Ultimate Guide to Art & Craft Paints

When you attempt something unfamiliar, have you ever found yourself pondering, “How do I even start?” or “There are countless choices… How am I supposed to choose?” I experienced the same feelings during my college years. As a first-year art student, I lacked a genuine understanding of what art entailed; all I knew was that I enjoyed making things and wanted to explore further.

However, when the painting class started, I was totally unready. I never thought there were so many various kinds of paint, each having its own texture and application. It felt like finding an entirely new realm I had no idea was out there, and I’ve discovered that selecting the correct paint can entirely transform the outcome of your artwork. Regardless of whether you’re creating, drawing, or painting on canvas, each medium has its unique character, appearance, and cost range.

Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to assist you in selecting the ideal paint for your upcoming project.

1. Poster Paint

If you’re looking for something affordable for your child to use, poster paint is a great option. While there are other paints like acrylic available, poster paint is commonly used for kids’ school projects or for anyone who just wants to paint for fun. It’s water-based, which makes it very easy to clean up which is always a plus during messy art sessions.

However, compared to other paints, poster paint is less pigmented and not very durable. Once it dries, it tends to have a matte, chalky finish, and over time it can crack or rub off easily. Because of this, it’s not ideal for professional work or anything meant to last. It works best on paper or cardboard, but it isn’t suitable for surfaces like canvas, fabric, or wood.

Summary:

Base: Water

Finish: Matte

Drying Time: Fast

Opacity: Medium

Reactivatable: Yes

Best For: Kids’ projects, school activities, casual crafts

Cost: Very affordable — ¥20 to ¥100 per 10 ml

Notes: Not very waterproof and fades faster than acrylic.

2. Acrylic Paints

If you’re an art student or a professional looking for a reliable medium to start with, acrylic paint is a great choice. It’s a water-based paint that dries quickly—sometimes a little too quickly if left out— and once it fully dries, it becomes water-resistant, meaning you won’t be able to reactivate it again but your painting will be long-lasting.

Acrylics generally provide good coverage on canvas, though some colors may need a few extra layers. Compared to poster paint, they’re far more versatile. You can use acrylics on canvas, wood, plastic, fabric, home décor pieces, and so much more, which is why they’re loved by beginners, hobbyists, and professional artists alike.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though. Acrylic colors can shift to a darker shade once they dry. Since the paint is water-based, the water evaporates, the film becomes thinner, and the pigments settle, resulting in a slightly duller or darker finish. Clean your brushes right after painting, or the acrylic will harden and ruin the bristles.

As for cost, acrylics are a bit pricier than poster paint, and the price depends on what you’re using them for. For smaller projects or student use, a 20–40 ml tube usually ranges from around ¥80 to ¥400. But if you need larger quantities for bigger projects—whether professional or not—expect it to be closer to around ¥1,200.

Summary:

Base: Water

Finish: Matte to satin (water resistance)

Drying Time: Fast

Opacity: Medium to high

Reactivatable: No

Best For: Canvas, wood, plastic, fabrics, home décor and many more

Cost: ¥80–¥400 per 20–40 ml (student) / ¥500–¥1,200+ (professional)

Notes: Versatile, durable, and great for beginners. Clean your brushes right after painting or the acrylic will harden and ruin the bristles.

3. Gouache Paint

If you're looking for something a bit more professional with lots of detail, like smooth shadows and highlights, this paint is for you. I personally have a love–hate relationship with gouache. It works beautifully for illustration, craft projects, and even professional artwork, and it surprisingly works really well on clay too. The finish is smooth and matte, and you can layer light colors over dark ones, which is a huge bonus. The colors are vivid, which makes them great for photographing or scanning when I want to post my work online. It blends nicely on the canvas, and mistakes are easier to fix since it takes a little bit longer to dry.

But this is also where my love–hate relationship kicks in. In my experience, even when it’s “dry,” it can still be reactivated. With just a bit of water, you can bring dried paint back to life on your palette, which is great for saving paint, but the same thing happens on your canvas. A single wet brushstroke can accidentally lift or smudge what you already painted, and having to redo things over and over can get pretty frustrating.

And then there’s the cost. Gouache can get expensive depending on the brand and tube size. Sets can range anywhere from ¥2,500 to ¥20,000+, and single tubes usually fall around ¥300 to ¥1,000 each. It is pricey, but the opacity and beautiful coverage really make it feel worth it.

Summary:

Base: Water

Finish: Smooth, flat matte

Drying Time: Medium

Opacity: High

Reactivatable: Yes

Best For: Illustration, graphic-style art, flat color pieces

Cost: ¥300–¥1,000+ per small tube,  ¥2,500 to ¥20,000+ depending on brand

Notes: A favorite of illustrators for its bold, velvety finish.

