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What to Consider When Buying Acrylic Paint

Shopping for acrylics can be daunting, especially with so many brands and variations to choose from. It doesn’t have to be that way!

If you’re a total beginner, it’s a good idea to just get a basic acrylic paint set (plus essential painting supplies, which we’ll also talk about later). Over time, you’ll learn what varieties you prefer and how to select the right paint for the techniques you want to master.

For those who want to get a little more in-depth, here are the factors you need to consider: color, quality, viscosity, permanence, and packaging.

Color

Acrylic paint comes in a wide array of rich and vivid colors. Many art supply stores carry single tubes and sets, with beautiful color selections to suit any project. If you’re going with single tubes, it’s a good idea to get these essential colors: black, white, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. These will let you mix and create more colors down the line when you need them.

Beginners can also go with acrylic paint sets, which include all the above-mentioned colors plus more gorgeous shades to work with. And if you want to give your painting a unique touch, neon, metallic, and iridescent pigments are also available for an eye-catching finish.

Quality

When shopping for acrylics, you’ll often encounter these terms: artist/professional and student quality. These refer to the “grade” of the acrylic paint.

Artist-quality paint (also known as premium or professional) comes in a wider range of colors and contains more pigment compared to student-quality acrylics. It also has a higher permanence rating, which means that it will stay vibrant for a longer period of time.

Student-quality paints, on the other hand, are more affordable — but may be less vibrant and permanent. These are ideal for craft projects or practice, but it’s better to use professional quality paints if you want to preserve or sell your artworks.

Viscosity

Viscosity refers to the thickness of the paint and is an important factor to consider if you want to try specific techniques. Heavy body acrylics are thick with a similar consistency to oil paints. This lends them well to impasto and other texture techniques. Soft body acrylics are thinner, offering incredible coverage and opacity. These are ideal for adding fine details to your piece or trying wet-on-wet and gradient painting.

You can also buy fluid acrylics for stippling and splattering or high flow acrylics that behave like ink. These viscosities can also be achieved by mixing heavy body paint with a fluid or gel medium, which will make the paint thinner without compromising the pigment quality.

Here at Chalkola, our acrylic paints are heavy-bodied and can be mixed with a variety of mediums to achieve your desired finish. This means more versatility for artists who want to use and master different techniques.

Lightfastness

Lightfastness (aka permanence) is how resistant the paint is when exposed to light. This is especially important for paintings that will be displayed and viewed. Manufacturers have different standards for permanence, but you will often find a lightfastness rating indicated on each paint tube or bottle.

If you buy an acrylic paint set, keep in mind that not all colors in the set will have the same rating. That’s because each pigment has a unique chemical composition, which affects the formula.

Are you in the market for high-quality acrylic tubes? Choosing the right supplier can make all the difference! By comparing the top factories, you’ll unlock the best options available, ensuring durability and value. Let’s dive in and discover which suppliers stand out—your perfect acrylic tube awaits!

Acrylic Tubes | Shop Extruded & Cast Options | Acme Plastics

Product Details: Acme’s acrylic tubes are rigid, lightweight, and hollow, available in a variety of colors and sizes.

Technical Parameters:
– Impact resistant
– UV resistant

Application Scenarios:
– POP displays
– Light fixtures
– Aquariums
– Modeling purposes

Pros:
– More impact resistant than glass
– Half the weight of glass
– Greater flexibility and shatter resistance

Cons:
– May be damaged by harsh chemical cleaners
– Requires careful handling to preserve longevity

Acrylic Plastic: Buy Sheets, Rods, Tubes & More | Acme Plastics

Product Details: Acrylic plastic, also known as plexiglass, is a clear material that resembles glass but is lighter and offers better transparency. It has a transparency rate of 93% and is available in various forms including sheets, rods, and tubes.

Technical Parameters:
– Weight: 50% lighter than glass of equal thickness
– Transparency: 93%

Application Scenarios:
– Windows and shields, including bullet-resistant applications
– Signage and point of purchase displays

Pros:
– Highly transparent and impact resistant
– Lightweight and easy to transport

Cons:
– More prone to scratching than glass
– Can emit gases during production

Acrylic Tubes – Plexiglass Acrylic Tube – EMCO Plastics

Product Details: Acrylic Tubes – Available in extruded and cast options, with various sizes and colors.

Technical Parameters:
– Extruded: 4 ¾” x 5”, 1.050 lb/ft, Clear + Colors
– Cast: Maximum temperature 200°F, UV stabilized, FDA standards

Application Scenarios:
– Aquariums
– Awards, trophies, and corporate gifts

Pros:
– Extruded: Inexpensive, UV stabilized, meets FDA standards
– Cast: High optical clarity, stronger and more chemical resistant

Cons:
– Extruded: Not recommended for machining, mainly for decorative purposes
– Cast: More expensive than extruded acrylic

Buy Acrylic Tube, Cylinder Cut To Size – UVACRYLIC

Product Details: Acrylic Tube, also known as Plexiglass Tube, is available in diameters from 2.5mm to mm and can be cut to size. It offers a variety of colors including clear, red, yellow, orange, white, black, and purple, with custom colors available.

