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Acrylic paint with glitter already mixed in is the tidy way to add sparkle to crafts. Instead of shaking loose glitter over wet glue and finding it on your floor for months, you brush the shimmer on like any other paint. The best glitter acrylic paints suspend the flakes evenly so every brushload carries sparkle, dry with the glitter locked in, and come in a base that either shows the color beneath (clear-base glitter) or adds its own color (tinted glitter).
That base difference matters more than the brand. A clear glitter glaze over painted wood gives a delicate, frosted sparkle; a tinted galaxy glitter gives bold color and shimmer in one coat. Below we compare six options across both styles, plus an iridescent alternative, and explain how to get even coverage without bald patches.
Quick answer: The DecoArt Craft Twinkles 9-bottle set is the best acrylic paint with glitter for most crafters, with nine classic glitter colors in 2 oz bottles that brush on smoothly and layer for more coverage. For bolder, chunkier sparkle in colored bases, FolkArt Extreme Glitter’s 10-bottle set is the pick. If you want one large bottle of all-purpose sparkle to brush over anything, FolkArt’s 8 oz Hologram glitter paint is the most economical.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- DecoArt Craft Twinkles, 9 x 2 oz — Best overall glitter acrylic set
- FolkArt Extreme Glitter, 10 x 2 oz — Best for bold, heavy sparkle
- DecoArt Galaxy Glitter, 9 x 2 oz — Best multicolor cosmic glitter
- FolkArt Glitter Paint, Hologram 8 oz — Best single bottle for glitter overcoats
- AUREUO Galaxy Glitter, 8 x 21ml — Best for canvas, nail art and small accents
- Nicpro Iridescent Acrylic, 12 x 1 oz — Best glitter-free shimmer alternative
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DecoArt Craft Twinkles | Holiday and kids’ crafts | 9 x 2 oz classic glitter colors | Smooth coats that layer | $$ |
| FolkArt Extreme Glitter | Bold sparkle | 10 x 2 oz incl. hologram | Heavy glitter load, made in USA | $$ |
| DecoArt Galaxy Glitter | Multicolor sparkle | 9 x 2 oz brush-on glitter | Fan-brush application guidance | $$ |
| FolkArt Glitter, Hologram | Glitter over any color | 8 oz single bottle | Ultra-fine glitter, mess-free | $ |
| AUREUO Galaxy Glitter | Canvas, nails, accents | 8 x 21ml, extra-large flakes | High opacity and shine | $ |
| Nicpro Iridescent | Shimmer without glitter | 12 x 1 oz chameleon colors | Color-shift pearl finish | $ |
How We Chose
We compared Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026: color list, bottle size, glitter type (fine, chunky, holographic), base (clear or tinted), stated surfaces, application guidance and safety labels. We also considered how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. We have not painted with these products, so sparkle and coverage are described as the listings present them.
- Even glitter suspension in the paint
- Clear versus tinted base
- Glitter size: ultra-fine to extra-large flakes
- Surface range for crafts
- Volume relative to typical projects
Types of Glitter Acrylic Paint
Clear-base glitter
Glitter suspended in a clear or translucent medium. You paint it over a base color to add sparkle without changing the hue much. FolkArt’s Hologram glitter paint is a classic example.
Tinted glitter
Glitter in a colored acrylic base, so one product gives color and sparkle. Most sets here, including Craft Twinkles and Extreme Glitter, fall into this group, though coverage often builds over several coats.
Fine versus chunky glitter
Ultra-fine glitter creates a smooth, frosted shimmer. Chunky or extra-large flakes, like AUREUO’s, catch light dramatically but can look patchy if applied thinly.
Iridescent and pearlescent paint
These contain mica-style pigments rather than glitter flakes. They shimmer and shift color but stay smooth. They are an option when you want shine without texture.