4. Watercolor Paint

If you're looking for something a bit challenging but still want that soft, aesthetic finish, this paint might be perfect for you. When I first tried it, I honestly didn’t enjoy it at all because, to me, it felt difficult and frustrating to use. Later, I realized it wasn’t the paint itself that was the problem, and it was because I didn’t have the right technique. Without proper control, everything ends up too wet or turns into a messy blur.

Watercolor is usually known for its aesthetic and traditional uses, but you can also use it for calligraphy, sketches, and even journaling. And while there are people like me who don't like using it, there are plenty of others who absolutely love it. It dries quickly, creates a soft, translucent look, and is easy to bring around since it’s not messy at all.

That said, it does have its downsides. It’s hard to control, colors blend into each other easily, and mistakes are tough to fix. The pigment also fades over time, and you’re limited to watercolor-friendly surfaces like paper and boards specifically made for it. Canvas, wood, plastic, and fabric don’t really work with watercolor.

The price can also be a hurdle. Good-quality tube sets cost around ¥6,000–¥12,000+, and even cheaper sets for casual use still go for about ¥2,000–¥5,000. But if you want to try it out without spending too much, you can buy half pans per color for around ¥150–¥500 each, which are perfect for beginners or art students who just want to explore.

Summary:

Base: Water

Finish: Soft, translucent

Drying Time: Fast

Opacity: Low

Reactivatable: Yes

Best For: Landscapes, washes, light and airy art

Cost: ¥150–¥500 per half-pan (student) / ¥2,000–¥12,000+ (artist)

Notes: Great for layering and gentle blends.

5. Oil Paint

If you want to take your painting to a more professional level, this paint is perfect for you. I love oil paint! The colors are incredibly vibrant, and once it dries, it leaves a rich, glossy finish that I absolutely adore. The colors blend beautifully, and fixing mistakes is much easier since it dries slowly, which is something that can be both helpful and a little annoying at times. But once it’s fully dry, the color stays vivid, and with the right care, an oil painting can last for hundreds of years without fading.

You can also build up layers (called glazing) to give your artwork a glowing, dimensional effect just like the soft, realistic look you see in classical paintings. And unlike watercolor, which has more limitations, oil paint works on a variety of surfaces. As long as they’re properly primed, you can use them on canvas, wood, primed paper, certain fabrics, and even panels.

Although there are plenty of pros to this type of paint, there are also some downsides, starting with the cost. Prices vary depending on the brand and quality. The cheaper tubes are around ¥400–¥4,000 for 40 ml, while the more expensive ones can go from ¥10,000 to ¥20,000+. I know it’s pricey, but the quality is honestly chef’s kiss! Another downside is that oil paint usually requires proper ventilation because some mediums and solvents have strong fumes that aren’t great to breathe in, especially in small rooms with little airflow.

Oil painting also takes more setup and cleanup. It can stain clothes and surfaces, and those stains are hard to remove. Plus, it needs specific surfaces that are properly primed, like gessoed canvas or wood. If you paint on something unprimed, the oil can seep in and damage the material. On top of that, if the layers aren’t done correctly, they can crack as they dry. And while oil paintings can last a very long time with proper care, they can also yellow over time, especially if the varnish ages or if the painting is kept in a dim room.

Summary:

Base: Oil

Finish: Rich, glossy

Drying Time: Slow (days to weeks)

Opacity: Very high

Reactivatable: No

Best For: Professional fine art, textured paintings

Cost: ¥400–¥2,000+ per 40 ml tube | ¥10,000–¥20,000+ (Professional)

Notes: Exceptional blending, but requires ventilation and patience.

6. Textile Paint

If you’re planning on decorating anything made of fabric with paint, textile paint is your best option. It’s specifically designed for fabric projects, whether you’re customizing clothes for fun or creating pieces for your own clothing brand. One of the best things about it is that once it dries and you heat-set it, the design becomes permanent. You can wash it by hand or in the washing machine and wear it regularly, and it won’t fade easily.

Textile paint is made to bend and stretch with the fabric, so it won’t crack or peel the way regular acrylic paint might. It works on many types of fabric and comes in a wide variety of finishes, be they matte, glossy, metallic, glitter, and more. Plus, it’s very beginner-friendly since you can apply it with brushes, stencils, sponges, stamps, or even squeeze bottles.

However, using this type of paint does require a bit of technique if you want your designs to look their best and last long on the fabric. Make sure to apply thin layers because one thick coat can make the fabric feel stiff or less flexible. And most importantly, always heat-set your design afterward, or the paint may wash off. If your finished piece looks a little dull even after following all the steps, don’t worry; that is completely normal because it often happens depending on the type of fabric you’re using. Some textile paints also dry slightly softer or a bit duller compared to regular acrylics, so the final colors may look more muted.

