Best Art Supplies for Painting: Tools I Use and Recommend
- Larissa Pierce
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Ever wonder what goes into creating a handmade piece from start to finish? Over the years, I’ve discovered a handful of the best painting art supplies that don’t just make my work easier, they actually shape how my pieces turn out. From vibrant paints to tiny tools you might not expect, these are the products I rely on day after day to bring my ideas to life.
Whether you’re curious about my creative process or just looking for tried-and-true supplies, this list will give you a peek behind the scenes of my studio and the tools that help me make my art shine.
(Disclosure: I do not receive commission for any of the links in this post. These are products I personally use and recommend.)
Liquitex High Gloss Varnish
For artists working with vibrant colors, a good varnish can make all the difference. I use Liquitex High Gloss Varnish to enhance color saturation and give my finished pieces a polished, professional look. I keep satin, matte, and high gloss finishes on hand, but I personally prefer high gloss because it complements my style and really makes colors pop. Having multiple finishes gives me flexibility depending on the mood and look I want for each piece.
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint – Mars Black
When it comes to black acrylic paint, Mars Black is my go-to. It’s less opaque than the Ivory Black, so a little bit goes a long way and it’s versatile enough for most of my projects. Ivory Black does have it's uses, especially when you need a thinner, softer black, but for me, Mars Black is a staple in my studio.
Masterpiece Artist Canvas Tight-N-Up Canvas Retensioner Spray
Accidents happen. If you’ve ever accidentally dented a canvas (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), this spray is a lifesaver. It tightens loose or dented canvas back to its original tension just by spraying a little bit and brushing it into the canvas. I like to speed up the process by hitting the spot with a warm blow dryer afterward. The results are instant and it’s one of those tools that saves a painting that might have otherwise been ruined.
Tempered Glass Cutting Board (Used as a Paint Palette)
Switching to a glass palette completely changed my workflow. Instead of using disposable plastic palettes, cardboard, or paper plates, I use a tempered glass cutting board. It’s durable, easy to clean, and reduces waste. When the paint dries, I simply scrape it off and start fresh. It’s a small change, but it makes mixing colors much cleaner and more efficient. Scrapping the paint off is a satisfying bonus, too.
Liquid Leaf Paint – Gilding Paint Set
I love using Liquid Leaf Paint for metallic accents. It’s far shinier than standard metallic acrylic paint, and a tiny amount goes a long way. It functions almost like liquid gold or silver leaf, making it perfect for adding vibrant, reflective details without the hassle (and mess) of traditional leafing techniques. Although I LOVE traditional leafing, this is a much more simplified version, and in my opinion, has way more control!
Betem Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens
These markers aren’t perfect...the thin and thick tips don’t always match in color, but they’re invaluable for sketching out ideas directly on the canvas before painting. With 36 colors to choose from, it’s easy to plan compositions and outlines without worrying about covering your initial lines later. They’re a great supplemental tool in any artist’s kit. I use them for other reasons, as well, but I love them for canvas sketching the most.
Pointer Tweezers – A Pet Hair Savior
Here’s a quirky but super useful tip: pointer tweezers are perfect for picking stray pet hairs out of wet paintings. If you have pets like me, you know how easily a single hair can land right in your work. These tweezers let you remove hairs carefully without disturbing the surrounding paint.
Final Thoughts
Having the right tools makes creating handmade art easier, more enjoyable, and more professional-looking. Whether it’s a reliable black paint, a glass palette, or even a pair of tweezers for unexpected pet hairs, each of these supplies plays a role in my process.
If you’re starting out or looking to improve your workflow, I hope this list inspires you to try some new tools and discover what works best for your style.
Happy creating! 🎨
Which tool are you trying?
Liquitex Varnish or Paint
Liquid Leaf
Pointer Tweezers
Glass Palette
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