How to Create a Wash with Acrylic Paint

Making washes with acrylic paint is one of the easiest and most enjoyable techniques I use in my studio. In this article, I’ll show you step by step how to create beautiful washes that give your paintings a soft, watercolor look. The full video is embedded below so you can watch the process as I paint, and here I’ll expand on the main points to give you extra tips. If you want to simplify gathering your supplies, you can also grab my free Acrylic Painting Supply List.

Watch the video

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Supplies for Acrylic Washes

To follow along with this tutorial you’ll only need a few basics. I used these paints and brushes in the video, but you can experiment with any brand you prefer.

How to Start Your Wash

Creating an acrylic wash starts with just paint, water, and a brush. I like to dampen my brush slightly before I load it with paint. This makes it easier to thin out the paint once it touches the canvas. From there, I add a bit of paint to the surface, dip my brush in water, and spread the color outward. The paint becomes more transparent as it blends with the water, creating a natural gradient effect.

You can adjust the look of your wash by playing with the ratio of water to paint. More water makes a lighter, softer wash, while less water creates stronger, more concentrated areas of color. I often vary the concentrations on purpose because it adds texture and depth to the finished painting.

Blending Different Colors

One of the most exciting parts of using washes is experimenting with multiple colors. I always wash my brush out completely before switching colors to keep them crisp. You can lay down separate washes side by side or let them meet for interesting transitions.

Just keep in mind that complementary colors mix into neutrals when they overlap. Sometimes this creates beautiful earthy tones, but if you are not aiming for browns or muted shades, it helps to plan your color placement before blending. Think about whether you want a sunset feel, a water effect, or another type of atmosphere when choosing your palette.

Erasing and Adjusting Washes

Another advantage of acrylic washes is how forgiving they are. If you do not like how something looks, you can erase or lighten the area by brushing over it with clean water. The sooner you do this after applying the paint, the more you can lift off.

This trick also lets you create texture within your washes. By dragging a wet brush through the paint, you can reveal highlights, soften edges, or suggest shapes and movement. It is a playful process that often leads to happy accidents and new ideas in your work.

Tips for Better Results

When making washes, synthetic brushes are my go-to because they are soft and create smooth blends. Shop towels or paper towels are handy to keep nearby, since they help control how damp your brush is. I like my brush slightly damp, not dripping wet, because that balance makes for the cleanest gradients.

Remember too that acrylic paint dries quickly. If you want to adjust something, work fast before it sets. Once the paint dries, you can always layer a fresh wash over the top to modify the look. Acrylics are wonderfully versatile, and layering washes can build luminous effects similar to glazing.

Final Thoughts

Acrylic washes are one of the simplest ways to add variety and expression to your paintings. With only water, paint, and a brush, you can create anything from delicate watercolor-like effects to bold color fields. The more you practice, the more control and creative freedom you will have with this technique.

If you enjoyed this tutorial and want to keep building your skills, check out my Beginner Acrylic Painting Guide . It covers even more essentials that will help you gain confidence and create beautiful paintings.

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