Rapid City Painting Pros: Transforming Spaces with Flawless Finishes

Choosing the right surface to paint on can greatly affect the final outcome of your artwork. From canvas to wood to paper, each material has its own unique properties that can enhance or hinder your painting process. In this article, we will explore the different options available and help you decide what you should paint on.

Acrylics

Acrylics is a versatile and popular medium in the art world. It is often used by artists to create expressive and colorful paintings, and can be applied to a variety of surfaces. What you paint on is an important consideration when working with acrylics, as the surface can affect the final look of the painting. Acrylics can be used on canvas, paper, wood, and even plastic. The fast-drying nature of acrylics allows for layering and blending, making it a great option for those who like to experiment with different techniques. With acrylics, the possibilities are endless.

Watercolors

Watercolors are a fascinating medium to work with. The way the colors blend and bleed into each other can create unpredictable and beautiful effects. One never knows exactly what they will get when they paint with watercolors. It’s like a dance between the artist and the paint, with every stroke creating a new and unique experience. Watercolors are often used to capture landscapes and still life scenes, but they can also be used to create abstract works of art. One thing is for sure, painting with watercolors is always an adventure.

BRAND	PRICE RANGE	COLOR RANGE	LIGHTFASTNESS
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor	$$$$	109+	Excellent
Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolor	$$$$	140+	Excellent
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor	$$$$	260+	Excellent
M. Graham Watercolor	$$$	70+	Good/Excellent
Sennelier Watercolor	$$$	98+	Good/Excellent
Holbein Artists’ Watercolor	$$$	108+	Very Good/Excellent
Lukas Aquarell 1862 Watercolor	$$$	70+	Good/Very Good
Grumbacher Finest Artists’ Watercolors	$$	60+	Good/Very Good
Daler Rowney Artists’ Watercolor	$$	87+	Good/Very Good
Van Gogh Watercolors	$$	40+	Good/Very Good
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors	$$	96+	Good/Very Good
QoR Watercolor	$$$	83+	Varies
Rembrandt Watercolor	$$	80+	Varies
Royal Talens Ecoline Liquid Watercolor	$	46+	Varies
Prima Marketing Watercolor Confections	$	48+	Varies

Oil paints

Oil paints are a type of paint that uses oil as the main binder for pigments. They are known for their rich colors and slow drying time, which allows for more time to blend and create textures. One of the most intriguing things about oil paints is what you paint on. Oil paints can be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood, metal, and even plastic. The versatility of oil paints is what makes them a popular choice for artists around the world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, oil paints can help you to express yourself in a unique and creative way.

Gouache

Gouache is a unique type of watercolor paint that is made with a high concentration of pigment and an opaque white pigment called chalk. This combination results in a paint that has a matte finish and is highly versatile. Gouache can be used to create bold, opaque paintings or delicate, translucent washes. It is commonly used by illustrators and designers for its ability to create flat, vibrant colors. Interestingly, gouache can also be used as an underpainting for oil or acrylic paintings as it dries quickly and can be easily painted over. While it may seem similar to watercolor, gouache has its own distinct properties and techniques. Experimenting with gouache can lead to unique and stunning results.

Pastels

Pastels are a fascinating medium to work with. Their soft and velvety texture provides an ethereal quality to artwork that can be difficult to achieve with other mediums. But what you paint on is just as important as the pastels themselves. The surface you choose can greatly affect the outcome of your work. Some artists prefer to work on fine-grain paper, while others prefer a rougher texture. The decision ultimately depends on the effect that the artist is trying to achieve. When working with pastels, the paper should have a rough texture to allow the pastels to adhere properly. Using a smooth paper can cause the pastels to slide around and not adhere, resulting in a frustrating and disappointing experience. So, what you paint on is just as important as the medium itself when it comes to working with pastels.

Ink

Ink is a liquid or paste that contains pigments or dyes, used for writing or drawing with a pen, brush, or quill. It has been used for centuries by various cultures around the world for communication, artistic expression, and documentation. The ingredients of ink can vary depending on the type and purpose of the ink, but they usually include a pigment or dye, a binder to hold the pigment together, and a solvent to make it flow. Ink can come in a variety of colors, from black to blue to red to green, and can be used on a variety of surfaces, from paper to fabric to skin. It’s fascinating to think about how ink has evolved over time and how it continues to be an essential tool for human expression.