The cost of this type of paint isn’t nearly as expensive as oil paints. Smaller, budget-friendly bottles usually range from ¥300 to ¥700, while a decent-sized bottle (around 50–100 ml) is typically ¥1,500–¥3,000. If you prefer buying sets, they usually cost around ¥2,500–¥5,000 or more, depending on the number of colors and the size of the tubes.

Summary:

Base: Acrylic-based

Finish: Varies (matte, metallic, puff, etc.)

Drying Time: Medium

Opacity: Medium to high

Reactivatable: No

Best For: Shirts, tote bags, textile design

Cost: ¥300–¥700 (small) | ¥1,500–¥3,000 (50-100ml sized bottles) | ¥2,500–¥5,000+ (sets of colors)

Notes: Heat-setting is often needed to make designs washable, heavy layer can make the fabric feel rough, or less flexible, and some textile paints dry slightly duller or soften.

7. Spray Paint

If you’re planning a big DIY project, repainting furniture, or just want a medium that doesn’t require any brushes, spray paint is a great choice. Unlike using the brush, spray paint can cover large areas quickly without needing multiple strokes. It leaves a smooth, streak-free finish, which makes it perfect for furniture, décor, and metal pieces.

Because it sprays in a fine mist, it also works amazingly well with detailed stencils and shapes, and it dries faster than traditional brush-on paints. As long as the surface is properly primed, you can use spray paint on metal, wood, plastic, glass, ceramic, concrete, cardboard, and more. Plus, it comes in so many finishes to choose from: matte, satin, gloss, metallic, chrome, textured, glitter, fluorescent, and many others.

Though personally, I find spray paint a bit tedious to work with. To get the best results, you really need to prep your surface first, sanding, cleaning, and priming it before you even start painting. It also has a strong chemical smell, so it should only be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. On top of that, you’ll need to cover your floor or workspace really well with newspaper or a drop cloth, because the mist spreads easily and can land on anything that isn’t protected.

The cost is also one of the reasons why I’ve only used spray paint for a single artwork. Budget-friendly cans usually range from ¥400 to ¥1,000, while specialty ones—depending on the brand and finish—can cost around ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 or more. And if you go for imported or premium professional sprays, the price can climb even higher due to shipping and brand quality. Unlike other paints that come in sets, spray paint requires you to buy each color separately, which is why it can get pretty expensive to use.

Summary:

Base: Solvent or water-based

Finish: Matte or glossy

Drying Time: Fast

Opacity: High

Reactivatable: No

Best For: Walls, furniture, big projects

Cost: ¥400–¥1,000 per can | ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 per specialty cans

Notes: Great coverage, but use outdoors or in ventilated spaces and work with cover (like newspaper or drop cloth) underneath to avoid messy floors.

8. Enamel Paint

If you’re looking for a type of paint that works well on car parts, home fixtures, or porcelain and glass surfaces, enamel paint is exactly what you need. It dries to a glossy, durable finish, the same kind of shine you see on metal appliances, signboards, or even auto parts. Although it takes quite a long time to dry, the wait is definitely worth it. Once fully cured, enamel paint becomes water-resistant, heat-resistant, and strong enough to withstand outdoor weather, making it incredibly long-lasting. It adheres to a wide range of surfaces, such as wood, metal, glass, ceramic, and certain plastics. And because it hardens into a smooth, glossy surface, stains, dust, and marks can be wiped off much more easily.

But when working with enamel paint, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area—especially if you’re using the oil-based kind—because the smell can be pretty strong. You’ll also want to protect your floor or workspace, since enamel is notoriously hard to clean off once it dries. Water won’t do anything; you’ll need a thinner to remove dried drips, and honestly, nobody has time for that kind of chore. Lastly, enamel paint works best on a clean, smooth, and properly primed surface. If you skip the prep, the paint is more likely to peel or chip over time, so be careful.

If you’re using this paint for small hobby projects, a single bottle of enamel paint usually costs around ¥200 to ¥1,100, depending on the brand and size. But if you need it for a larger project, be prepared to spend more—a bucket-sized container can range anywhere from about ¥10,000 to ¥35,000 or even higher.

Summary:

Base: Oil/solvent

Finish: Hard, glossy finish

Drying Time: Medium to slow

Opacity: High

Reactivatable: No

Best For: Metal, ceramics, glass, long-lasting finishes

Cost: ¥200–¥1,100 per small bottle | ¥10,000–¥35,000 per bucket

Notes: Extremely durable, ideal for detailed models. Properly prime the surface before adding paint or else it will likely peel or chip over time.

