Q. What Kind of Paint Should I Use For Screen Painting?
A. If you’re new to screen painting, one of the most common questions is figuring out which kind of paint you should use. Don’t fret as I’ll cover the basics, offer the best places you can find cheap paint, and give advice for beginner painters! (Affiliate opportunity)
Now there are two main types of paint I use for screen painting:
- Oil-based paint
- Acrylic-based paint
Oil base paint was the only choice of paint to use back in the day when acrylics were not widely available. When painting on a metal screen 103 years ago oil was great because paint and metal coagulate so well. I have screens that are at least 80 years old painted on metal that are still vibrant with color and show no signs of rust. Even after being in a row house window for all those years! Oil based sign paint is the go-to paint when working with oils and bristle brushes are the brushes to use!
Acrylic base paints are best to use for many reasons. Foremost, your health. Inhaling oil based paints regularly, not suggested. Water based latex acrylic enamel paints come in many qualities and sizes. After using just about every variety known on the market, choosing the right ones can be a little daunting at first, but don’t get frazzled, it’s not that difficult to choose quantities/qualities and affordability’s! If your just starting out you can pick up some cheaper quality 3 ounce bottles at your local Mart size stores and they come in a rainbow assortment of colors.
My suggestion is to start with the paint stores. Put your BEST smile on and ask the clerk to see their mistints that are in the back of their store. If you do get back there you will see a great amount of paints that are waiting to be pitched! Another reason to take some of them off there hands is because it ultimately ends up in the landfill regardless of what they will tell you! I have researched this extensively. My studio is filled with mistints that I purchase for a fraction of the cost. Exterior-semi/gloss is my choice paint. If you have a favorite paint store they should have no problem sharing the boo-boos with them. We’re talking $40 retail for maybe $5 at the most for the paint. Even the big chains sell there mistints. Now, here’s my secret! Start with Primary Colors! Red, Blue & Yellow!! From there you can mix your colors to create your secondary colors! It’s actually a lot of fun! May even evoke some childhood memories when you were messing with paints until your parents caught up with you! Be in search of; “Quart” sizes!