Achieve Soft Edges in Acrylic Backgrounds: The Wet-on-Wet Blending Technique

Updated at: 28/01/2025

Acrylic paints, known for their vibrant hues and quick-drying nature, can sometimes present a challenge when aiming for smooth, seamless transitions. Achieving soft, dreamy backgrounds, free from harsh lines and brushstrokes, requires a specific approach. The allure of effortlessly blended colours, creating a depth and luminosity that captivates the eye, is often the goal of many artists working with acrylics. This captivating effect is achievable, however, with the mastery of a single, powerful technique: wet-on-wet blending.

This seemingly simple method unlocks a world of possibilities, transforming your acrylic paintings from crisp and defined to subtly nuanced and ethereal. The key lies in understanding the precise timing and application of wet paint onto a still-wet surface. In the following step-by-step guide, we will explore the intricacies of wet-on-wet blending, revealing the secrets to achieving those coveted soft edges in your acrylic backgrounds and unlocking your creative potential.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 1620 canvas
  • water
  • acrylic white paint
  • Folk Art Greenscape paint
  • 1-1.5 inch wide brush
  • mop brush
  • paper plate
Safety Guidelines
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area. Acrylic paints contain solvents that can be harmful if inhaled.
  • Protect your work surface. Acrylic paint can stain, so cover your table or use a palette.
  • Clean your brushes immediately after use. Acrylic paint dries quickly and can become difficult to remove once hardened.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Canvas

    • Saturate your dry canvas with plain water.
    • Let the canvas sit for 2-3 minutes.
    Let the canvas sit for 2-3 minutes.Let the canvas sit for 2-3 minutes.
    Prepare the Canvas

  2. Apply Base Coat

    • Apply a thick coat of white acrylic paint using a scooping motion. Ensure the paint remains wet.
    Apply a thick coat of white acrylic paint using a scooping motion. Ensure the paint remains wet.
    Apply Base Coat

  3. Blend in Color

    • While the white paint is still wet, blend in Folk Art Greenscape (or your desired color) using a crisscross stroke. Do not cover the entire canvas; focus on specific areas.
    While the white paint is still wet, blend in Folk Art Greenscape (or your desired color) using a crisscross stroke. Do not cover the entire canvas; focus on specific areas.
    Blend in Color

  4. Soften Edges

    • Use more white paint to soften the edges of the Greenscape, preventing the green from completely taking over.
    Use more white paint to soften the edges of the Greenscape, preventing the green from completely taking over.
    Soften Edges

  5. Smooth (Optional)

    • Use a mop brush to further smooth the edges if desired (for a smoother, non-choppy look).
    Optional: Use a mop brush to further smooth the edges if desired (for a smoother, non-choppy look).
    Smooth (Optional)

Read more: 7 Top Paint Color Trends for 2024: A Complete Guide with Free Downloadable Resource

Tips

  • Work quickly to prevent the paint from drying. Dry areas will not blend well.
  • Use a wide brush (1-1.5 inches) for efficient blending across large canvases. Donna Dewberry's website is recommended for purchasing appropriate brushes.
  • Check for shiny areas to ensure adequate paint coverage. Matte or gray areas indicate insufficient paint.
  • Don't overblend. You want a subtle blend, not a uniform color. Maintain some choppiness for texture unless you are aiming for a very smooth finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too much water

Reason: Excessive water dilutes the paint, leading to weak pigment and muddy colors, making it difficult to achieve smooth blends.
Solution: Use less water and work with a slightly thicker paint consistency for better control and vibrant color transitions.

2. Lifting the paint too early

Reason: Interfering with the blending process before the paint is sufficiently wet creates harsh lines and prevents a seamless transition.
Solution: Allow sufficient time for the paint to blend naturally before lifting your brush or palette knife to avoid interrupting the flow and creating hard edges.

FAQs

What's the best type of acrylic paint for wet-on-wet blending?
Fluid acrylics or acrylic inks work best for wet-on-wet blending because of their thinner consistency. They allow for smoother transitions and easier color mixing on the canvas.
How do I prevent my colors from drying too quickly when blending wet-on-wet?
Use a palette with a damp paper towel underneath to keep your paints moist. Work in small sections, and consider using a retarder medium mixed with your paints to slow down the drying time.