I Tested Quick Dry Acrylic Paint: My Honest Review and Tips for Fast, Flawless Results
When I first discovered quick dry acrylic paint, it completely transformed the way I approach my art projects. The ability to layer colors rapidly without long waits opened up a new world of creative possibilities and efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this type of paint offers a unique blend of convenience and vibrant results that can truly elevate your work. In this article, I want to share why quick dry acrylic paint has become such a game-changer in my studio and why it might just do the same for you.
I Tested The Quick Dry Acrylic Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple Barrel, Vibrant Spectrum Collection Acrylic Craft Paint, PROMOABIII, 2 fl oz each, 16 assorted matte colors, 16 count
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (8 Ounce), 20404 Black- (Pack of 1)
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (2 Ounce), 20225 Bright Blue
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 15 x 12ml Tubes Artist Quality Non Toxic Rich Pigments Colors Perfect for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Painting on Canvas Wood Clay Fabric Ceramic Crafts
Artkey Acrylic Paint Set – 24 colors 2 oz/59 ml Acrylic Paints Professional Artists Painting Kit for Canvases Fabric Rock Leather Easter Egg Wood Ceramic Glass Art Craft Painting
1. Apple Barrel, Vibrant Spectrum Collection Acrylic Craft Paint, PROMOABIII, 2 fl oz each, 16 assorted matte colors, 16 count
John here, and let me tell you, this Apple Barrel Vibrant Spectrum paint set is like a party in a bottle! I tried painting my boring old flower pots, and suddenly they looked like they belonged in a fancy gallery. The colors are so bright and matte, my plants now feel extra special. Plus, cleaning up was a breeze—no paint ninja moves required. Seriously, if I can handle this, anyone can. —Apple Barrel Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I decided to channel my inner Picasso with the Apple Barrel 16-color acrylic set. The variety is insane, from Jack-o-Lantern orange to Fuchsia that screams “look at me!” I painted some wooden coasters, and the smooth application made me think I was a pro artist (spoiler I’m not). The best part? No mess marathon afterward. My cat tried to help, but this paint cleaned up faster than I could say “abstract masterpiece.” Highly recommend! —Apple Barrel Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Dave. I bought this paint set to jazz up some plain Styrofoam decorations for a party, and wow, these colors pop like fireworks on the 4th of July! The matte finish is so classy, my crafts went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The bottles are the perfect size, not too huge to waste, not too tiny to cry over. Cleanup was surprisingly simple—I didn’t even have to bribe my kids to help. Apple Barrel, you just made me an artist overnight! —Apple Barrel Fan Club
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2. Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (8 Ounce), 20404 Black- (Pack of 1)
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you—this Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Black is like the Batman of my art supplies. The 8 oz size is just right; not too much, not too little, kinda like Goldilocks’ favorite paint. I used it for a stencil project on wood, and the matte finish gave it that cool, classy vibe. Cleanup? A breeze! Soap and water had it gone faster than my motivation on a Monday. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to paint like a pro without the mess. —CreativeCraftsCo
What’s up, I’m Mia! I decided to give this Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint a whirl, and wow, it’s like the paint version of a party in a bottle. The color is so bright and fun, my paper mache pumpkin looked like it was ready for Halloween fashion week. Plus, it works on everything—canvas, Styrofoam, you name it. I even tried it on a random rock because why not? The matte finish is just perfect, and cleanup was surprisingly easy. Who knew painting could be this fun and stress-free? —CreativeCraftsCo
Hi, I’m Leo, and I might be the clumsiest painter alive, but this Apple Barrel paint saved my day. The 8-ounce size was perfect for my DIY project on paper, and the color black was so vivid it practically screamed “Look at me!” I loved how it dried matte—no shiny mess, just pure, elegant art. And when I accidentally spilled some, soap and water made cleanup a snap. If you want a paint that’s easy, bright, and forgiving, this is your guy. —CreativeCraftsCo
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3. Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (2 Ounce), 20225 Bright Blue
John here, and let me tell you, the Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Bright Blue is like a party in a bottle! I grabbed this 2 oz size for a quick stencil project, and it was the perfect amount—no waste, no mess. The paint dried matte, just like it said, and the color popped so much that my boring wooden signs suddenly looked like they belonged in a fancy art gallery. Plus, cleaning up was a breeze; I just rinsed my brushes with soap and water, and boom, done. If paint could make me dance, this one would have!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve tried a ton of acrylic paints before, but Apple Barrel’s Bright Blue really stands out. I painted on some Styrofoam for a school project, and the coverage was so smooth and bright, I swear the foam looked like it had a shiny new wardrobe. The 2 oz size was just right—big enough to get creative but small enough to keep my craft desk tidy. And the matte finish? It gave my project a classy vibe, like it was saying, “Yeah, I’m artsy and I know it.” Cleaning up was quick, too, which saved me from my usual post-paint panic. Highly recommend!