Best Acrylic Paint With Glitter Reviewed
1. DecoArt Craft Twinkles Glitter Acrylic Paint Set, 9 x 2 oz — Best Overall
Craft Twinkles is DecoArt’s everyday glitter line, and this set covers the classics: Christmas Red, Sparkling Pink, Gold, Champagne, Christmas Green, Galaxy Blue, Crystal, Silver and Black. That mix of colored glitters plus Crystal (a clear-style sparkle) makes it versatile for holidays, birthdays and kids’ projects.
The listing describes smooth, even coats on wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, glass, ceramics and more, with extra coats building coverage or layering over other colors. It is water-based with soap-and-water cleanup and made in the USA, and it is the most widely reviewed glitter set in this guide.
Best suited for: Holiday ornaments, kids’ crafts, party decorations and gift wrapping accents.
Key features:
- 9 glitter colors, 2 oz each
- Includes Crystal, Gold, Silver and Black
- Brush on, layer for coverage
- Water-based, made in USA
Pros:
- Versatile palette with holiday staples
- Wide surface list including glass and ceramics
- Large buyer base
Cons/limitations:
- May need several coats for full opacity
- Glitter texture shows under clear sealers
Buying consideration: Base coat with a matching solid acrylic first so fewer glitter coats are needed.
2. FolkArt Extreme Glitter Acrylic Craft Paint Set, 10 x 2 oz — Best for Bold, Heavy Sparkle
As the name suggests, Extreme Glitter is about maximum sparkle. The set includes ten 2 oz bottles in colors such as red, turquoise, purple, black and hologram, and the listing describes a brilliant glittery finish when dry.
Surfaces include wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam and papier-mache. Cleanup is soap and water while wet, and FolkArt states the kit is made in the USA.
Best suited for: Costume props, cheer signs, party decor and anything meant to be seen from across a room.
Key features:
- 10 glitter colors, 2 oz each
- Glittery finish
- Includes hologram and black glitter
- Made in USA
Pros:
- High glitter impact
- Ten colors
- Trusted craft brand
Cons/limitations:
- Highest tier among sets here
- Heavy glitter can feel rough
Buying consideration: Use a stiffer brush and dab rather than stroke to deposit more glitter per coat.
3. DecoArt Galaxy Glitter Acrylic Paint Set, 9 x 2 oz — Best Multicolor Cosmic Glitter
Galaxy Glitter is DecoArt’s brush-on multicolor glitter, formulated with mixed glitter particles for an out-of-this-world shimmer on crafts and home decor accents. The listing gives practical directions: apply with a fan brush for solid coverage, let dry and add a second coat, and use a liner brush for fine detail and line work.
It is water-based with soap-and-water cleanup and made in the USA.
Best suited for: Home decor accents, celestial themes and statement crafts.
Key features:
- 9 bottles, 2 oz each
- Multicolor brush-on glitter
- Fan-brush and liner-brush guidance
Pros:
- Distinctive multicolor sparkle
- Clear application instructions
Cons/limitations:
- Smaller buyer base than Craft Twinkles
- Needs two coats for solid coverage
Buying consideration: Keep a fan brush just for glitter; flakes linger in bristles.
4. FolkArt Glitter Paint, Hologram, 8 oz — Best Single Bottle for Glitter Overcoats
If you mainly want to add sparkle over colors you already own, a single large bottle of clear-style glitter is the most economical choice. This 8 oz FolkArt Hologram glitter paint is described as heavily loaded with ultra-fine glitter, adhering to most surfaces and making glitter application mess-free.
It cleans up with soap and water while wet and dries to a gloss finish.
Best suited for: Adding shimmer over painted ornaments, signs, frames and canvases.
Key features:
- 8 oz bottle
- Ultra-fine holographic glitter
- Gloss finish
Pros:
- Lowest price tier
- Works over any base color
- Large volume
Cons/limitations:
- Single effect
- Not opaque on its own
Buying consideration: Brush a thin coat over dry paint, let it dry, then add another for more sparkle.