9. Chalk Paint

If you are looking to paint your furniture into something vintage, chalk paint is the paint for you. For those who are new to this type of paint, chalk paint is a type of decorative paint that is famous for its matte, chalky, and velvety finish. It’s commonly used for furniture makeovers, home décor projects, and DIY crafts because it can transform almost any surface without requiring much prep work. What makes chalk paint so unique is how very beginner-friendly it is.

Unlike many other paints, you usually don’t need to sand or prime the surface beforehand; just clean it and start painting. It sticks really well to wood, metal, glass, fabric, and even laminated surfaces. Once it dries, it gives that soft, vintage, slightly rustic look that’s often seen in farmhouse or shabby-chic styles. To protect the finish, people typically seal it with wax or a topcoat, which also deepens the color and makes it more durable. Because it dries quickly, you can add multiple layers in a short period, making projects faster to finish.

While chalk paint is loved for its charm and ease of use, there are a few drawbacks to consider. For starters, it isn't particularly durable on its own and always requires a protective seal, such as wax or a topcoat, or it can scratch easily or stain. Even then, it probably won't stand up as well to enamel or acrylic paints on heavily used surfaces. Chalk paint can also show visible brush strokes, which is great when you want a rustic, textured look but not so good if you go for a clean, smooth modern finish.

Another downside of this product is the price; the chalk paint is a bit pricey compared to other paints per bottle. A bottle with 100-200 ml will have a price of around ¥1,000 to ¥2,000, while large jars and premium brands (1 L) cost ¥5,000 to ¥6,000. Very large or professional volumes will be even much higher, dependent on the product and brand. And because it's a porous paint, waxed surfaces may occasionally need some maintenance or re-waxing over time. Lastly, depending on the brand, the color palette can be a little limited unless you're prepared to mix your colors yourself.

Summary:

Base: Water

Finish: Chalky matte

Drying Time: Medium

Opacity: Medium

Reactivatable: No

Best For: Furniture makeovers, vintage-style décor

Cost: ¥1,000–¥2,000+ per small jar | ¥5,000–¥6,000+ per buckets.

Notes: Distressed, shabby-chic looks are where this shines.

10. Resin Paint / Epoxy Pigments

Resin paint is the type of paint you need for your projects, whether it's floors, fences, furniture, tiles, exterior walls, or just small crafted handmade items like keychains, clay, and figurines that will give a strong, durable finish and be highly protective. Unlike regular paints, resin paint forms a tougher coating that resists scratches, moisture, chemicals, and heat; hence, it is perfect for projects needing long-lasting durability. It is used on floors, countertops, tiles, metal frames, outdoor furniture, appliances, and even some craft or DIY projects. Since it levels smoothly as it dries, the final result often looks sleek, polished, and almost glass-like, which is one of the reasons many people choose it for modern or professional-looking finishes.

But while resin paint has many strengths, it also comes with some downsides. One of the biggest pros is its durability; once cured, it forms a hard surface that can withstand heavy use, weather, and frequent cleaning. Its glossy finish also adds a beautiful, clean look that makes surfaces appear new and refreshed. Resin paint is also water-resistant and protective, which is why it’s trusted for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor items. However, the cons mainly come from its application.

Resin paint tends to have a strong smell, so it requires good ventilation while working. It also needs proper surface preparation—sanding, cleaning, and sometimes priming—so that it adheres well. Without prep, it can peel or chip over time. In addition, resin paint is usually more expensive than regular acrylic or latex paint and can be harder to fix if mistakes happen. Still, when applied correctly, it delivers a professional-level finish that lasts for years.

The prices usually range from a few thousand yen, depending on the type and purpose. For small crafts or resin-art paints, the price can be in the range of ¥2,000-¥8,000, but color tints or pigments usually stay within several thousand yen. If one is buying larger quantities or industrial-grade resin-based coatings, the price increases significantly and often reaches tens of thousands of yen. The prices vary according to the quality, size, and whether they are for craft, home project, or professional use.

Summary:

Base: Resin

Finish: Glassy, glossy

Drying Time: Depends on resin (usually slow–medium)

Opacity: High

Reactivatable: No

Best For: Resin coasters, jewelry, trays, ocean pours, floors, interior and exterior furniture

Cost: ¥2,000-¥8,000+ per pigment bottle (plus resin cost) | ¥10,000-¥50,000 (industrial-grade resin-based coatings)

Notes: Needs curing time; results look stunning and glass-like.

Conclusion

Arts and crafts are fun to dive into, but DIY projects can get pretty frustrating if you’re not sure which paint works best for what you’re making. No single paint is perfect for everything; that’s exactly why we have so many options to choose from. Picking the right medium really matters, or the final result might not turn out the way you pictured it. So make sure to do a bit of research before buying anything. It saves you from unnecessary mess, wasted supplies, and wasted money because in this economy, every choice counts.

Happy arts and crafting, everyone!