If you plan some wood-crafting projects or if you want to woodcraft as a hobby, you probably want to decorate your work of art with the right paint. We made a list of the top ten paints that can be used on a variety of materials, including wood.
What We Have Covered
Top Picks for 2023
Comparison of the top 5 products on our list:
Product Image | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Acrylic Paint Set 24 Colors by Crafts 4 | - Acrylic - 24 Colors - Satin finish - Non toxic - Vibrant Colors | |
 | Artistro Paint Pens for Wood Painting | - Acrylic Markers - 12 Colors - Water-based Ink - Dries Quickly - No odor | |
 | Arteza Outdoor Acrylic Paint | - Acrylic - 20 Colors - Vivid Colors - Outdoor Paint - Non toxic | |
 | Black Map Artistry Black Light Paint | - Neon Acrylic Paint - 6 Colors - Odorless - Water-based | |
 | Krylon KSCS039 Short Cuts Aerosol Spray Paint | - Aerosol Spray Paint - Enamel - 3-Ounce - Elegant and Smooth Finish - Fast-dry |
1. Acrylic Paint Set 24 Colors by Crafts 4
Here we have the highest premium quality raw materials that are specially selected to manufacture an Acrylic Paint Set that was developed for use by artists of all skill levels. The paints are uniquely formulated to bring out the maximum brilliance and color clarity with a consistency that makes mixing and blending easy. It works on most surfaces, so feel free to use it on: stretched canvas, wood, glass, plastic, craft foam, ceramic, blackboard easel, paper, and more!
These non-toxic art supplies produce vivid, rich, and long-lasting colors that dry quickly. You’ll get three bonus paintbrushes with this acrylic paint kit. The kit is ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 (CE) certified. Our vibrant acrylic paints blend, layer, and mix well to produce an array of unlimited shades and hues. Each painting has a wonderful consistency, both fluid and thick, which will retain brush or spatula marks and bring brilliant texture to any work. We are sure that you will love this kit!
2. Artistro Pens for Rock Painting, Stone, Ceramic, Glass, Wood, Canvas
Check out these premium quality Paint Pens with a rather elegant design. Use this vivid, water-based ink that dries quickly to produce a very durable opaque and glossy finish on light and dark surfaces. Their strong point is that they’re multi-purpose. They work on any surface: rocks, stone, metal, pottery, treated smooth wood, plastic, canvas, fabric, paper, card stock, terra-cotta, polymer clay, and more!
Use these acrylic paint pens for drawing, fine line work, and detailed projects. Your DIT’s will look amazing if you decorate them with these paints. Artistro Acrylic paint markers conform to ASTM d-4236 and EN-71 safety standards. They are non-toxic and have no odor. Please keep from direct contact with food. Colors included: Black, white, yellow, blue, green, red, pink, gold, silver, brown, orange, and violet paint pens.
3. Arteza Outdoor Acrylic Paint, Set of 20 Colors/Bottles
Just take a look at the selection of vivid colors! Arteza colors like Electric Yellow, Jungle Green, and Shocking Pink will ignite your imagination. Arteza offers rich, bright pigments. Your premium Outdoor Acrylic Paint Kit features smooth, highly pigmented colors that produce true, consistent shades. You can be confident that these colors won’t fade over time.
Your creativity will not be limited with these scuff-resistant and self-sealing paints. Add an artistic touch to a variety of surfaces. Arteza paints are ACMI-certified safe for your complete peace of mind, so do not worry about toxicity. If you’re not satisfied, you can return the paints for a fast, no-hassle refund or product replacement. But, we bet that you will be more than satisfied with these!
4. Black Map Artistry Black Light Paint – Pack of 6 UV Colors
The Black Map Artistry UV reactive paint set includes six extraordinary colors that you can use to create wonderful designs! Fun, long-lasting, and super easy to use, these blacklight paint jars are a must-have in any crafting or artist’s kit. The set includes 3-4 oz jars of neon paint. The set comes in six colors: neon pink, red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The Black Map Artistry UV reactive paint set is ethically made in the USA following the highest quality standards in the industry.
