Quick answer: In the DecoArt vs Craft Smart acrylic paint comparison, Craft Smart usually wins on price and convenience for Michaels shoppers, while DecoArt wins on range and specialization. Craft Smart is a budget craft acrylic sold mainly at Michaels and suits kids’ projects, bulk crafting, and practice. DecoArt offers several distinct lines, including Americana, Crafter’s Acrylic, outdoor, multi-surface, metallic, and an artist-oriented Media line, so it covers more surfaces and finishes. Choose Craft Smart for low-cost everyday crafting and DecoArt when you need a specific finish, surface, or color match.
Both brands sit side by side in many craft aisles, both sell 2 oz bottles of matte acrylic, and both cost less than a fancy coffee. So why does the choice between them matter? Because “DecoArt” is not one paint. It is a company with multiple lines aimed at different jobs, while Craft Smart is a single store-brand range built around value. Comparing them fairly means matching the right DecoArt line to the right task.
This guide compares DecoArt and Craft Smart acrylic paint by brand structure, coverage, finish, surfaces, color range, price, and availability, then recommends which to use for common projects. It does not declare a universal winner, because the better paint depends on what you are painting.
Brand Overview
DecoArt
DecoArt is a US paint manufacturer based in Kentucky that produces a wide family of craft and art paints. Its best-known line is Americana Acrylics, a 2 oz bottled craft acrylic with a large catalog of colors. DecoArt also makes Crafter’s Acrylic (a value line), Americana Multi-Surface (satin paint for glass, ceramic, metal, and more), outdoor paints, chalky-finish paints, metallics, and the DecoArt Media line aimed at mixed-media and fine-art use.
Craft Smart
Craft Smart is the private-label craft brand of Michaels. Its acrylic paint comes primarily in 2 oz bottles with a matte finish, plus some metallic, glitter, and specialty variations over time. It is designed as an affordable, widely available everyday craft paint. For a deeper look at the brand on its own, see our guide to Craft Smart acrylic paint, which covers its color range, finishes, and best uses.
DecoArt vs Craft Smart Acrylic Paint: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Craft Smart acrylic | DecoArt (Americana / Crafter’s Acrylic) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand type | Michaels store brand | Independent manufacturer with multiple lines |
| Main sizes | 2 oz bottles; some larger sizes and sets | 2 oz bottles; 8 oz and larger in some lines |
| Finish | Matte | Matte (Americana, Crafter’s); satin and other finishes in specialty lines |
| Color range | Broad craft palette | Very large in Americana; smaller in Crafter’s Acrylic |
| Specialty lines | Limited (metallic, glitter, some outdoor or premium variations depending on time) | Extensive (multi-surface, outdoor, chalky, metallic, media, fabric) |
| Coverage | Good on darks; lighter colors may need multiple coats | Americana generally regarded as solid coverage for craft paint; Crafter’s similar to other value paints |
| Price | Typically among the lowest per bottle, especially with store sales | Americana moderate for craft paint; Crafter’s Acrylic budget-friendly |
| Availability | Mainly Michaels (in store and online) | Many craft stores, big-box retailers, and online |
| Best for | Kids’ crafts, bulk projects, practice | Decor, specific finishes, color matching, multi-surface projects |
Coverage and Opacity
Both brands are craft acrylics, so neither matches the pigment load of artist paint. Coverage depends heavily on the specific color. Darks and earth tones often cover in one or two coats, while whites, yellows, and pastels can need two or three.
Americana is widely used for decorative painting and is formulated to give dependable coverage on wood and other craft surfaces. Craft Smart covers adequately for most crafts, though some lighter shades may need an extra coat. DecoArt’s Crafter’s Acrylic, as a value line, behaves more like other budget craft paints.
A practical tip for either brand: prime with white gesso or a light base coat before applying light colors. That reduces the number of coats more than switching brands usually does.