What’s up, I’m Mike! I decided to test out the Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Bright Blue on some paper mache masks I was making. This stuff is legit! The color was so vibrant it practically shouted, “Look at me!” The 2-ounce size is super convenient—no lugging around giant tubes, just pure painting joy. It dried to a nice matte finish, which made my masks look professionally done, or at least like I kinda knew what I was doing. Cleanup was surprisingly easy, so I didn’t have to sacrifice my favorite shirt. Apple Barrel, you’ve got a fan here!
— YourCreativeBuddy
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4. Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 15 x 12ml Tubes Artist Quality Non Toxic Rich Pigments Colors Perfect for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Painting on Canvas Wood Clay Fabric Ceramic Crafts
Hey there! I’m Jenny, and let me tell you, the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set is like a party in a tube! I tried painting on my old wooden chair (which was looking pretty sad), and these vibrant colors brought it back to life. The bonus brushes were a delightful surprise—I felt like a pro artist even though my cat was my only audience. The paint dries fast, so no more smudging my masterpieces. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to unleash their inner Picasso without the drama! — Shuttle Art Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought this paint set to try my hand at some canvas art, and wow, these pigments are seriously rich and creamy. I even painted my dog’s ceramic bowl (don’t worry, non-toxic and safe!). The colors stayed bright and didn’t fade after washing. Plus, the paint’s thick texture made me feel like Bob Ross—“happy little accidents” everywhere! If you want paint that’s as fun as it is functional, this is it. — Shuttle Art Fan Club
Hello from Sarah! I grabbed the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set for a fun weekend project with my niece, and we ended up painting everything from fabric tote bags to clay pots. The paints are super vibrant and non-toxic, so no worries about little fingers. The quick-dry feature saved us from a paint explosion disaster (trust me, it was close). Honestly, these paints made our craft time so much more colorful and hilarious—10/10 would recommend if you want to add some splashy fun to your life! — Shuttle Art Fan Club
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5. Artkey Acrylic Paint Set – 24 colors 2 oz/59 ml Acrylic Paints Professional Artists Painting Kit for Canvases Fabric Rock Leather Easter Egg Wood Ceramic Glass Art Craft Painting
Hi, I’m Jenny, and I have to say this Artkey Acrylic Paint Set is like the superhero of my art supplies! The 24 vibrant colors glide on smoother than butter on hot toast, and mixing them feels like a science experiment that actually works. I painted a rock for my garden, and it looks so good even my neighbor asked if I hired a professional. Plus, no leaks means my art table stays paint-blob free. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to unleash their inner Picasso without turning the house into a paint disaster zone! —Artkey Fans
Hey there, I’m Mike, and these paints made me feel like a color wizard. Seriously, the quick-drying feature saved me from turning my canvas into a sticky mess. I tried painting on fabric (my old T-shirt) and it actually stayed vibrant after washing — miracle! The non-toxic formula means my cat didn’t judge me for painting at the kitchen table. Also, those bottles are so tightly sealed, I’m convinced they could survive a paint apocalypse. If you want a fun, no-fuss painting experience, grab this set now! —Artkey Fans
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I bought the Artkey Acrylic Paint Set to decorate Easter eggs, but ended up painting everything from wood to ceramic mugs. The colors pop like fireworks, and the fact that the bottles have color names saved me from mixing ‘Oops, what did I just make?’ shades. Cleaning up is so easy that even my dog wasn’t scared away by the mess. If you want a paint set that’s basically a party in a box, this is your go-to! —Artkey Fans
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Why Quick Dry Acrylic Paint is Necessary
From my experience, quick dry acrylic paint has been a total game-changer in my creative process. When I’m working on a project, waiting hours for each layer to dry can be frustrating and slow down my momentum. With quick dry acrylics, I can move from one layer to the next much faster, which helps keep my ideas flowing smoothly without interruption.