The fluorescent UV paint is non-toxic, odorless, skin-friendly, as well as ASTMD-4236 certified. There is a comprehensive guide on how to use this neon acrylic paint set. You will get a QR code and a password to Black Map Artistry’s website that will introduce you to the world of acrylic paint with advice on how to make it dishwasher safe or how to transfer it into a squirt bottle. Set your imagination on fire and try out this fabulous set of neon acrylic paints! They are safe, long-lasting, and super easy to use. When you finish your project with them you will love the results!
5. Krylon KSCS039 Short Cuts Aerosol Spray Paint
Krylon Short Cuts Aerosol Paint provides a fast dry finish in a small can that’s perfectly sized for small projects. The product you see is 3OZ Hot Pink Enamel Paint, but you have a selection of colors to choose from. You can get Gloss Iris, Caribbean Green, Forever Blue, Clover Green, or Ripe Peach. This is a high-quality product that offers an elegant and smooth finish. Be dazzled with high gloss. It is great for use on wood, ceramic, metal, glass, bisque, and wicker. The product is manufactured in the United States. We think that you will finish your small projects with these colors easily.
6. Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors
The next on our list is Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint. These colors are ideal for both big and small projects. Create fun and funky crafts with this easy-to-use, high-quality paint. It dries to a matte finish. You can see the Apple Barrel Bright Red acrylic paint, but you can choose colors like Cobalt Blue, Purple Iris, or Fuchsia. It is a must-have product for any crafter to have on hand for base coating, stenciling, and more.
Apple Barrel applies easily on wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, paper mache and so much more. It glides on smoothly and dries quickly. It is for indoor use only. Use this versatile paint with brushes, stamps, stencils, and sponges for an extraordinary finish. Enjoy excellent coverage each time you paint with Apple Barrel Bright Red Acrylic paint. You will finish all your projects easily with this water-based paint.
7. Magicfly 30 Colors Acrylic Set
You get premium quality with Magicfly 30 Colors. These are beautiful, vibrant, thick, and creamy. The paint glides smoothly, blends easily, and dries quickly. Conforms to ASTM D4236 and EN71, safe and non-toxic for you and the environment. Magicfly can be brushed, stamped, or stenciled, and it’s applicable for wood, stone, ceramic, canvas, paper, model.
The package includes 30 colors of acrylic paint (2 fl oz/60ml each) and 3 brushes.
If you make a mess you can remove wet paint with warm water and soap. This acrylic paint is an absolutely amazing choice to bring your project to life!
8. Artistro Metallic Pens for Rock Painting, Stone, Pebbles, Ceramic, Glass, Wood, Fabric
Look at the stunning metallic effect: Artistro metallic paint pens utilize vivid, acrylic ink that dries quickly to produce a very durable opaque and glossy finish on almost all surfaces, including wood. Create your amazing masterpieces on paper, cardstock, rocks, stone, porcelain, plastic, fabric, metal, ceramics, wine glass, and more. Metallic works of art will dazzle you with their shine!
They look great on both dark and light surfaces. Use 0.7mm extra-fine tip for detailing. They are excellent for drawing, fine line work, and detailed projects. You get non-toxic, odorless pens: Metallic paint markers conform to ASTM d-4236. Although non-toxic, do not put paint in contact with food. Enjoy creating your shiny art pieces with this set!
9. Arteza Iridescent Acrylic Paint, Set of 10 Chameleon Colors
If you want to illuminate your paintings, crafts and DIY projects use one of these ten Arteza Iridescent colors. Whether you’re creating a shimmery piece or you’d simply like to accent your paintings, each shade will mesmerize you. The color-shifting properties of the paint result in a beautiful chameleon-like look when viewed from different angles or lighting. You’re not only limited to applying these to wood; you can use them on canvases, rocks, fabrics, and paper.
