🎨 10 Common Acrylic Painting Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Fix Them)

Every artist starts somewhere — and that “somewhere” usually involves a few paint-splattered lessons! Acrylic painting is beginner-friendly, but it has quirks that can surprise new artists. The good news? Most mistakes are easy to fix once you understand why they happen.

Sayari Crafters gives you the ultimate guide that will help you paint smarter, save money, and enjoy the creative process.

1. 🎨 Using Too Much Paint at Once

The Mistake:
Beginners often squeeze out too much paint onto the palette. Acrylics dry fast and before you know it, half your paint is wasted.

The Fix:
Start small! Squeeze out just enough paint for your next few strokes. You can always add more. If you’re working on a large project, mist your palette lightly with water to keep paints wet longer.

Pro Tip: Try Signature Acrylic Paint 75ml tubes — they give you great control over how much you use and last longer for students.

2. 🖌️ Forgetting to Clean Brushes Quickly

The Mistake:
Acrylics dry fast,  even on your brushes. Once dried, they harden and ruin your bristles permanently.

The Fix:
Keep a jar of water nearby and rinse your brushes between colors. Wipe with a cloth before dipping into another shade. 

💡 Beginner Tip: Never leave brushes soaking overnight.

3. 🌈 Overmixing Colors

The Mistake:
Mixing too many colors together. This later turns everything muddy or gray and that can even discourage you from creating your art.

The Fix:
Stick to the basics — use primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and learn how to create secondary ones. Mixing fewer colors gives you brighter, cleaner results.

A color wheel chart is a great tool for students learning blending.

4. 🧱 Skipping the Underpainting

The Mistake:
Most beginners without guidance go straight to Painting directly on a white canvas.
This can make your colors look flat or patchy and non-appealing.

The Fix:
Try adding a light “underpainting” — a thin layer of neutral color like beige or pale blue before your main design. It adds warmth and depth.

You can even reuse leftover paint for this step — perfect for saving materials which is a win win for you as an artist!

5. 💧 Adding Too Much Water

The Mistake:
Many beginners thin acrylic paint too much, thinking it will blend like watercolor. This weakens the pigment and damages the surface.

The Fix:
Use a medium instead of plain water for thinning. Acrylic mediums help you control consistency without dulling the color.

You can get a pouring medium or glazing medium from Our Shop or have it delivered to you, these materials are both great for student projects.

6. 🔥 Not Working Fast Enough

The Mistake:
Acrylics tend to dry fast — sometimes too fast and most beginners often get frustrated when colors dry before they can blend them.

The Fix:
Work on smaller sections at a time. Use a slow-drying medium if you need more blending time, or spray your palette with water occasionally. Acrylic Retarders are perfect for that.  You can get them from Sayari Crafters.

Bonus Tip: Avoid painting directly under a fan or in direct sunlight — it speeds up drying even more.

7. 🖼️ Using Poor-Quality Surfaces

The Mistake:
Using cheap, untreated painting Canvas absorbs too much paint, causing uneven colors and cracks and this can make your work look dull or uninspiring.

The Fix:
Use acrylic paper, canvas boards, or primed surfaces designed for acrylic paints. They hold color better and make your artwork last longer.

At Sayari Crafters we offer both professional and student-grade canvas boards that are affordable and reliable.

8. 🧽 Ignoring Layer Drying Time

The Mistake:
Painting new layers over wet ones. This leads to smudges or peeling of your artwork.

The Fix:
Let each layer dry fully before applying the next — usually just 5–10 minutes. Patience pays off in smoother, cleaner artwork.

9. 🧴 Forgetting to Seal Finished Artwork

The Mistake:
Without protection, dust or sunlight can dull your finished piece over time.

The Fix:
Once your painting is fully dry, apply a varnish or sealant to protect colors. It adds a professional finish and makes your work last years longer.

10. 🧠 Giving Up Too Soon

The Mistake:
Many new artists compare their first paintings to professionals and get discouraged.

The Fix:
Remember — art is a journey, not a race. Every brushstroke teaches you something. Keep practicing, experimenting, and most importantly — enjoy it!

Start small, learn from each piece, and watch your confidence grow.

Acrylic painting is one of the most rewarding and forgiving art forms for beginners. Mistakes are simply part of the process — each one helps you discover new techniques and personal style.

Whether you’re painting in class or from your living room, having the right tools and mindset will help you grow faster and enjoy every creative moment.

Equip yourself with Signature Acrylic Paint 75ml, synthetic brush sets, and quality canvas boards from Sayari Shop— and start painting without fear!


Avoid beginner mistakes and paint like a pro! Explore our full range of beginner-friendly acrylic paints, brushes, and mediums at our shop and make your next artwork your best yet.