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When crafters ask about the best paint mediums for painting crafts, they usually mean one of two things: which type of paint to use on wood, rocks, terra cotta and paper mache, or which additive to mix into paint to change its finish. This page answers both, but the short version is simple.
For almost every craft surface, water-based acrylic is the right medium. It sticks to porous surfaces, dries fast, cleans up with soap and water while wet and becomes water-resistant once cured. The choice that actually changes your results is the grade of acrylic and its finish: matte, satin or gloss.
Below we compare seven acrylic sets available on Amazon, from 2 oz craft bottles to artist tubes and bulk pump-size bottles, and explain where additive mediums and varnish fit in.
Quick answer: For most craft projects, the Apple Barrel Essentials 12-Color Set is the practical start: 2 oz bottles, a satin finish and multi-surface use at a low cost. For a matte, chalky look on wood signs and decor, choose the Apple Barrel Vibrant Spectrum 16-Color Matte Set. If you paint canvas crafts and want better pigment, step up to Liquitex BASICS.
Paint Medium vs. Acrylic Medium: Clearing Up the Term
In art language a medium is the material you paint with: acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache. Acrylic is the dominant craft medium because it works on nearly every surface a crafter touches, from wood and MDF to rocks, ceramics before glazing, fabric with a textile additive, and paper.
There is also a second meaning. Acrylic mediums are clear additives such as gloss medium, matte medium, glazing medium, retarder and pouring medium. They thin paint, extend drying time, change sheen or add texture without changing color. They are useful, but for most craft projects you get further by choosing the right paint finish and sealing the piece afterward.
None of the Amazon listings we checked for this page were standalone additive mediums, so the picks below are acrylic paint sets. We cover how and when to use additives in the buying guide.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set (12 x 2 oz) — Best overall for everyday crafts
- Apple Barrel Vibrant Spectrum Matte Set (16 x 2 oz) — Best matte craft paint
- Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set (6 x 22 ml) — Best step-up for canvas crafts
- Nicpro 14-Color Bulk Acrylic Paint Set (500 ml) — Best bulk set for big projects
- Shuttle Art 15-Color Acrylic Set with Brushes — Best low-cost tube set for beginners
- Kolor Kingdom 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set — Best color range in small tubes
- FolkArt Acrylic Paint, Coffee Latte (2 oz) — Best single color for basecoats and stenciling
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set (12 x 2 oz) | overall for everyday crafts | 12 x 2 oz bottles, satin finish | Multi-surface, soap-and-water cleanup | $ |
| Apple Barrel Vibrant Spectrum Matte Set (16 x 2 oz) | matte craft paint | 16 x 2 oz bottles, matte finish | Bright colors, flat finish | $$ |
| Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set (6 x 22 ml) | step-up for canvas crafts | 6 x 22 ml tubes, primary colors | Same pigment approach as Liquitex pro line, per listing | $ |
| Nicpro 14-Color Bulk Acrylic Paint Set (500 ml) | bulk set for big projects | 14 x 500 ml (16.9 oz) bottles, gloss | Large volumes for murals and classes | $$ |
| Shuttle Art 15-Color Acrylic Set with Brushes | low-cost tube set for beginners | 15 x 12 ml tubes + 3 brushes, matte | Thick pigment, tubes for mixing | $ |
| Kolor Kingdom 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set | color range in small tubes | 24 x 12 ml tubes + 3 brushes, gloss | Wide palette, ASTM D-4236 | $ |
| FolkArt Acrylic Paint, Coffee Latte (2 oz) | single color for basecoats and stenciling | 2 oz bottle, matte | Creamy basecoat neutral | $ |
How We Chose
We did not paint with these products. Picks are based on the Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, how well each set’s format, finish and volume suit common craft surfaces, and how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers.
- Suitability for porous craft surfaces such as wood, terra cotta and rock
- Finish: matte, satin or gloss
- Volume per color versus project size
- Craft-grade versus student artist-grade pigment
- Non-toxic labeling for group and family use
- Cleanup and handling
Best Paint Mediums for Painting Crafts Reviewed
1. Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set (12 x 2 oz) — Best overall for everyday crafts
Apple Barrel is the default craft acrylic in many classrooms and craft rooms because it is cheap, widely available and easy to use. This set gives you 12 bottles of 2 oz paint, 24 fluid ounces in total, drying to a satin finish.
The listing names terra cotta, paper mache, canvas, wood and plaster among suitable surfaces. It is non-toxic and water-based, so clean brushes with soap and water while the paint is still wet.
Best suited for: General crafting, kids’ projects, home decor and anyone who paints a little bit of everything.
