How to Make Translucent Wash With Acrylic Paint

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 milliliters acrylic paint

  • Distilled water

  • 1-oz. bottle

  • Paper

  • Paintbrush

  • Pencil

Acrylic washes are similar to watercolor paints.

Acrylic paint is a versatile artist's medium. Thinned acrylic paint creates vibrant washes, similar to watercolor paint. But unlike traditional watercolor paints, acrylic washes are water-resistant, once dry. Whereas watercolor layers blend and are easily ruined by water, even after they are dry. Acrylic wash layers go undisturbed and unchanged when you add fresh layers to the painting, making acrylic washes a great staple that's affordable and easy to make.

Advertisement

Step 1

Measure and pour 5 milliliters of acrylic paint into a 1-oz. bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with distilled water. Close the bottle, then shake to mix it.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Dip a paintbrush into the wash, and test it on a piece of paper suitable for the acrylic wash. Rinse the paintbrush in water, before using it with another color.

Step 3

Darken the wash by adding small increments of acrylic paint into the 1-oz. bottle. Shake to mix it. Lighten the wash by removing some of the mixture from the bottle and diluting with more distilled water. Shake to mix.

Step 4

Record the amount of acrylic paint you added to the wash, when satisfied with the color results. Use the same recipe the next time you create custom washes.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources