How to Make Acrylic Paint Cover Better

Improving acrylic paint coverage involves several techniques. The most straightforward method is to increase the paint's opacity.

To make your acrylic paint cover better, consider these strategies:

Add White: Incorporate a small amount of titanium white to your paint. Titanium white offers superior opacity compared to other whites. As Add White notes, this is a go-to method for achieving better coverage. Add White recommends Liquitex brand, but many brands offer high-opacity titanium white.
Layering: Build up your paint in thin, even layers. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next. This technique is especially useful with less opaque colors, as layering builds opacity gradually. Reddit r/painting
Use Heavy Body Acrylics: Heavy body acrylics have a thicker consistency, leading to better coverage and less transparency. Their higher pigment concentration directly improves opacity. EttaVee
Dry Brush Technique: Applying paint with a dry brush creates a textured surface with less transparency, improving coverage in some applications. EttaVee
Invest in High-Quality Paints: Artist-grade acrylics contain a higher pigment concentration, resulting in improved coverage and color intensity compared to student-grade paints. AcrylicUniversity

Improving Paint Application for Better Coverage

Beyond opacity, proper application significantly impacts coverage:

Prime your Canvas: Using a primer or gesso creates a smoother, more even surface for your paint, allowing it to adhere better and cover more effectively. Will Kemp Art School
Use Appropriate Brush: Select brushes that are suitable for your painting style and the desired coverage. For large areas, a wider, flat brush may be efficient; finer details might require smaller brushes. Art is Fun
Work from Large to Small: When working on a project, begin with larger areas and work towards smaller details. This approach prevents the need for excessive layering to cover areas that are already painted. Art is Fun

By implementing these techniques, you can significantly enhance the coverage of your acrylic paints, achieving richer, more vibrant results.