glitter for varying effects.
- Once the mixing is done, simply apply it over the desired surface or a section of the painting you want to glow.
Method 3: Use Glitter With The Top Coat
An interesting and effective technique to add glitter to acrylic paint is by using dry glitters with varnish or sealant. Here’s how you can do it:
- Paint your artwork with acrylic paint and allow it to dry fully.
- Apply a layer of clear acrylic varnish or medium over the painting. You can also use a gloss medium or gel medium.
- While the varnish or top coat is still wet, sprinkle the glitter over the surface. Make sure to cover the desired areas evenly. Tend to wear rubber gloves or sprinkle through the cap of the tube so that the particles don’t stick to their fingers.
- Now, press the glitter into the varnish gently using a neat brush or your finger.
- Allow the varnish to dry well. This will seal the glitter and protect it from smudging or flaking off.
Method 4: Use Glitter With Glue or Adhesive
Using glue or adhesive is the best way to add glitter to acrylic painting If you want to create specific glitter patterns or designs on your artwork. Follow the steps below:
- You can select glue such as PVA, gel medium, mod podge, or a spray adhesive.
- Once you’re done painting a surface, apply a thin layer of glue or adhesive onto the areas where you want to add glitter.
- Sprinkle the glitter over the glued areas and make sure to cover them completely.
- Gently tap or shake off any excess glitter.
- Allow the glue or adhesive to dry entirely before touching or sealing the glittered areas.
How To Put Glitter On Canvas Painting?
- To put glitter on a canvas painting, apply a thin layer of clear drying glue or a specialized glitter glue onto the areas where you want the glitter to stick.
- Use a brush or sponge applicator to spread the glue evenly. Then, while the glue is still wet, sprinkle the glitter over the glued areas.
- Then, press the glitter particles into the glue to make sure it adheres properly. Shake off any excess particles and leave the glue to dry.
- Once dry, you can gently tap or brush off any loose glitter and seal the glittered areas with a clear protective sealant or varnish to prevent it from peeling over time.
Will Glitter Stick To Wet Acrylic Paint?
Yes, glitter can stick to wet acrylic paint. Acrylic paint has a relatively quick drying time, but while it is still wet, it can provide a suitable surface for glitter to adhere to.
When the paint is wet, you can sprinkle or apply glitter directly onto it, and as the paint dries, it will help secure the glitter particles in place.
FAQs About Adding Glitter To Acrylic Paint
Will glitter stick to spray paint?
Yes, glitter can stick to spray paint if applied while the paint is wet or tacky. The adhesive nature of spray paint helps the glitter particles cling to the surface.
Can you sprinkle glitter on wet acrylic paint?
Yes, you can sprinkle glitter on wet acrylic paint to attain a sparkly effect. However, it is crucial that the paint is still wet so that the glitter adheres properly.
What can you add to acrylic paint to make it shimmer?
To make acrylic paint shimmer, you can add specialized shimmer mediums, metallic or iridescent paint, or mix in fine mica or pearl powders.
Is glitter bad for acrylic paint?
Glitter itself is not bad for acrylic paint, but excessive amounts or large chunks may affect the paint’s consistency and drying time. Use it sparingly, and consider sealing the glittered surface with a protective coat.
Final Words
So the above strategies on how to add glitter to acrylic paint can really be proved helpful if employed according to the directions provided.
Rest depends on your practice and experimentation. The more you try out new ways, the more you explore adding various effects to your paintings.
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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