Finish and Feel
Craft Smart and DecoArt Americana both dry to a matte finish. Matte surfaces hide brushstrokes and glare but can show scuffs and fingerprints on handled items. For a satin or gloss look, apply a varnish or sealer of your choice.
DecoArt has an advantage when you need a specific finish without varnishing. Its multi-surface line dries satin, its chalky-finish line gives a velvety matte suited to furniture, and its metallic lines add shine. Craft Smart has fewer specialty finishes.
Consistency and Handling
Both paints are creamy and fluid compared to tube paint. They level well for basecoating and are easy to use with sponges and stencils. Neither holds heavy texture on its own.
For decorative painting techniques such as stroke work, floating, and side-loading, Americana is a common choice among decorative painters because of its consistent flow and wide color range. Craft Smart works for these techniques too, though fewer pattern packets and tutorials specify its colors.
Surfaces and Specialty Uses
| Surface or use | Craft Smart | DecoArt |
|---|---|---|
| Wood and MDF | Good | Good (Americana, Crafter’s) |
| Canvas and paper | Good for practice | Good; Media line for more artistic work |
| Glass and ceramic | Limited without primer | Multi-surface line formulated for these surfaces |
| Outdoor projects | Requires sealing; outdoor-specific options vary | Dedicated outdoor paint lines available |
| Fabric | With textile medium | With fabric medium or fabric-specific lines |
| Furniture | Possible with sealing | Chalky-finish line designed for furniture |
| Acrylic pouring | Budget practice | Budget practice with Crafter’s; Media fluid acrylics for stronger color |
Color Range and Matching
Craft Smart offers a broad craft palette that covers most everyday needs. DecoArt Americana’s catalog is one of the larger craft-paint ranges available, which matters when you need a precise shade for a pattern or a seasonal decor theme.
Many decorative painting patterns and online tutorials list Americana color names. If you follow those patterns, using the specified paint makes matching easier. With Craft Smart, you may need to find a close equivalent or mix your own.
Price and Value
Craft Smart is usually the cheaper option per bottle, especially during frequent Michaels sales and coupon promotions. It is a strong value for classrooms, parties, and large projects where many bottles are needed.
DecoArt Americana usually costs somewhat more per bottle than store brands but remains affordable compared with artist paints. Crafter’s Acrylic narrows the price gap and is often sold in larger bottles that suit bulk use.
Value also depends on coverage. If a cheaper paint needs an extra coat for light colors, the effective cost per project can be similar. Testing a single bottle of each in your most-used colors is the best way to judge.
Availability
Craft Smart is primarily sold through Michaels, in stores and online. If you do not have a Michaels nearby, it may be harder to find.
DecoArt products are sold through many craft stores, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces, making them easier to find across the US. Specialty DecoArt lines may be stocked more selectively.
Lightfastness and Longevity
Lightfastness describes how well a color resists fading under light. Artist paints often carry ASTM or similar ratings on the label. Craft acrylics, including most Craft Smart and DecoArt Americana colors, generally do not publish detailed lightfastness ratings in the same way. That does not mean they fade quickly, but it does mean you cannot rely on a standard rating to predict how they will age.
For decor that will live indoors away from strong sun, this is rarely a problem. For pieces placed near bright windows or outdoors, a UV-resistant varnish helps, and DecoArt’s outdoor-specific paints are a better starting point than general craft paint. If longevity matters, such as for commissioned or sold artwork, step up to an artist line with published pigment and lightfastness information. DecoArt’s Media line is one option within the same company that provides more artist-oriented information.
Run Your Own Side-by-Side Swatch Test
Because coverage and color vary by shade, the most reliable comparison is one you run with the colors you actually use. A simple test takes about an hour:
- Buy one bottle each of a white, a yellow, and a dark color from both brands.
- On a piece of primed board, draw a thick black marker line across the middle.
- Paint one stripe of each color across the line, one coat only, and label it.
- Let it dry, then add a second coat to half of each stripe.