TYPE OF INK	PROPERTIES	RECOMMENDED USES
Dye Ink	Vibrant colors, quick-drying, water-soluble, not waterproof	Printing on paper, cardstock, and other porous materials
Pigment Ink	Fade-resistant, water-resistant, smudge-resistant, slow-drying	Printing on glossy or non-porous surfaces such as photo paper, plastics, and metals
Solvent Ink	Waterproof, fade-resistant, scratch-resistant, fast-drying	Printing on vinyl, PVC, and other non-absorbent materials
UV Ink	Highly durable, chemical-resistant, waterproof, scratch-resistant, fade-resistant	Printing on a wide range of materials including glass, plastic, and metal
Latex Ink	Water-based, eco-friendly, scratch-resistant, vibrant colors	Printing on a wide range of materials including fabric, paper, and vinyl
Sublimation Ink	Vibrant colors, photo-realistic printing, fade-resistant, not waterproof	Printing on specially coated materials such as ceramics, metal, and polyester fabrics
Eco-Solvent Ink	Environmentally-friendly, waterproof, fade-resistant, scratch-resistant	Printing on vinyl, canvas, and other outdoor signage materials
Water-based Ink	Environmentally-friendly, easy to clean up, not waterproof	Printing on paper and other absorbent materials
Oil-based Ink	Water-resistant, fast-drying, not eco-friendly	Printing on non-absorbent surfaces such as metal, plastic, and coated paper
Acrylic Ink	Waterproof, lightfast, flexible, not eco-friendly	Painting on a wide range of surfaces including paper, canvas, and wood
Alcohol Ink	Fast-drying, water-resistant, vibrant colors	Painting on non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, and ceramics
India Ink	Waterproof, fade-resistant, dark black color	Drawing and calligraphy on paper and other absorbent surfaces
Gouache	Opaque, water-soluble, matte finish	Painting on paper and other absorbent surfaces, creating illustrations and designs
Sumi Ink	Waterproof, fade-resistant, traditional Japanese black ink	Traditional Japanese calligraphy, painting, and sumi-e
White Ink	Opaque, not waterproof, slow-drying	Highlighting and adding details to dark surfaces such as black paper and photographs

Spray paint

Spray paint is a fascinating medium to work with. You never know what you’ll end up with, and that’s part of the beauty of it. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can paint on. You could create a mural on a wall, graffiti on a street corner, or even paint a design on your car. The choice is yours, and that’s what makes spray paint so exciting to work with.

But with that excitement comes a certain level of perplexity. Spray paint can be unpredictable, and that’s part of the challenge. One day, your paint might spread perfectly, creating a smooth coat. The next day, it might come out in splotches, ruining your entire piece. It’s this unpredictability that keeps spray paint artists on their toes.

And yet, despite the challenges, there’s a certain burstiness to spray paint that can’t be found in any other medium. With just a few quick sprays, you can create something truly beautiful and unique. Spray paint artists are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with this medium, and that’s what makes it so exciting to watch.

In the end, spray paint is a medium that defies predictability. But that’s what makes it so special. It’s a medium for those who are willing to take risks, to experiment, and to push themselves to create something truly unique. If you’re up for the challenge, then spray paint is the medium for you.

BRAND	COLOR AVAILABILITY	DRYING TIME	FINISH OPTIONS	DURABILITY	PRICE
Rust-Oleum	Wide range	20 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$
Krylon	Wide range	15 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	Medium	$$
Montana	Wide range	10 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$$
Valspar	Wide range	30 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	Medium	$$
PlastiKote	Wide range	20 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	Medium	$$
Dupli-Color	Wide range	20 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	Medium	$$
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch	Wide range	30 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$
MTN 94	Wide range	15 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$$
Liquitex	Wide range	30 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$$
Testors	Limited range	30 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	Medium	$
Kobra	Wide range	15 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$$
Molotow	Wide range	20 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$$
Ironlak	Wide range	15 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$$
Belton	Wide range	15 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$$
Mtn Hardcore	Wide range	15 minutes	Matte, Satin, Gloss	High	$$$

Enamel paint

Enamel paint is a type of paint that is known for its durability and glossy finish. It is made up of a mixture of resin, pigment, and solvent, which gives it a hard, smooth surface when it dries. When it comes to what you paint on, enamel paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including metal, wood, and ceramics. However, the application process can be a bit tricky and requires some special techniques to get the best results. One thing to keep in mind is that enamel paint is not always compatible with other types of paint, so it’s important to make sure you are using the right type of primer and paint for your project. Overall, if you are looking for a paint that will provide a long lasting and beautiful finish, enamel paint is definitely worth considering.