Key features:
- Twelve 2 oz bottles
- Satin finish
- Water-based and non-toxic
- Multi-surface: wood, terra cotta, canvas, paper mache, plaster
Pros:
- Very low cost per ounce
- Squeeze bottles are easy for kids
- Satin finish looks finished without varnish on indoor pieces
Cons / limitations:
- Lower pigment load than artist paint, so lighter colors may need extra coats
- Satin may not suit a flat chalk-style look
- Outdoor projects still need a sealer
Buying consideration: Craft acrylic is thinner than artist acrylic; two or three coats are normal on dark wood or over primer.
2. Apple Barrel Vibrant Spectrum Matte Set (16 x 2 oz) — Best matte craft paint
If you want the flat, slightly chalky look common on painted wood signs, rustic decor and paper mache, matte paint is the right finish. This 16-bottle collection focuses on bold, bright colors in 2 oz bottles.
The listing names wood, Styrofoam, plaster and terra cotta, and notes that the paint is made in the USA. Matte finishes also hide brush strokes and surface flaws better than gloss.
Best suited for: Wood signs, seasonal decor, Styrofoam and terra cotta crafts.
Key features:
- Sixteen 2 oz bottles
- Matte finish
- Bright, saturated palette
- Made in the USA per the listing
Pros:
- Matte finish hides texture and brush marks
- More colors than the Essentials set
- Easy cleanup while wet
Cons / limitations:
- Matte surfaces mark more easily than satin or gloss
- Bright palette has fewer neutrals
- Needs sealing for outdoor or handled items
Buying consideration: If you plan to varnish, choose a matte or satin varnish to keep the flat look.
3. Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set (6 x 22 ml) — Best step-up for canvas crafts
Liquitex BASICS is a student-grade artist acrylic, which puts it a clear step above craft bottles for color strength and mixing. The listing states that Basics uses the same pigments and manufacturing process as the professional range, comes in a range of opacities and can be adjusted with Liquitex mediums.
This primary set is small at six 22 ml tubes, but primaries let you mix a wide range of colors, which makes it a smart pick for canvas panels, painted gifts and mixed media.
Best suited for: Crafters moving into canvas painting and anyone who wants to learn mixing.
Key features:
- Six 22 ml tubes in primary colors
- Matte finish
- Flexible once dry, adheres to many surfaces
- Compatible with Liquitex additive mediums
Pros:
- Stronger color than typical craft paint
- Primaries teach mixing
- Pairs well with gloss or matte medium
Cons / limitations:
- Small volume for large decor projects
- Fewer ready-made colors
- Higher cost per ounce than craft bottles
Buying consideration: Buy a white separately; mixing tints from primaries uses a lot of white.
4. Nicpro 14-Color Bulk Acrylic Paint Set (500 ml) — Best bulk set for big projects
When you paint large pieces, furniture accents, classroom batches or pouring projects, small bottles run out fast. Nicpro’s set gives you 14 colors at 500 ml each, including white and Mars black.
The listing describes a creamy consistency, fast drying, gloss finish and use on canvas, rock and fabric. Non-toxic certification makes it workable for group settings.
Best suited for: Teachers, mural and furniture crafters, and acrylic pouring hobbyists.
Key features:
- 14 colors, 500 ml (16.9 oz) each
- Gloss finish
- Fast-drying, crack- and fade-resistant per listing
- Multi-surface: canvas, rock, fabric
Pros:
- Huge volume per color
- Includes white and black in bulk
- Good for group use
Cons / limitations:
- Large bottles are heavy to handle for small kids
- Highest upfront cost in this list
- Gloss may not suit matte decor
Buying consideration: Decant into small squeeze bottles for children’s tables to reduce waste.
5. Shuttle Art 15-Color Acrylic Set with Brushes — Best low-cost tube set for beginners
Tubes make color mixing more controlled than bottles, and this set adds three brushes so a beginner can start immediately. The listing describes creamy, vivid laydown, fast drying and a waterproof finish once cured, on canvas, ceramics, wood and more.
At 12 ml per tube it suits small crafts: rocks, ornaments, mini canvases and greeting cards.
Best suited for: Beginners, teens and small craft projects such as rock painting and ornaments.
Key features:
- 15 colors in 12 ml tubes
- 3 brushes included
- Matte finish
- Non-toxic, fade-proof per listing
Pros:
- Very low entry cost
- Tubes are tidier for mixing
- Brushes included
Cons / limitations:
- Small tubes run out on larger surfaces
- Bundled brushes are basic
- Fewer colors than larger sets
Buying consideration: Rock painters should seal finished stones; even waterproof acrylic benefits from varnish outdoors.
6. Kolor Kingdom 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set — Best color range in small tubes
Twenty-four colors means less mixing and more variety for decorative work. The tubes are 12 ml each with three brushes included. The listing mentions ASTM D-4236 conformance and suitability for canvas, paper, wood, fabric, leather, cardboard and more.
It dries to a gloss finish, which suits ornaments, ceramics and pieces you want to look bright and polished.
Best suited for: Crafters who want lots of ready-made colors for small decorative pieces.
