Choosing the right paint can completely transform your artwork. Whether you're a beginner artist, student, hobbyist, or professional painter in Nairobi, Kenya, understanding the difference between watercolour, oil, and acrylic paints will help you create better results and choose the right materials for your project.

At Nexton Crafts Kenya, we stock a wide range of art paints and supplies to help you get started with confidence. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain:

• The key differences between watercolour, oil, and acrylic paints

• The advantages and disadvantages of each

• How to properly use and apply them

• Which surfaces and tools work best

• Tips for beginners

🎨 1. Watercolour Paints

Watercolour paints are water-based paints known for their transparency and soft, flowing effects. They are commonly used for landscapes, portraits, botanical art, and illustrations.

✅ Characteristics of Watercolour:

• Water-based

• Transparent and light

• Dries quickly

• Easy to clean (just water)

• Best used on watercolour paper (300gsm recommended)canvas painting Kenya

🎯 Best For:

• Landscapes

• Floral paintings

• Light portraits

• Illustrations

• Quick sketches

🖌 How to Use Watercolour Paints

1. Use proper paper – Always use watercolour paper (preferably 300gsm). Regular paper will wrinkle and tear.

2. Mix with water – The more water you add, the lighter the color.

3. Layer carefully – Since it’s transparent, you build color slowly.

4. Work from light to dark – Unlike acrylic or oil, you cannot easily paint light colors over dark ones.

5. Allow drying between layers – This prevents unwanted blending.

⚠️ Tips:

• Use soft brushes for better control.

• Control water amount to avoid over-saturation.

• Practice blending while the paint is still wet for smooth transitions.

🖌 2. Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paint is also water-based but much thicker and more vibrant than watercolour. It dries quickly and becomes water-resistant when dry.

Acrylic paints are one of the most popular choices for artists in Kenya because they are affordable, versatile, and beginner-friendly.

✅ Characteristics of Acrylic:

• Fast drying

• Opaque (strong coverage)

• Water-based (easy cleanup)

• Can be used on many surfaces

• Dries waterproof

🎯 Best For:

• Canvas painting

• Murals

• DIY crafts

• Abstract art

• Decorative art

• Beginners learning painting

🖌 How to Use Acrylic Paints

1. Use on canvas, wood, paper, or boards – Acrylic works on many surfaces.

2. Use water sparingly – A little water helps flow, but too much weakens color.

3. Work quickly – Acrylic dries fast.

4. Layer easily – You can paint light over dark once dry.

5. Use a palette – Acrylic dries fast, so keep your palette moist.

⚠️ Tips:

• Keep brushes wet while painting.

• Clean brushes immediately after use.

• Use acrylic mediums for texture or slower drying.

🖼 3. Oil Paints

Oil paints are traditional paints used by professional artists for centuries. They are thick, rich, and slow-drying, allowing blending and smooth transitions.

✅ Characteristics of Oil Paint:

• Oil-based (usually linseed oil)

• Slow drying (can take days)

• Rich and vibrant colors

• Excellent blending ability

• Requires solvents for cleanup

🎯 Best For:

• Realistic portraits

• Classical paintings

• Detailed work

• Large fine art pieces

🖌 How to Use Oil Paints

1. Use primed canvas – Always paint on gesso-primed surfaces.

2. Mix with medium or thinner – Use linseed oil or turpentine.

3. Blend while wet – Oil stays workable for long periods.

4. Follow fat-over-lean rule – Each layer should have more oil than the previous one.

5. Allow proper drying time – Drying can take days or weeks.

⚠️ Tips:

• Work in a well-ventilated area.

• Use proper solvents safely.

• Be patient – oil painting takes time.

🔍 Key Differences Between Watercolour, Acrylic & Oil Paint

🎨 Which Paint Should You Choose?

👉 Choose Watercolour if:

• You love soft, transparent effects.

• You want lightweight and easy travel painting.

• You enjoy delicate details and layering.

👉 Choose Acrylic if:

• You want versatility.

• You are a beginner.

• You want fast results.

• You are doing crafts or canvas art.

👉 Choose Oil if:

• You want rich, professional results.

• You enjoy blending and realism.

• You don’t mind longer drying times.

🧑‍🎨 How to Implement These Paints in Your Art Projects

For Students:

Acrylic is the best starting point. It’s affordable, dries fast, and easy to correct mistakes.

For DIY Projects:

Use acrylic for home décor, wall art, wooden boards, and crafts.

For Professional Artists:

Oil paint gives gallery-level depth and smooth blending.

For Illustrators:

Watercolour is perfect for sketchbooks, botanical art, and fine details.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Each paint type has its own personality:

• Watercolour is soft and delicate.

• Acrylic is bold and versatile.

• Oil is rich and timeless.

There is no “best” paint — only the best paint for your project.

At Nexton Crafts Kenya, we provide quality watercolour paints, acrylic paints, oil paints, brushes, canvas, easels, and all art supplies you need in Nairobi, Kenya.

Whether you’re a beginner or professional artist, we are here to support your creativity.

Shop art supplies in Nairobi, Kenya today and bring your ideas to life!