Which paint should you use to paint on canvas?

Acrylic paint is the simplest choice for painting on canvas. It thins with water, dries quickly and covers well, which makes it forgiving for beginners and easy to build up in layers. Oil paint also works on canvas, but it dries over several days and needs solvents for thinning and cleaning, so it suits those with more experience and a well-ventilated space.

If you are using a paint by numbers kit, you do not need to buy paint separately.

For general canvas painting, keep acrylic paint workable by adding a little water, and clean brushes promptly before the paint dries. Work in thin layers rather than one heavy coat, and let each layer dry before adding the next.