Acrylic Paint Set Blick: How to Choose and Use One (Beginner Guide)

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An acrylic paint set from Blick gives you a dependable starting palette, and knowing how to pick and use one saves you from buying colors you will never touch. In this guide you will learn how to judge a set by its paint quality, color range and format, how to prepare for your first session, and how to paint with clean, even strokes. Whether you are stocking a first studio corner or building a hobby kit, the steps below will help you get the most from your acrylic paint set Blick sells.

Why Blick Acrylic Paint Sets Suit Beginners and Hobbyists

Blick is a long-running art supply retailer, and its acrylic paint sets are organized by the way most crafters actually work. Sets are typically grouped by pigment line, tube or jar size, and the number of colors included. That structure makes it easier to compare options side by side instead of guessing what a box contains. A blick acrylic paint set can cover basic mixing needs, or it can offer a broader range for detail work, so the first job is deciding which kind of set matches your projects.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Set of Acrylic Paint Compareds: Buyer's Guide 2026.

Step 1: Decide What You Will Paint

Before you open any product page, write down the surfaces and projects you expect to use most. Acrylic paint behaves differently depending on what it sits on, and the right set depends on the work.

• Canvas and paper: Standard heavy-body paints with good coverage work well.
• Wood and craft blanks: Opaque colors with strong pigment help you cover the base in fewer coats.
• Fabric and ceramics: You will need a finishing step after painting. If this is your main use, read the setting guides before buying, such as How to Set Acrylic Paint on Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and How to Set Acrylic Paint on Ceramic: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.
• Glass: Paint adhesion and durability depend on preparation and curing. How to Set Acrylic Paint on Glass: A Step-by-Step Guide for Durable Results covers the process.

Step 2: Compare Set Size, Color Range and Format

Blick sets vary widely in tube count, tube volume and color selection. Use the table below as a framework when comparing listings, then match each column to your projects.

Factor	What to look for	Best fit
Color count	6 to 12 colors for basics; 24 or more for a wide palette	Beginners start small; hobbyists often want more range
Primary and neutral colors	Titanium white, black, and a warm and cool version of each primary	Mixing and value control
Container	Tubes for controlled use; jars for larger volume	Tubes for detail; jars for broad coverage
Paint type	Heavy body versus fluid or pouring formulas	Heavy body for brushwork; fluid for pouring and washes
Included extras	Brushes, palette, or canvas in a bundle	Useful only if the included tools are actually suitable

If you are unsure whether a larger set is worth it, What Makes a Nice Acrylic Paint Set Worth Buying? Key Factors Explained walks through the criteria in more depth.

Step 3: Prepare Your Workspace and Tools

A good set performs poorly on a messy surface or with the wrong brushes. Gather these before you start:

1. A protected work surface, such as a cover sheet or silicone mat.
2. A palette for mixing, either disposable or easy to wipe clean.
3. At least two brushes: a flat for broad areas and a round for lines and detail.
4. A water cup and paper towels for cleaning brushes between colors.
5. A primed or sealed surface. Raw wood, unsealed paper or unprimed cardboard will drink up paint unevenly.

Acrylic dries fast, so set up everything before you squeeze out paint. Keep a spray bottle nearby to mist the palette if you need more working time.

Step 4: Squeeze and Mix Colors Correctly

Use a consistent amount of paint from each tube. A pea-sized dab works for small areas, while a larger bead suits broad coverage. Work from light to dark when mixing so you do not overshoot your value range. Add white in small amounts to lighten, and use a tiny bit of black to deepen rather than adding black in large quantities.

Mixing Sub-Steps

• Start with the lightest color you need.
• Add a small amount of the darker color and blend fully.
• Test a swatch on scrap material and let it dry, since acrylic shifts slightly in value as it cures.
• Record successful mixes on the back of your palette or on a notepad.

Step 5: Apply Paint in Even Layers

Thin coats give smoother results than one heavy coat. Load the brush lightly, work in one direction, and let each layer dry before adding another. Drying usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes for thin layers, though thick application or humid conditions take longer. Manufacturers generally advise waiting until a layer is dry to the touch before recoating, so check each area before going back over it.

Application Sub-Steps

• Block in large shapes with the flat brush first.
• Add a second thin coat for even coverage on dark or transparent colors.
• Switch to the round brush for edges and fine lines.
• Rinse the brush fully before switching colors to avoid muddy tones.

Step 6: Clean Up and Store the Set

Wipe brushes with a damp cloth as you work. Once you finish, wash brushes with warm water and mild soap, then reshape the bristles and lay them flat or bristles-up to dry. Dried acrylic on tube caps and threads can prevent a good seal, so wipe them before closing. Store tubes upright or flat in a dry container away from heat, which can thicken paint over time.

Common Mistakes

• Buying too many colors at once. A smaller, well-chosen set often teaches more than a large box you never open.
• Painting on unprepared surfaces. Sealing or priming first improves adhesion and color clarity.
• Overworking the paint. Repeated brushing once a layer starts to set leaves streaks and lifted texture.
• Letting paint dry on brushes. Rinse right away, since dried acrylic is hard to remove.
• Assuming all acrylics behave the same. Heavy body, fluid and pouring formulas handle very differently.

Tips for Getting More From Your Set

• Keep a color chart of your mixes so you can repeat them later.
• Use a retarder or flow medium when you need more working time or smoother flow.
• Store a damp paper towel over your palette during long sessions to slow drying.
• Test new products on scrap material before committing to a finished piece.

Recommended Gear

These supplies work well alongside most acrylic sets and help the steps above go more smoothly.

• Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint: A widely available starter line that suits beginners learning mixing and layering. View on Amazon
• Winsor and Newton Series 7 Brushes: Fine-pointed sable-style brushes that hold color well for detail work. View on Amazon
• Masterson Sta-Wet Palette: A sealed palette that keeps paint workable longer during extended sessions. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is a Blick acrylic paint set good for beginners?

Yes, a modest set with primary colors, white and black is a practical starting point. Choose a size that matches the projects you plan to do.

How many colors do I need in a starter set?

Most beginners do well with six to twelve colors. You can mix most other hues from a basic palette.

How long does acrylic paint take to dry?

Thin layers often feel dry within about 20 to 30 minutes, but thick coats and humid conditions take longer. Full cure takes considerably more time, so check manufacturer guidance for your specific product.

Can I use acrylic paint from a set on fabric?

You can, but fabric usually needs a heat-setting or curing step for durability. Follow the fabric guide linked above for the process.

Should I buy tubes or jars?

Tubes suit detail work and smaller projects, while jars offer more volume for large areas. Many artists use tubes for color and jars for base coats.

How do I keep acrylic paint from drying out on the palette?

Use a sealed palette or keep a damp paper towel and a spray bottle nearby. Replace or seal the lid on tubes between sessions.

Can I mix acrylic paint with other media?

Yes, acrylic mixes well with compatible mediums such as gels, retarders and flow aids. Check that any additive is labeled for acrylic use.

Conclusion

A well-chosen acrylic paint set from Blick gives you a dependable base for learning color mixing and layering. Start by matching the set to your surfaces and projects, prepare your workspace, and practice thin, even coats. With consistent cleanup and storage, your palette will last through many projects.

Related reading

• Which Acrylic Nail Art Paint Set Is Best for Beginners? 2026 Guide
• What Makes a Nice Acrylic Paint Set Worth Buying? Key Factors Explained
• Top 5 Miniature Acrylic Paint Set Options for Tabletop Figures (2026)
• Tamiya Acrylic Paint Full Set: 6 Best Picks for Model Builders (2026)

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