How to Use Water When Acrylic Painting
When I first started acrylic painting, I had no idea how I was actually supposed to use water. I saw so many conflicting tips online, and it left me confused. I knew water was for rinsing brushes, but beyond that, I was unsure. In this article, I will break down the main ways to use water with acrylic paint so you can feel confident in your own studio. You can watch the full video below to see each step in action, and I have also included extra tips here to make it even more helpful.
And here's my acrylic painting supply list if you want to know the exact supplies I suggest using when you're starting out acrylic painting!
Watch the video
Tips for Cleaning Your Brushes
The most important use of water when acrylic painting is for cleaning your brushes between colors. I like to keep a container of water about halfway full right next to my palette, along with a paper towel. After painting with one color, I rinse the brush, blot it dry, and then pick up the next color. This keeps your colors bright and prevents muddy mixes. You can still choose to blend colors on purpose, but this way you are in control of when and how that happens.
If you keep your water and paint close together, you can work faster and with less mess. I use an old container from my kitchen, but any sturdy cup or bowl works. Just remember to change the water as soon as it gets cloudy. Dirty water can dull your colors without you even realizing it, especially with lighter paints.
How to Remove or Lighten Paint Marks
Water can also be used to erase or lighten a mark you do not like. If you act quickly while the paint is still wet, you can rinse your brush, dab off the excess water, and lift most of the paint right off the canvas. This works best if you do it immediately before the paint starts to set.
You can also intentionally thin acrylic paint with water to create transparent, watercolor-like washes. This is a great way to soften a background or layer gentle color over another area. If you do this, be sure to varnish the painting when it is finished, because these very thin layers can be more delicate than thicker applications. Without varnish, they may rub off over time.
Creating Drips and Loose Paint Effects
If you want to create drips, mix a little water into your paint until it becomes fluid enough to run. Place your canvas upright and let gravity do the work. If the drips are too slow, add a touch more water. You can also stop drips mid-flow by gently blotting them with a paper towel.
The more water you add, the more movement you will get, but be careful not to overdo it or you might lose control of the design. This effect works especially well for abstract backgrounds or adding a sense of energy to a painting. Remember that working upright is key—flat canvases will not give you those long, natural drips.
Using Water to Loosen Paint and Extend Working Time
Sometimes paint straight from the tube can feel too thick for certain techniques, especially line work. Adding a small amount of water makes the paint glide more easily and helps you get smoother strokes. The trick is to add just enough to improve the flow without making the paint transparent unless that is the look you want.
You can also lightly mist your palette with a spray bottle to keep the paint wet longer, especially if you work in a warm or dry environment. A quick spray every so often can save you from having to mix new colors halfway through a project. Just avoid adding so much water that it turns the paint into a runny puddle.
Final Thoughts
Once I learned how to use water effectively with acrylics, my painting process became much smoother and more enjoyable. From cleaning brushes to lifting mistakes, making drips, and improving paint flow, water is a versatile tool in any artist’s kit.