- Compare how well each color hides the black line after one and two coats, and note the finish and any streaking.
- Optionally, place half the board in a sunny window for a few months and cover the other half to compare fading.
This kind of test tells you more about your projects than any general ranking, and the board becomes a handy reference when restocking.
Pros and Cons
Craft Smart
- Pros: Very affordable, broad everyday color range, easy to buy in bulk at Michaels, fine for kids and practice.
- Cons: Limited availability outside Michaels, fewer specialty finishes, lighter colors may need extra coats.
DecoArt
- Pros: Many specialized lines, large color catalog in Americana, widely available, used in many decorative patterns.
- Cons: Americana costs more than store brands, line variety can be confusing, specialty lines can be pricier.
Which Should You Choose?
| Project | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kids’ crafts and classrooms | Craft Smart | Low cost and easy bulk buying. |
| Decorative painting patterns | DecoArt Americana | Many patterns specify Americana colors. |
| Glass, ceramic, or metal decor | DecoArt Multi-Surface | Formulated for non-porous surfaces. |
| Outdoor garden decor | DecoArt outdoor line | Designed for exterior exposure. |
| Painted furniture | DecoArt chalky-finish line | Made for furniture finishes. |
| Practice and experimenting | Craft Smart | Budget-friendly for frequent use. |
| Rock painting | Either, with sealer | Both work with proper sealing. |
How DecoArt Compares Within Its Own Lines
Since DecoArt has several lines, it helps to know which one you are comparing against Craft Smart. Americana is the most direct comparison: both are 2 oz matte craft acrylics. Crafter’s Acrylic compares on price and is often sold in larger bottles. Multi-surface, outdoor, chalky, and Media lines do not have close Craft Smart equivalents, so they are better compared with other specialty paints.
If your main question is how Craft Smart compares with Americana specifically, our Craft Smart vs Americana acrylic showdown focuses on that head-to-head.
Tips for Getting Good Results With Either Brand
- Shake bottles well before use; pigment can settle.
- Prime light colors with white gesso.
- Apply thin coats and let each dry 20 to 30 minutes.
- Seal handled or outdoor items with a compatible varnish.
- Swatch colors before starting, since acrylics darken slightly as they dry.
- Store bottles upright in a cool, dry place.
One more habit helps when combining brands on a single project: mix a small swatch of each paint side by side before committing. Two “matching” colors from different brands can look identical wet and noticeably different once dry, especially in pale shades. A two-minute test prevents uneven patches on a finished piece.
FAQs
Is DecoArt better than Craft Smart?
It depends on the project. DecoArt offers more specialized lines and a larger color range, while Craft Smart is usually cheaper and fine for everyday crafts. Neither is universally better.
Can you mix DecoArt and Craft Smart paint?
Yes. Both are water-based acrylics and can be mixed. Test the mix first, since finishes and pigment loads may differ slightly.
Is Craft Smart acrylic paint good for canvas?
Craft Smart works on primed canvas for practice and casual pieces. For artwork meant to last, paints with published lightfastness ratings are a safer choice.
Which brand is better for outdoor projects?
DecoArt has dedicated outdoor paint lines designed for exterior exposure. Craft Smart can be used outdoors if sealed, but outdoor-specific options are more limited.
Are DecoArt and Craft Smart paints non-toxic?
Both brands label their craft acrylics as non-toxic for normal use. That does not make them food-safe, so avoid using them on surfaces that touch food.
Where can you buy Craft Smart acrylic paint?
Craft Smart is sold mainly through Michaels stores and the Michaels website.
Final Thoughts
Craft Smart is a strong budget pick for everyday crafting, classrooms, and practice, while DecoArt shines when you need specific finishes, surfaces, or exact color matches. Pick based on the project rather than brand loyalty, and keep a few bottles of each if you craft often. To see which colors, sets, and finishes are worth buying from Michaels’ house brand, read our full breakdown of Craft Smart paint colors and best uses.