These quick-drying paints are water-based and allow layering without waiting a long time for everything to dry. You can combine them with a pouring medium and watch your shimmering paints transform into magical pouring acrylics. The high viscosity makes them ideal for a variety of techniques, from thick applications with a palette knife to precise details with a small brush. They’re highly blendable, so you’ll make stunning shades with these!
Read Also: How to Make Wooden Signs with a Router
10. PINTAR Premium Acrylic Paint Pens
And finally, last but not least on our list are PINTAR Premium Acrylic Paint Pens. Here we have highly pigmented acrylic paint ink that dries very quickly. As a result, you get a durable opaque, and glossy finish that stands out on light and dark surfaces. They can be used to add writing, calligraphy, and embellishments to virtually any surface. The acrylic paint pens with pump-action fine tips give you precision and control.
They are easy to use for everything from detailed shading and gradients to drawing fine small lines or small details. Pintar permanent coloring markers are the best choice to work on a variety of surfaces: wood, rock painting, ceramic, leather, plastic, fabric, canvas, stone, glass, metallic, and much more. These acrylic paint sets have a sturdy pen barrel and durable acrylic tips from Japan. Anti-roll design the ink of the pen is acid-free, quick-drying, nontoxic, water and fade resistant for long-lasting effects. You will indubitably create wonderful artwork with these!
Buyer’s Guide
When you decide to paint your project you need to choose the right paint. It all depends on the effect you want to achieve. You can use any of these colors:
Watercolor
Since they are water-soluble, these paints are highly dynamic to work with. You can achieve different effects on your wood project depending on the quantity of water, and the method of its application you use. Watercolors can be found in pans, tubes, liquid, and pencil forms.
Oil
Oil paints dry slowly, and that allows the artist to work gradually. This paint is extremely blendable, and it is easy to create gradations of color.
Oil does not evaporate like water, so you are left with paint that dries solidly.
You can add different mediums to your oil paint: turpentine, stand oil, linseed oil or you can buy an oil paint with an added medium.
Acrylic
Acrylic paints are water-soluble, but they are thicker and more opaque than watercolors. Acrylic paints are water-soluble so they can be thinned with water before use, but they are permanent when they dry. These paints can be runny or they can be thick. There are different mediums that you can add to them: gel medium (Liquid gel or Heavy body), Texture medium, Flow enhancer, and Slow drying medium.
Gouache
This color contains pigment distributed in water, just like watercolors, but it contains chalk or similar white filler that creates opacity.
It dries quickly but can be re-wetted. It is more workable than acrylics and oils. However, be careful because layering can cause a muddy effect.
Check out this video for more info on the difference between these types of paint:
FAQ
Do you need to prime wood before painting with acrylic paint?
You don’t have to, but it’s recommended. Adding a basecoat is a good idea, as well.
What is the drying time of acrylic paint?
It depends on the conditions you’re painting in, (if it’s humid or not) but it’s usually dry to the touch at about 15 – 30 minutes, and fully cured in 6 – 12 hours.
How do you seal acrylic paint on wood?
You seal it with a clear sealer, like a polyacrylic.
How do I use Watercolor on Wood?
It’s important to clean and prime the surface. If you don’t do so, the result will not be satisfying. You will have a colorful, but messy surface.
Should I use hairspray to seal the watercolor?
No, you shouldn’t.
Will gouache stick to wood?
You can paint on wood with gouache since it is a highly absorbent surface.
How do you seal wood gouache?
You can seal it with wax medium or a matte water-based varnish sealer.
How do you seal oil-based paint on wood?
Use a lacquer-type sealer that is designed for an oil-base over the oil finish and then use the lacquer, or use white de-waxed shellac as a sealer coat.
Do these paints dry out overnight if I leave them out?
Only if you leave them open or out on a palette.
Wrap Up
If you plan to paint a project and wood is your preferred material, all you have to do is decide how colorful it should be. Whether you want to spray paint the surface, use a brush or a pen for fine colorful lines, we are sure that you will find what you need in our top ten picks. Have fun being creative!
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