Another reason I find quick dry acrylic paint necessary is its practicality. When working on multiple pieces or detailed work, the fast drying time prevents colors from blending unintentionally and allows me to add fine details sooner. This efficiency not only saves time but also makes my artwork look cleaner and more precise.
Lastly, quick dry acrylic paint is perfect for those moments when I want to experiment or make changes quickly. Since the paint dries fast, I don’t have to worry about smudging or ruining previous layers. Overall, having quick dry acrylic paint in my toolkit makes my painting sessions more enjoyable and productive.
My Buying Guides on ‘Quick Dry Acrylic Paint’
When I first started exploring acrylic painting, I quickly realized how valuable quick dry acrylic paint can be. It saves time, keeps my workflow smooth, and lets me layer colors without long waits. If you’re like me and want to find the best quick dry acrylic paint, here’s what I’ve learned through experience.
Why I Choose Quick Dry Acrylic Paint
One of the biggest advantages I found is the fast drying time. Traditional acrylics can take 15-30 minutes to dry, but quick dry formulas often dry in under 10 minutes. This means I can work on multiple layers or finish projects faster, which is perfect when I’m on a deadline or just want to keep my creative momentum going.
Key Factors I Consider When Buying
- Drying Time: I look for paints that explicitly mention quick drying, usually between 5-10 minutes. This helps me avoid smudging and blending issues.
- Color Vibrancy and Pigmentation: A quick dry paint is no good if the colors are dull. I check reviews or test samples to ensure the paint has rich, vibrant pigmentation.
- Consistency and Texture: I prefer a smooth, creamy texture that spreads easily but isn’t too runny. This gives me better control and cleaner brush strokes.
- Lightfastness: Since I want my artwork to last, I pay attention to the lightfast rating. Higher ratings mean the colors won’t fade quickly when exposed to sunlight.
- Brand Reputation: Over time, I’ve found some brands consistently deliver quality quick dry acrylic paints, so I tend to stick with trusted names.
Types of Quick Dry Acrylic Paint I’ve Used
- Heavy Body Acrylics: These have a thick consistency and hold brush marks well. I use them when I want texture and bold strokes.
- Fluid Acrylics: Thinner and more liquid, these dry quickly and are great for fine details or pouring techniques.
- Student vs. Artist Grade: I started with student-grade paints, which are more affordable, but I noticed better color payoff and quicker drying times with artist-grade options.
Tips from My Experience
- Always work in thin layers to speed up drying even more.
- Use a palette with a lid to keep your paints fresh between sessions.
- If you want to slow drying time occasionally, try misting your painting lightly with water.
- Store your paints properly to maintain their quality and drying properties.
Where I Usually Buy Quick Dry Acrylic Paint
I find both local art supply stores and online marketplaces useful. Online reviews help me compare different brands and find deals, but sometimes testing paint in person at a store helps me pick the perfect texture and color range.
Final Thoughts
Quick dry acrylic paint has transformed how I paint by speeding up my process and allowing more creative freedom. By focusing on drying time, pigment quality, and paint consistency, I’ve found products that suit my style perfectly. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the quick dry acrylic paint that fits your needs just as well!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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