How to Scumble with Acrylic Paint
Scumbling is one of my favorite ways to paint with acrylics. It is simple, versatile, and adds so much depth to a painting. In this article, I will show you how I scumble with different brushes and paints, and how you can use this technique to blend colors and build beautiful layers. The full video is embedded below so you can watch along, and here I’ll expand on the key points I cover in it. To make gathering materials easier, I also have a free Acrylic Painting Supply List you can download.
Watch the video
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Supplies I Like to Use for Scumbling
Liquitex Soft Body Acrylic Paint
Liquitex Basics Paint
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics
Flat Brushes
What is Scumbling in Acrylic Painting
Scumbling is a painting technique where you use the side of your brush to lightly drag paint across the surface of your canvas. This creates soft, textured layers that can look like mist, clouds, or subtle blends of color. What I love most about scumbling is that it is forgiving. There is no one right way to do it, and the textures it creates are always unique.
I use scumbling both to add new layers on top of dry paint and to softly blend areas that are still a little wet. This flexibility makes it perfect for experimenting. Whether you are painting abstracts or more detailed work, scumbling can help you add richness and variety to your piece without overcomplicating the process.
Choosing the Right Paint for Scumbling
The type of acrylic paint you use can change how your scumbling turns out. I find that Liquitex Soft Body Acrylics work beautifully because they are smooth and easy to drag across the canvas. They spread without too much effort, which makes them great for beginners. Liquitex Basics also work well, though they are slightly thicker and may require more pressure.
Heavy body acrylics can be used too, but they tend to be stiffer and may not give you the same light, airy effect unless you thin them out. The good news is that any acrylic paint you already have on hand will still work for scumbling. The key is to experiment and notice how each type feels when applied with the side of your brush.
Brushes and Tools for Scumbling
Flat brushes are my go-to for scumbling because their wide surface gives you more control over how much paint touches the canvas. I often use older brushes that are already frayed since scumbling is a bit rough on bristles. Setting aside a few brushes just for this purpose ensures you don’t wear out your best new brushes.
Before I start, I dampen my brush and blot it on a towel. Then I load paint onto one side of the brush, which makes it easier to rub the paint gently across the surface. Using this method, I can create soft, fluffy layers or more textured marks depending on the pressure and direction I use. Keeping a few brushes in different conditions, from new to well-worn, gives me more variety in the effects I can achieve.
How to Create Layers and Blends
One of the best parts of scumbling is how it allows you to build layers of color. For example, lightly dragging a pale color like Naples yellow or parchment over a dark blue background instantly softens the surface and creates a glowing effect. You can keep building layers like this to add depth, or blend into areas that are still wet for a more seamless transition.
Scumbling also pairs beautifully with washes. After wiping excess paint from your brush, you can use the damp bristles to soften the edges of your scumbled marks, creating a combination of transparent and textured layers. This mix of effects adds character to your painting and keeps the surface interesting. Whether you want hard edges, soft blends, or both, scumbling lets you choose the mood of your painting.
Final Thoughts
Scumbling is such a fun technique because it opens the door to experimentation. It is not about perfect brushstrokes but about discovering textures and blends that bring your painting to life. Once you learn this technique, you will find yourself reaching for it again and again to create depth, softness, and energy in your work.
If you want to keep improving your acrylic painting skills, I recommend reading my article on How to Paint Flat Areas of Color in Acrylics . It pairs perfectly with scumbling since mastering both techniques will give you much more control over your paintings.