5. AUREUO Galaxy Glitter Acrylic Paint Set, 8 x 21ml — Best for Canvas, Nail Art and Accents
AUREUO’s set offers eight cosmic glitter colors with names like Celestial Blush, Cosmic Rose, Solar Flare, Graviton Gold, Stardust Silver and Sky Trail. The listing highlights extra-large glitter flakes with strong pigmentation for maximum shine and opacity, a lightfast formula and glitter that stays suspended for even application.
Suggested uses include space paintings, nail art, holiday decorations, fantasy crafts, palette knife textures and splattering. It conforms to EN71 and ASTM D-4236.
Best suited for: Galaxy canvases, small accents and mixed media.
Key features:
- 8 glitter colors, 21ml each
- Extra-large flakes
- Gloss finish, crack resistant
Pros:
- Strong opacity for glitter paint
- Works with knife and splatter techniques
Cons/limitations:
- Small volume
- Large flakes are less suited to fine lines
Buying consideration: Use as accents over a dark galaxy background for the most dramatic effect.
6. Nicpro 12 Colors Iridescent Acrylic Paint Set — Best Glitter-Free Shimmer Alternative
Not every project wants gritty texture. Nicpro’s iridescent set offers 12 chameleon colors in 1 oz bottles with a metallic pearl finish that shifts under different light and angles. The listing describes a smooth formula that applies with brushes, sponges or knives and dries to a glossy iridescent finish.
It lists canvas, rocks, wood, paper, glass, ceramic, stone, ornaments and fabric decoration, and conforms to ASTM D-4236 and EN71.
Best suited for: Smooth shimmer on ornaments, fantasy art and rock painting.
Key features:
- 12 iridescent colors, 1 oz each
- Color-shift pearl finish
- Smooth, glossy result
Pros:
- Shimmer without texture
- Low price tier
Cons/limitations:
- Not true glitter
- Effect is subtler on light backgrounds
Buying consideration: Iridescent paint shines best over a black or dark base.
How to Get Even Coverage With Glitter Paint
Start with a matching base coat
Glitter paints are often sheer. A solid base in a similar color prevents bald spots and cuts the number of glitter coats needed.
Stir, do not shake
Glitter settles. Stir gently with a stick to redistribute flakes without creating bubbles.
Dab instead of brush
Stroking a brush can drag glitter to the edges. Dabbing or stippling deposits flakes more evenly. A fan brush, as DecoArt suggests, helps on larger areas.
Build in thin coats
Let each coat dry before adding the next. Thick coats can cloud or crack.
Seal for smoothness and durability
A clear gloss varnish or glaze over dry glitter paint traps loose flakes and smooths the texture. Several coats create a glass-like finish.
Glitter Paint Projects and Which Paint to Use
Christmas ornaments
Wooden, plastic and papier-mache ornaments take glitter paint beautifully. Base coat in a solid red, green or white, then add DecoArt Craft Twinkles in a matching shade. For clear glass ornaments, a light coat of Crystal or FolkArt Hologram inside or outside gives a frosted look. Seal with gloss varnish so the glitter does not shed onto your tree.
Galaxy and night-sky canvases
Paint a dark blended background of navy, purple and black first. Once dry, dab AUREUO’s extra-large flake glitters or DecoArt Galaxy Glitter in swirls to suggest nebulae, then splatter white for stars. The glitter reads strongly against dark grounds.
Party signs and cheer posters
For signs that need to be seen across a gym or stadium, FolkArt Extreme Glitter’s heavy load is the right tool. Outline letters in solid paint, fill with glitter, and let each coat dry before adding another.
Wine glasses and vases
Glitter on glass looks great on stems and bases. Keep paint away from rims, clean the glass with rubbing alcohol first, and hand-wash only. Craft Twinkles lists glass among its surfaces.
Kids’ crafts
Glitter paint keeps the sparkle in the paint rather than on the carpet, which makes it far easier for classroom and family projects than loose glitter. Choose water-based sets with soap-and-water cleanup, and supervise younger children.
