The answer is yes, vinyl will stick to acrylic paint. If you’re planning on applying a vinyl decal to an acrylic-painted surface, there are a few things you need to do to ensure the vinyl stick.
First, you’ll need to clean the surface with a mild soap and water solution. This will remove any dirt or debris that could prevent the vinyl from adhering properly.
Next, you’ll need to decide what type of finish you want your project to have. Do you want it to be glossy? Matte? Semi-gloss?
Once you’ve decided on the finish, select a polycrylic that is specifically made for that type of finish and apply it over the acrylic-painted surface you want to stick the vinyl. You will need to leave the Polycrylic for some hours so that it cures fully.
Once it cures fully, apply the vinyl with a vinyl transfer paper! Use a squeegee or credit card to smooth out any air bubbles. Then, peel off the backing. And that’s it! You’ve successfully stuck vinyl to an acrylic-painted surface.
Keep in mind that not all acrylic paints are created equal. Some brands (like Martha Stewart) use a heavier plasticizer in their acrylic paint, which can cause issues with adhesion.
We’ve found that the best way to avoid this problem is to test a small piece of vinyl on an inconspicuous area of your acrylic-painted surface before applying your decals. That way, everything will go smoothly!
Surfaces That Don’t Adhere to Acrylic Paint.
Glass:
One of the most common surfaces that don’t adhere to acrylic paint is glass. This is because acrylic paint needs a porous surface to grip it and bond properly. Glass is non-porous, so the acrylic paint will simply sit on top of the surface and eventually peel off.
Metal:
Similar to glass, metal is also non-porous and therefore does not provide a suitable surface for acrylic paint to grip onto. In addition, metal can also be very smooth, which further prevents the paint from bonding properly.
Plastic:
Plastic is another common material that doesn’t work well with acrylic paint. This is because most plastics are non-porous.
Leather:
Leather is a difficult surface to paint with acrylics because it is not porous enough for the paint to bond properly. In addition, leather can be very tough and resistant to penetration, making it difficult to get an even paint coverage over the entire surface.
Shellac:
Shellac is a type of sealer frequently used on wood surfaces before painting. However, it creates a smooth and non-porous barrier that prevents the paint from bonding with acrylic paints properly.
Oil-based Paints:
You should never use acrylics over oil-based paints because the two products are not compatible. The oil in the paint will cause the acrylics to become brittle and crack.
Varnishes:
Varnishes are designed to protect surfaces from wear and tear, but they can also prevent paint from properly adhering.
If you’re planning on using acrylic paint on a varnished surface, it’s important to sand off the old varnish before applying new paint. Otherwise, the new paint will simply peel off when dry.
Silicone:
Silicone is a common household product that is used for a variety of purposes, but it should never be used in conjunction with acrylic paint.
This is because silicone creates a barrier that prevents the paint from bonding properly, causing it to peel off over time.
Ceramics:
Ceramics is a difficult surface to paint with acrylics because it is non-porous and smooth. This means that the paint will simply sit on top of the surface and eventually peel off.
Wax:
Wax is another common household product that can prevent paint from properly adhering. This is because wax creates a barrier that prevents the paint from bonding properly, causing it to peel off over time.
Latex/Rubber:
Latex and rubber are also difficult surfaces to paint with acrylics because they are non-porous and have an oily surface that repels paint. Also, when rubber gets stretched, it cracks and peels off.
While these are some of the most common materials that don’t work well with acrylics, there are other materials too.
If you’re unsure whether or not the material will work with acrylic paint, it’s always best to test it out first on a small area. This will help you avoid any potential disasters and let you know if
Surfaces that Adhere to Acrylic Paint Well
Canvas:
Canvas is a popular material for painting with acrylics. Most canvases are made of cotton, linen, or synthetic materials.
These materials take acrylic paint quite well. One thing to keep in mind when painting on canvas is that the fabric can sometimes absorb too much of the paint, resulting in an uneven coating.
To avoid this problem, apply a layer of gesso (a type of primer) to the canvas before painting. This will help create a barrier between the fabric and the paint so that the paint goes on evenly.
Wood:
One of the most popular materials to use with acrylic paint is wood. It’s smooth and absorbent, which helps the paint dry quickly.
Plus, it takes acrylic paint very well. When painting on wood, be sure to sand the surface first so that the paint will have a smooth surface to adhere to. Otherwise, you may end up with a rough finish.
Paper:
Paper is a great surface for paintings that will eventually be framed. It’s smooth and has a good tooth, which helps acrylic paint adhere well.
Additionally, it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to find. However, one downside to painting on paper is that it’s not very durable and can easily be damaged.
Paper Mache Surfaces:
Paper mache is another popular surface for painting with acrylics. Paper mache is easy to work with and doesn’t require any special preparation before painting.
Polymer Clay:
Polymer clay is a popular surface for painting with acrylics. It’s non-porous, which helps the paint dry quickly, and it provides a good amount of texture.
Additionally, it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Most polymer clays are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but there are also synthetic options available.
Air-Dry Clay:
Air-dry clay is another great surface for painting with acrylics. It can be molded into any shape or size, and it dries hard so it’s perfect for sculpting as well.
Plus, it’s fairly inexpensive and easy to find. Just make sure that you seal the clay before painting it so the paint doesn’t seep through.
Masonite:
Acrylic paint adheres well to masonite. It is a type of hardboard, manufactured using heat and pressure to fuse wood fibers.
Masonite is an excellent choice for painting with acrylic paint because it does not absorb moisture, so the paint will not crack or flake over time.
In addition, masonite is smooth and consistent, providing a perfect surface for applying paint.
Vinyl:
One surface that works well with acrylic paint is vinyl. Vinyl has a smooth texture that allows the paint to glide on easily.
This texture also provides a good amount of grip so that the paint can adhere properly. In addition, vinyl is a durable surface that can withstand repeated coats of paint without showing signs of wear.
For these reasons, vinyl is an ideal surface for painting with acrylics.
Other surfaces your acrylic paint will adhere on include rock, polyurethane, fabric (requires a medium), etc.
Conclusion
When it comes to painting with acrylics, the right surface can make all the difference. From canvas and wood to paper mache and vinyl, there are many surfaces that will take acrylic paint well.
If you’re unsure as to which one is best for your project, it’s always best to test out a few options before committing to a particular surface.
Ultimately, the best surface to use is the one that best suits your project and provides you with the desired results. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to choose the perfect material for painting with acrylics.