TYPE OF ENAMEL PAINT	PROPERTIES	RECOMMENDED USES
Oil-Based Enamel Paint	Durable, Glossy finish, Resistant to stains and scratches, Can yellow over time, Longer drying time	Great for furniture, cabinets, and trim work. Not recommended for surfaces that are prone to moisture and humidity.
Water-Based Enamel Paint	Quick drying time, Low VOCs, Less odor, Resistant to fading and chipping, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Ideal for indoor and outdoor surfaces such as walls, doors, and furniture. Great for areas that require frequent cleaning
Acrylic Enamel Paint	Fast drying time, Resistant to fading and chipping, Low VOCs, Less odor, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Suitable for interior and exterior surfaces such as walls, trim, and doors. Great for surfaces that require frequent cleaning
Alkyd Enamel Paint	Durable, Glossy finish, Resistant to scratches and stains, Longer drying time, Can yellow over time	Ideal for surfaces that require heavy-duty coating such as metal, wood, or concrete. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Epoxy Enamel Paint	Extremely durable, Resistant to chemicals and abrasions, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Great for surfaces that require a heavy-duty coating such as garage floors, industrial equipment, and metal surfaces
Chalk Enamel Paint	Matte finish, No primer needed, Can be distressed for a vintage look, Requires a topcoat for durability	Ideal for furniture, cabinets, and decorative items. Not recommended for high traffic areas or surfaces that require frequent cleaning
Metallic Enamel Paint	Shiny finish, Reflective, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Suitable for decorative purposes such as picture frames, lamps, and other decorative items
High Temperature Enamel Paint	Resistant to high temperatures, Durable, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Great for surfaces that are exposed to high temperatures such as grills, engines, and exhaust systems
Hammered Enamel Paint	Textured finish, Durable, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Ideal for decorative purposes such as furniture, lamps, and other decorative items
Glow in the Dark Enamel Paint	Glows in the dark, Can be recharged with light, Durable	Suitable for decorative purposes such as picture frames, lamps, and other decorative items
Fluorescent Enamel Paint	Bright colors, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Ideal for decorative purposes such as picture frames, lamps, and other decorative items
Textured Enamel Paint	Textured finish, Durable, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Great for decorative purposes such as furniture, lamps, and other decorative items
Pearl Enamel Paint	Iridescent, Shiny finish, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Suitable for decorative purposes such as picture frames, lamps, and other decorative items
Transparent Enamel Paint	Transparent finish, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Great for decorative purposes such as glassware, vases, and other transparent surfaces
Matte Enamel Paint	Matte finish, Can be used on a variety of surfaces	Ideal for decorative purposes such as picture frames, lamps, and other decorative items

Tempera

Tempera is an ancient medium that has been used for centuries to create some of the most stunning works of art in history. This medium is created by mixing egg yolk with pigments to create a painting material that can be applied to a variety of surfaces. The use of tempera can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was used to decorate tombs and other sacred spaces. It was also used extensively in the Byzantine era, where it was used to create some of the most beautiful and intricate works of art in the world. However, despite its long history, the use of tempera has fallen out of favor in recent years, with many artists opting for newer and more experimental mediums. Despite this, there are still many artists who swear by the unique properties of tempera, and the way in which it can bring a depth and richness to their work that cannot be replicated by any other medium. If you are looking to explore the world of tempera, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you need to be patient and willing to experiment. Tempera is not a forgiving medium, and it requires a steady hand and a lot of practice to master. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, the results can be truly breathtaking. So if you are looking for a medium that can help you take your art to new heights, why not give tempera a try?

