Buy affordable acrylic paint at big-box stores, art supply chains, online marketplaces, and discount shops.
I’ve worked with paints and taught workshops for years, and I know where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap without losing quality. Read on for tested stores, smart buying strategies, brand tips, and real mistakes to avoid so you can save time and money on your next paint haul.
Where to buy cheap acrylic paint
If you want to know where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap, start with common retail and online channels.
Many reliable options sell student-grade and bargain sets.
I’ll list each option, with pros and cons, so you can pick what fits your budget and project.
- Big-box stores: Walmart, Target, and similar stores sell starter sets and single tubes at low prices. These stores are convenient and often have basic color sets.
- Chain craft stores: Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann sell frequent sales and coupons on acrylic paint. You can combine coupons with weekly deals for big savings.
- Online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and Etsy offer a huge range of prices, often with bulk or mixed lots for low per-tube cost. Shipping and returns matter, so read reviews.
- Discount and dollar stores: Dollar stores sometimes carry small acrylic sets. Quality varies, but they are great for practice or messy projects.
- Wholesale and bulk: Buy student-grade paint in bulk from wholesalers or art suppliers to lower the cost per ounce. This works well for classrooms or frequent use.
Best stores and online marketplaces for cheap acrylic paint
Choosing where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap depends on convenience, shipping, and return policies.
Here are the top practical picks and why they work for budget buyers.
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Walmart and Target
- Pros: Low prices, local pickup, and frequent clearance.
- Cons: Limited professional brands and color range.
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Michaels, Joann, Hobby Lobby
- Pros: Regular 40–50% coupons and clearance bins.
- Cons: More student-grade brands on sale than pro-grade.
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Blick and Jerry’s Artarama (online)
- Pros: Good sales on student and mid-grade brands, bulk options.
- Cons: Shipping costs can add up for small orders.
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Amazon and eBay
- Pros: Competitive prices and fast shipping, often many seller choices.
- Cons: Watch reviews to avoid counterfeit or dried paint.
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Etsy and local arts markets
- Pros: Small-batch suppliers and sometimes discounted sets.
- Cons: Prices vary widely and shipping may be slower.
How to save money buying acrylic paint
Knowing where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap is only half the job. Smart buying saves more.
Use these tactics to cut costs and still get usable paint.
- Use coupons and wait for sales
- Sign up for store emails and loyalty programs to get first-access coupons.
- Buy student-grade for practice
- Student-grade acrylics cost less and work fine for studies and tests.
- Buy primary colors and mix
- Buying fewer tubes and mixing colors saves money and teaches color theory.
- Purchase larger sizes
- Per-ounce costs fall with 8 oz or larger bottles for frequently used colors.
- Try open-stock or single tubes
- Buying singles lets you replace only what you need.
- Buy kits carefully
- Starter kits are cheap but may include redundant colors or low-volume tubes.
Comparing cheap vs professional acrylic paint
When you ask where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap, you must weigh quality needs.
Cheap paints work for many projects. Professional paints give better color, permanence, and coverage.
- Pigment load and vibrancy
- Cheap paints use less pigment and more filler. Colors may look flat after drying.
- Lightfastness and longevity
- Pro paints often list lightfast ratings; cheap paints may fade over time.
- Consistency and coverage
- Cheap acrylics may need more coats. Pro paints give better coverage with less paint.
- Best uses for each type
- Cheap paint is fine for practice, props, and quick crafts. Use pro paint for sellable work or gallery pieces.
Personal tips, mistakes I’ve made, and real-world advice
I have bought many cheap acrylic sets and learned fast lessons. I share these to help you avoid repeat errors.
When I first searched where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap, I bought 24-tube kits with tiny tubes. I later learned bigger tubes saved cash overall.
Always test a color on scrap and let it dry. I once painted a full panel and found colors shifted after drying. Test first.
Don’t hoard colors you won’t use. I wasted money on rare hues that sat unused. Buy the basics and mix.
If you work outdoors or on large canvases, choose larger bottles even if they seem costlier upfront. They last longer.
Shopping checklist: how to choose the best cheap acrylic paint
Use this quick checklist when deciding where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap. It keeps choices simple and practical.
- Check price per ounce or tube volume. Smaller tubes often cost more per ounce.
- Read reviews for color and consistency. Look for recent buyer photos.
- Verify return policy and shipping costs. Free returns reduce risk.
- Compare pigment labels and lightfast ratings when available. Even cheap brands list pigments sometimes.
- Start with primary colors and a white and black to test mixability.
Frequently Asked Questions of where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap
Where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap locally?
Try big-box stores like Walmart or Target, local craft stores, and dollar stores. Check clearance aisles and weekly ads for discounts.
Is it better to buy student-grade or professional-grade paint when cheap?
Student-grade paint is fine for learning and practice because it’s cheaper and still usable. For saleable work, professional-grade paint gives better color and longevity.
Can I trust online marketplaces when I search where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap?
Yes, but check seller ratings and buyer photos to avoid poor or counterfeit products. Read return policies and reviews before buying.
How do I know if cheap acrylic paint will last on my project?
Look for information on pigments and lightfastness, and do a small age or light test. If longevity matters, buy at least mid-grade paint.
Are discount paint kits worth it for beginners?
Discount kits are great for beginners to learn color mixing and technique. Avoid kits with tiny tubes if you plan to paint large areas.
Conclusion
Finding where can i buy acrylic paint for cheap is simple with a plan. Start with big-box and craft stores for convenience and coupons, use online marketplaces for bulk deals, and buy student-grade paint for practice. Test colors, buy larger sizes of frequently used hues, and use coupons to stretch your budget. Take action today: pick one store, use a coupon, and try a small purchase to see what works for your projects. Share your experience or ask a question below to get tailored advice.