Picture frames and jewelry boxes
A glitter overcoat on just the inner edge or carved details of a frame adds a refined sparkle. FolkArt’s 8 oz Hologram bottle is economical for repeat projects.
Sealing Glitter Paint for a Smooth, Durable Finish
Unsealed glitter paint has a sandpaper-like texture and can shed flakes over time. A clear finish solves both problems. Brush on a water-based gloss varnish or a thick gloss glaze once the glitter is completely dry. One coat locks in the flakes; three or more coats bury them for a smooth, glass-like surface. Matte varnish will dull the sparkle noticeably, so stick with gloss. Allow each coat to dry fully to avoid cloudiness.
Glitter Paint vs Loose Glitter vs Glitter Spray
Glitter paint is the cleanest option and the easiest to control: the flakes are already suspended in a binder, so they go exactly where your brush goes. Coverage builds gradually, which is ideal for gradients and accents.
Loose glitter over glue or wet paint gives the densest, most opaque sparkle, which is why it is still popular for cards and signs. The trade-off is mess and shedding unless you seal heavily.
Glitter spray covers large or textured objects quickly, such as wreaths and pine cones, but offers little control and needs ventilation. For detailed craft work and kids’ projects, glitter acrylic paint is usually the better balance.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Acrylic Paint With Glitter
Clear or tinted
Clear glitter adds sparkle over existing colors. Tinted glitter adds color and sparkle together.
Glitter size
Fine glitter for subtle shimmer and detail; chunky glitter for bold sparkle.
Surface
Check that the paint lists your surface, especially glass, ceramics or fabric.
Quantity
Glitter paints often need multiple coats, so buy more volume than you would for regular acrylic.
Safety
Look for ASTM D-4236 or EN71 labeling for family crafts. Craft glitter paint is not for skin or food-contact surfaces.
Finish plans
If you plan to seal, choose a gloss varnish to keep sparkle strong.
Prefer to Mix Your Own?
If you already have loose glitter and acrylic, our guide on whether you can mix glitter with acrylic paint covers ratios, mediums and when premixed glitter paint is the better choice. For a project to try, browse our simple acrylic painting ideas and add a glitter accent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Painting glitter directly on raw wood without a base coat.
- Shaking bottles and creating bubbles instead of stirring.
- Expecting one coat of sheer glitter to cover fully.
- Sealing with matte varnish and dulling the sparkle.
- Using the same brush for glitter and fine detail work.
- Using craft glitter paint on skin or food-contact areas.
FAQs
What is the best glitter acrylic paint for crafts?
DecoArt Craft Twinkles is our top pick for versatile, smooth glitter coats in classic colors. FolkArt Extreme Glitter is best for heavy sparkle.
Does glitter paint need a base coat?
Usually, yes. A base coat in a similar color prevents patchiness and reduces the number of glitter coats.
How do I make glitter paint smooth?
Seal it with several coats of clear gloss varnish or glaze once dry. This fills in the texture around the flakes.
Can I use glitter acrylic on glass?
Some, like DecoArt Craft Twinkles, list glass. Clean the glass first and handle painted items gently.
Is iridescent paint the same as glitter paint?
No. Iridescent paint uses mica-like pigments for a smooth shimmer, while glitter paint contains visible flakes.
Can I mix glitter into regular acrylic paint?
Yes, with a medium to help suspend it, but premixed glitter paints usually give more even results.
Final Recommendation
For most crafters, DecoArt Craft Twinkles is the best acrylic paint with glitter. Pick FolkArt Extreme Glitter for maximum sparkle, DecoArt Galaxy Glitter for multicolor shimmer, and FolkArt’s 8 oz Hologram bottle as an economical overcoat. AUREUO’s galaxy set suits canvas accents and nail art, while Nicpro’s iridescent paints are the choice when you want shine without glitter texture.