Key features:
- 24 colors, 12 ml tubes
- Gloss finish
- 3 brushes
- ASTM D-4236 per listing
Pros:
- Broad color selection
- Gloss finish looks polished
- Low cost per color
Cons / limitations:
- Small tube size
- Gloss can show brush strokes
- Brushes are basic
Buying consideration: If you prefer a flat finish, a matte varnish over the gloss paint will knock down the shine.
7. FolkArt Acrylic Paint, Coffee Latte (2 oz) — Best single color for basecoats and stenciling
Sometimes you only need one color, usually a neutral for basecoating. FolkArt describes its acrylic as rich and creamy, good for basecoating and stenciling, with a matte finish on wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam and paper mache.
Coffee Latte is a soft warm neutral that works under farmhouse-style decor and as a background for stencils. Buying single bottles lets you fill gaps in a set.
Best suited for: Basecoating wood, stenciling and refilling a favorite neutral.
Key features:
- Single 2 oz bottle
- Matte finish
- Made in the USA per listing
- Soap-and-water cleanup
Pros:
- Very cheap single color
- Good basecoat consistency
- Huge FolkArt color range to add to
Cons / limitations:
- One color only
- Matte finish needs sealing on handled items
- Small bottle for large furniture
Buying consideration: Match the brand to your existing set if you want consistent finish across a piece.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Paint Mediums for Crafts
Craft acrylic or artist acrylic
Craft acrylic, sold in 2 oz bottles, is formulated for coverage on decor surfaces and costs very little. Student artist acrylic in tubes, like Liquitex BASICS, carries more pigment and mixes cleaner. Use craft paint for basecoats and decor, artist paint when color accuracy and blending matter.
Finish
Matte hides flaws and suits rustic decor. Satin gives a soft sheen that looks finished on indoor pieces. Gloss is bright and wipeable but shows texture. You can always change the final sheen with varnish.
Surface preparation
Raw wood and terra cotta absorb paint, so seal or prime them first, or plan on extra coats. Smooth surfaces like glass and glazed ceramic need special paints or a primer; regular craft acrylic can peel off.
When to use an additive medium
Gloss or matte medium thins paint without losing binder, so it still sticks. Glazing medium makes translucent layers. Retarder slows drying for blending. Pouring medium is essential for acrylic pours. Textile medium lets acrylic flex on fabric. Each one solves a specific problem, so buy them when the project calls for it.
Volume
Estimate coverage before buying. A 2 oz bottle covers a few small signs; a mural or furniture piece needs larger bottles. Bulk sets save money for classrooms.
Sealing and durability
Indoor decor is usually fine with paint alone. Anything handled, washed or placed outdoors, such as painted rocks or garden signs, should get a compatible varnish once fully cured.
Finish Your Craft Projects Properly
Sealing is where many craft pieces fail. Our step-by-step guide to varnishing an acrylic painting applies to painted wood, canvas and rocks as well.
Interested in translucent layers? The principles in our glazing technique guide carry over to acrylic glazing medium.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Painting raw wood without sealing or priming, then fighting blotchy coverage
- Thinning acrylic with lots of water, which weakens adhesion
- Using craft acrylic on glossy glass or glazed ceramic without primer
- Skipping varnish on outdoor or handled crafts
- Mixing brands with different finishes on one piece without a unifying varnish
- Buying tiny tubes for a large decor project
FAQs
What is the best paint medium for crafts?
Water-based acrylic. It adheres to wood, terra cotta, paper mache, canvas, rock and many other porous surfaces, dries quickly and is water-resistant once cured.
What is the difference between acrylic paint and acrylic medium?
Acrylic paint contains pigment and binder. Acrylic medium is mostly binder with no pigment; it changes the paint’s thickness, transparency, drying time or sheen without changing its color.
Can I use craft paint on canvas?
Yes. Craft acrylic works on canvas, though it has lower pigment load than artist acrylic, so expect more coats and less intense mixes.
Do I need to seal acrylic craft paint?
For indoor decorative pieces, sealing is optional. For anything outdoors, handled often or washed, apply a compatible varnish after the paint has cured.
Is matte or satin better for wood crafts?
Matte suits rustic and farmhouse looks and hides grain irregularities. Satin is a little more wipeable and looks more finished. Both can be varnished to change the final sheen.
Can I water down acrylic paint for crafts?
A little water is fine for flow, but too much breaks down the binder and paint may lift or flake. Use a medium to thin acrylic for washes.
Final Recommendation
For everyday crafting, the Apple Barrel Essentials set covers the most ground at the lowest cost, and the Vibrant Spectrum matte set is the better match for flat-finish wood and decor. Single FolkArt bottles are handy for basecoat neutrals.
For canvas crafts and mixing, Liquitex BASICS is the quality step up, while Shuttle Art and Kolor Kingdom tube sets suit small projects and beginners. Classrooms and large decor projects are better served by the Nicpro bulk bottles. Add an additive medium only when a specific technique needs it.
