Choosing the right acrylic paint brand is more than just a matter of color—it’s about consistency, durability, pigmentation, and how the paint performs on various surfaces. Whether you’re a beginner building your first set or a professional looking to upgrade your studio, knowing which brands consistently deliver can save you both time and money.
In this comprehensive guide, we review the top acrylic paint brands in 2025 based on texture, pigment load, drying time, and artist feedback. We’ll also help you decide which brand best suits your specific style and surface of choice.
Before we get into the brands themselves, it helps to understand what sets quality acrylic paint apart. The best brands typically offer:
Atelier Interactive Acrylics
Known for their unique rewettable formula, Atelier Interactive paints are ideal for blending and layering. They offer rich pigment saturation and allow more working time, making them great for artists who want more control.
Best for: Portraits, fine art, blending-intensive work
Finish: Velvety matte
Texture: Creamy, moderately thick
Matisse Structure Acrylics
These paints are loved for their buttery texture and intense color. With excellent lightfastness and UV resistance, Matisse Structure is a favorite among Australian professionals.
Best for: Impasto, texture-rich surfaces, palette knife techniques
Finish: Satin to semi-gloss
Texture: Heavy body
Golden Heavy Body Acrylics
An American favorite, Golden Heavy Body offers exceptional pigment load and color accuracy. Their paints are smooth, strong, and built to last.
Best for: Layering, glazing, professional-grade studio work
Finish: Natural sheen
Texture: Thick, consistent
Jo Sonja’s Artists’ Colours
Great for decorative artists, Jo Sonja’s is known for matte finish and ease of use on multiple surfaces like glass, wood, and ceramics.
Best for: Decorative art, home crafts
Finish: Matte
Texture: Fluid to soft body
If you love bold texture and expressive application, Matisse Structure is your go-to. Its thick, buttery consistency is perfect for impasto techniques, palette knife work, and building rich surface dimension. It also offers excellent coverage and vibrant, UV-stable pigments.
For artists who prioritize precision, color accuracy, and versatility, Golden Heavy Body is a top-tier choice. It’s known for its smooth application, high pigment load, and reliable performance across various surfaces—ideal for professional studios and detailed layering techniques.
And if flexibility is your priority, Atelier Interactive offers something unique. Its rewettable formula allows extended blending time and reactivation after partial drying, making it perfect for subtle gradients, glazing, and portrait work where control and softness are key.
If you’re painting on unconventional surfaces like plastic or glass, pair your acrylics with:
Acrylic painting is all about control, flexibility, and finish—and the brand you choose can have a major impact on how your work turns out. Whether you're chasing bold texture, seamless blends, or professional-level detail, using high-quality paint is key to elevating your technique and achieving consistent results.
At The Sydney Art Store, we carry a carefully curated selection of artist-grade acrylics including Atelier Interactive, Golden Heavy Body, and Matisse Structure. You’ll also find surface conditioners, primers, and tools to help you get the most out of your materials—no matter what you’re painting on. From studio professionals to emerging artists, we have the products and advice to help you paint with confidence. Browse our full collection online or visit us in-store to find your perfect match.
Synthetic and natural hair brushes each have their unique benefits. Synthetic brushes are often more affordable, and they tend to be more durable and resistant to damage. They also retain their shape well after multiple uses, making them a popular choice for artists who need a reliable and long-lasting brush. On the other hand, natural hair brushes—especially those made with sable or kolinsky hair—are known for their superior water retention and ability to deliver precise, delicate strokes. Natural hair brushes are typically preferred by professional artists for their softness and ability to hold a large amount of water, which is essential for blending and washes.
While watercolour brushes are specifically designed for use with water-based paints, they can be used with other mediums, but with certain precautions. For example, acrylic paints tend to dry quickly, and while watercolour brushes can be used with acrylics, it’s important to clean them thoroughly after each use to prevent the paint from drying in the bristles. Oil paints are generally thicker and may damage watercolour brushes if used frequently. It’s best to use brushes specifically designed for these other paints to preserve their shape and performance. If you use your watercolour brushes with other paints, always clean them immediately after use.
Cleaning your watercolour brushes is essential to maintain their performance and longevity. After using your brush, rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any excess paint. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the bristles. Gently reshape the tip of the brush using your fingers or a brush cleaner. For deep cleaning, use mild soap or a specialized brush cleaner designed for watercolour brushes. After cleaning, allow your brushes to air dry, ideally flat or upright in a brush holder to maintain their shape.
The lifespan of a watercolour brush depends on the quality of the brush, frequency of use, and how well it’s cared for. High-quality brushes made with natural hair, such as sable brushes, can last for many years if properly maintained. Synthetic brushes are more affordable but can wear out more quickly with frequent use. To extend the life of your brushes, make sure to clean them properly after each use and store them in a way that prevents damage. Regular cleaning and careful use will help you get the most out of your watercolour brushes.
Watercolour brushes are designed for the fluid, controlled application of water-based paints. While they can be used with other water-based media, such as inks or gouache, they may not perform as well with thicker paints like oil paints or acrylics. However, many artists use watercolour brushes with acrylic paints for blending or fine detail work. If you want to use your watercolour brushes with other media, be sure to clean them thoroughly between uses to avoid contamination and preserve their shape and quality.
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