TYPE	CHARACTERISTICS	DRYING TIME	RECOMMENDED SURFACES
Traditional Tempera Paint	Opaque, matte, dries quickly, water-soluble, permanent	10-30 minutes	Paper, canvas, wood panels
Gouache Tempera Paint	Opaque, matte, dries quickly, water-soluble, rewettable when dry	10-30 minutes	Paper, canvas, wood panels
Acrylic Tempera Paint	Opaque or transparent, dries quickly, water-resistant, permanent	15-30 minutes	Canvas, wood panels, paper, fabric
Egg Tempera Paint	Semi-opaque, matte, dries slowly, water-soluble, permanent	24-48 hours	Wood panels, paper, canvas
Casein Tempera Paint	Opaque, matte, dries quickly, water-resistant, permanent	15-30 minutes	Canvas, wood panels, paper, fabric
Oil Tempera Paint	Semi-transparent, slow-drying, water-soluble (while wet), permanent	24-48 hours	Canvas, wood panels, paper, fabric
Watercolor Tempera Paint	Transparent, dries quickly, water-soluble	10-30 minutes	Paper
Poster Paint Tempera	Opaque, matte, dries quickly, water-soluble, washable when dry	10-30 minutes	Paper, cardboard
Tempera Powder Paint	Opaque, matte, dries quickly, water-soluble, easy to store and transport	10-30 minutes	Paper, cardboard, wood, fabric
Fabric Tempera Paint	Opaque, matte, dries quickly, water-resistant, permanent on fabric	15-30 minutes	Fabric
Finger Tempera Paint	Opaque, matte, dries quickly, water-soluble, washable when dry	10-30 minutes	Paper, cardboard
Metallic Tempera Paint	Opaque, metallic finish, dries quickly, water-soluble	10-30 minutes	Paper, cardboard, wood, fabric
Glitter Tempera Paint	Opaque, glitter finish, dries quickly, water-soluble	10-30 minutes	Paper, cardboard, wood, fabric
Neon Tempera Paint	Opaque, neon colors, dries quickly, water-soluble	10-30 minutes	Paper, cardboard, wood, fabric
Fluorescent Tempera Paint	Opaque, fluorescent colors, dries quickly, water-soluble	10-30 minutes	Paper, cardboard, wood, fabric

Charcoal

Charcoal is a popular drawing material that has been used for centuries. It is made by burning wood in a low-oxygen environment, resulting in a black, powdery substance that can be used for drawing. One of the most perplexing things about charcoal is how different it can look depending on what you paint on. When you paint on a light surface, such as white paper, the charcoal will appear much darker and more dramatic than if you paint on a darker surface. This unpredictability is what makes charcoal such an exciting medium to work with. You never quite know how your drawing will turn out until you start working with it. Charcoal’s burstiness comes from how easily it can be smudged and manipulated. With just a few strokes of your finger or a blending tool, you can create a range of textures and shades that are impossible to replicate with other drawing materials. However, this also means that charcoal drawings can be quite challenging to preserve and protect. The low predictability of charcoal makes it a medium that is full of surprises and challenges, but it also rewards those who are willing to experiment and explore its possibilities.

What types of surfaces can I paint on?

You can paint on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, metal, plastic, and more. Just make sure to choose the appropriate paint for each surface.

What types of paint should I use?

The type of paint you should use depends on the surface you are painting on and the effect you want to achieve. Some common types of paint include acrylic, oil, watercolor, and spray paint.

How do I prepare my surface for painting?

The preparation process will vary depending on the surface you are painting on. Generally, you will need to clean the surface thoroughly and possibly sand or prime it. Follow the instructions for your specific type of paint and surface.

How do I mix colors?

To mix colors, start with the primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) and combine them in different proportions to create secondary colors (orange, green, and purple). Experiment with different ratios to achieve the desired hue.

How do I create texture in my painting?

You can create texture in your painting by using different techniques and tools, such as palette knives, sponges, and brushes. You can also mix mediums like sand or gel into your paint to add texture.

In conclusion, the choice of what to paint on is a personal preference, but it’s important to consider the surface you’re working on and the materials you’re using. Different surfaces will require different preparation and techniques, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project. Additionally, it’s important to consider the intended use of the finished piece, as some surfaces may be better suited for certain applications than others. Ultimately, with a little research and experimentation, you can find the perfect surface for your next painting project.