If you’re new to painting with acrylics, you may have noticed that brush marks can be a frustrating problem. Many people ask:
Why does acrylic paint leave brush strokes?
How can you get a smooth finish with acrylics?
Why does my acrylic paint leave brush strokes?
Acrylic paint can leave brush strokes for several reasons. One common cause is using the wrong type of brush. Natural hair brushes can absorb the paint, causing uneven distribution and visible brush strokes.
Using too much pressure or applying too much paint at once can also create brush marks. Additionally, acrylic paint dries quickly, which can make it difficult to blend and smooth out brush strokes.
How do I get a smooth finish with acrylic paint?
To get a smooth finish with acrylic paint, follow these tips:
Choose the right brushes
Synthetic taklon paintbrushes are ideal for acrylics because they don’t absorb the paint like natural hair brushes do. Choose a brush with a flat or filbert shape, which will help you create smooth, even strokes.
Also using a large mop brush in gentle circular motions can create great transitions between colors.
Thin your paints
Acrylic paint can be thinned with water or flow improver to create a smoother consistency. Thinning your paint will help it spread more easily and prevent brush marks.
Be careful not to thin your paint too much, as this can cause it to become transparent or streaky. It takes a bit of experimenting to find the right smooth consistency.
Work in layers
One of the main causes of brush marks and patchiness is applying too much paint at once. Instead, work in thin layers and allow each layer to dry before adding another.
This will help you build up your painting gradually and avoid brush marks. This will create a vibrant and seamless blend in your finished piece.
Use an acrylic medium
Acrylic paint dries quickly, which can make it difficult to blend and smooth out brush marks. Using a medium designed to slow down the drying time of your paint, gives you more time to blend.
Primed Surfaces
Priming your painting surface is key to smooth looking acrylics and helps paint from soaking in unevenly. You can easily prime your chosen surface at home using acrylic gesso or save time by purchasing pre-primed canvases, panels and papers. Both options give you a surface that’s ready for smooth layers.
What to do when brush marks appear
If you do end up with thick brush marks, you can sand them down between layers. Use a 400 or 600 fine-grit sandpaper and gently sand the surface of your painting to smooth out any bumps or ridges.
Make sure the paint is fully dry before doing so. Be careful not to sand too hard or you may damage the underlying layers. You just need to lightly buff away until you can’t see or feel the texture of built up paint.
Painting with acrylics is a versatile medium that can produce great results with a little practice and the right techniques. By following the tips and tricks listed in this post, you can achieve a smooth even finish in your acrylic paintings without any brush marks.
Shop the supplies
Paintbrushes: Taklon Paintbrush Set • Mop Brush • Filbert Brush
Acrylic Mediums: Gesso • Flow Improver • Slow-Dri Fluid
Primed Surfaces: Canvas Panels • Canvas Pad • Primed Linen
