Craft paint for every project

Craft paint usually begins with an ordinary object that could use a little personality. It might be a plain wooden sign for the hallway, an old pair of sneakers worth rescuing or a collection of jars waiting to become wedding decorations. Sometimes the project is carefully planned. Sometimes it is raining, the kids are restless and the kitchen table becomes an art studio.

These paints are made for the materials people commonly decorate at home, including wood, MDF, fabric, leather, glass, ceramic and metal. They are generally easy to handle, quick to dry and available in finishes ranging from flat matte to metallic.

Craft paint or acrylic paint?

Most products labelled as craft paint use an acrylic base. They are usually made with hobby projects and varied surfaces in mind, so the consistency, coverage and finish differ from the acrylics sold for fine-art painting. Artist acrylics tend to contain more pigment and offer greater control over colour mixing and texture on canvas.

For a wooden sign, painted plant pot or school project, craft paint is usually the practical choice. Artist acrylics make more sense when colour depth, blending and paint body are central to the finished work. If you're building a gallery-worthy canvas, head to our artist-grade acrylics instead.

Matching paint to your surface

The biggest reason a craft project goes sideways is a mismatch between paint and surface. A gorgeous colour on a jar can flake off in a week if the glass wasn't prepped. Fabric paint that isn't heat-set will wash straight out. Choose paint by surface first, then colour and finish second. It saves time, money and a lot of frustration.

Here's a quick guide to the most common craft surfaces and what to reach for.

For soft goods that need to move with the wearer, our fabric paints and dyes are the pick over standard craft paint. They flex and wash without cracking.

When your project needs specialist paint

Leather and vinyl are their own world. The surface is sealed at the factory, so paint won't grip unless you deglaze first, then build up thin, flexible coats that move with the material. It's the difference between a sneaker custom that lasts and one that cracks on the first wear. Our leather and vinyl paint range covers sneaker customising and upholstery touch-ups.

For a metallic finish

Metallic paint gives a surface a soft shimmer, while metal leaf creates a brighter, more reflective finish. Leafing works particularly well on picture frames, lettering, resin pieces and decorative details where you want the metal effect to catch the light. The process requires leafing size to hold the material in place, followed by a compatible sealant for protection. The metal leafing range includes supplies for each stage of the process.

Prep, paint, seal: the basics

Most early problems happen before the paint has had a fair chance. Glossy surfaces have not been cleaned or primed, coats have gone on too heavily, or an item meant to be handled every day has been left unsealed.

Start by cleaning the surface. A quick wipe with warm soapy water on wood and terracotta, or isopropyl alcohol on glass and ceramic, removes the oils that stop paint gripping. Porous surfaces like raw wood or MDF benefit from a coat of gesso or primer first.

When you paint, thin coats always beat thick ones. Two or three light layers dry evenly and won't crack. One heavy coat stays tacky and lifts. Give each coat 20 to 30 minutes.

Finally, seal anything that will be handled, washed or set outside. A clear varnish is cheap insurance. Grab your brushes and craft basics before you start.

Craft paint questions, answered

Is craft paint the same as acrylic paint?

Many craft paints are acrylic-based, but they usually have a thinner consistency and lower pigment load than artist acrylics. They suit hobby projects and everyday surfaces, while artist acrylics offer richer colour and more body for painting on canvas. Always check the label, as some surfaces require a specialist formula.

What paint should I use for a wood craft project?

Acrylic craft paint works well on wood. Lightly sand the surface, remove the dust and prime raw or porous timber if needed. Apply two thin coats, then protect frequently handled pieces with a suitable varnish. Our wood craft blanks include plaques, boxes, letters and other ready-to-paint pieces.

Does craft paint work on glass?

Yes, with proper preparation and glass or multi-surface paint. Clean the glass with isopropyl alcohol, then follow the product’s curing instructions. Some paints air-cure, while others require baking. Keep painted areas away from food-contact surfaces and check whether the finish is dishwasher-safe.

Is craft paint washable once dry on fabric?

Standard craft paint can stiffen, crack or fade in the wash. Use fabric paint and heat-set it if the label requires. Wash the finished item inside out on a gentle, cool cycle and avoid fabric softener.

How long does craft paint take to dry?

Many acrylic craft paints are touch-dry in 20 to 30 minutes, although temperature, humidity and coat thickness affect drying time. Let each layer dry before adding another and wait at least 24 hours before sealing, or follow the product label.

Is craft paint safe for kids?

Use water-based paint clearly labelled non-toxic and suitable for the child’s age. Adult craft paints are not automatically child-safe, even when water-based. Supervise young children and choose washable kids’ or poster paint for very young makers.

Why makers choose Riot

We've been supplying Australian makers, artists and hobbyists for more than 40 years, and craft paint has always been one of our busiest aisles. That length of trading means we know which brands earn their spot on the shelf and which techniques trip people up. We stock FolkArt, Chromacryl, Urban Crafter, Holcroft and more, across every finish from flat matte to high-gloss and metallic.

The complete range is available online with Australia-wide shipping, whether you are buying for one weekend project or restocking a regular workspace.

Explore Related Craft Supplies

Craft paint rarely works alone, so it's worth browsing the categories that sit alongside it. If you need something to paint on, our wood craft blanks range covers plaques, boxes, letters and shapes ready for colour. Every paint job also needs the right tools, and our craft basics collection has brushes, palettes, sponges and prep supplies to round out your kit. For fine-art work on canvas, our acrylic paints range steps up in pigment and body where craft paint tapers off.