Technical Parameters:
– Diameter Range: 2.5mm to mm
– Wall Thickness: 1mm to 20mm

Application Scenarios:
– POP display
– Experimental equipment

Pros:
– 11 times stronger than glass and lighter in weight
– Superior UV resistance and weather ability

Cons:
– Can scratch if not handled properly
– May yellow over time in outdoor environments without UV protection

Acrylic Sheets, Acrylic Rods, Acrylic Tubes, Acrylic Cements …

Product Details: Delvie’s Plastics offers a wide range of acrylic products including sheets, rods, tubes, cements, and various fabricating supplies. Their acrylic sheets come in transparent, translucent, mirrored, frosted, specialty, and matte finishes, suitable for various applications.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of iridescent acrylic sheet. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Technical Parameters:
– Available in various thicknesses and colors
– UV resistant options available

Application Scenarios:
– Signage and displays
– Custom laser cutting and engraving projects

Pros:
– Wide variety of acrylic products and finishes
– Custom laser cutting and UV printing services available

Cons:
– Limited information on specific technical specifications
– Potentially higher cost compared to other materials

UVACRYLIC™ – Best Acrylic Sheets, Rods/Tubes, Custom Acrylic

Product Details: UVACRYLIC™ offers a wide range of acrylic products including sheets, rods, tubes, films, and custom acrylic solutions.

Technical Parameters:
– Acrylic Sheet/Block Thickness: 0.6mm to 500mm; More than 50 color options.
– Acrylic Rod Diameter: 2mm to 400mm; Available in round, triangle, square, and he…

Application Scenarios:
– Signage and displays.
– Furniture and decorative items.

Pros:
– High-quality acrylic products with various customization options.
– Integrated machining solutions for tailored designs.

Cons:
– Potential for scratching if not treated with scratch-resistant coatings.
– Limited UV resistance compared to some other materials.

Acrylic Plastic Sheet Supplier – Midland Plastics

Product Details: Acrylic material, often referred to by trade names like Plexiglas® and Acrylite®, is strong, lightweight, and more resistant to impact than glass while providing optical clarity. It is available in various sizes, shapes, colors, and textures.

Technical Parameters:
– Standard sheet sizes range from 48″ x 96″ to 104″ x 216″, with thicknesses from…
– Acrylic rods available in stock diameters from 0.25″ to 8″.

Application Scenarios:
– Windows and architectural glazing
– Signs and POP displays

Pros:
– Highly weather-resistant
– Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures

Cons:
– Can be scratched more easily than glass
– May yellow over time if not UV resistant

Acrylic Tube – Curbell Plastics

Product Details: Acrylic tubes are versatile and durable plastic materials used in various applications.

Technical Parameters:
– Available in various diameters and lengths
– High clarity and light transmission

Application Scenarios:
– Display cases
– Protective barriers

Pros:
– Lightweight and shatter-resistant
– Easy to fabricate and machine

Cons:
– Can scratch easily
– May be more expensive than other plastics

Acme Plastics: Distributor of Plastic Sheets, Rods & Tubes

Product Details: Acme Plastics offers a wide range of plastic products including acrylic sheets, rods, tubes, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and custom fabrication services.

Technical Parameters:
– Available in various sizes and thicknesses
– Custom cut options available for specific needs

Application Scenarios:
– Signage and displays
– Protective barriers and shields

Pros:
– Wide variety of plastic materials and products
– Custom fabrication services available

Cons:
– Potentially higher costs for custom orders
– Limited physical store locations

Acrylic Sheets, Rods, & Tubes | Curbell Plastics

Product Details: Acrylic sheets and products offered by Curbell Plastics.

Technical Parameters:
– Variety of thicknesses available
– UV resistance

Application Scenarios:
– Signage and displays
– Protective barriers

Pros:
– Lightweight and shatter-resistant
– Excellent optical clarity

Cons:
– Can scratch easily
– May yellow over time with UV exposure

Related Video

Comparison Table

Company Product Details Pros Cons Website Acrylic Tubes Shop Extruded & Cast Options Acme Plastics Acme’s acrylic tubes are rigid, lightweight, and hollow, available in a variety of colors and sizes. – More impact resistant than glass – Half the weight of glass – Greater flexibility and shatter resistance Acrylic Plastic: Buy Sheets, Rods, Tubes & More Acme Plastics Acrylic plastic, also known as plexiglass, is a clear material that resembles glass but is lighter and offers better transparency. It has a transparen… – Highly transparent and impact resistant – Lightweight and easy to transport – More prone to scratching than glass – Can emit gases during production Acrylic Tubes – Plexiglass Acrylic Tube – EMCO Plastics Acrylic Tubes – Available in extruded and cast options, with various sizes and colors. – Extruded: Inexpensive, UV stabilized, meets FDA standards – Cast: High optical clarity, stronger and more chemical resistant – Extruded: Not recommended for machining, mainly for decorative purposes – Cast: More expensive than extruded acrylic www.emcoplastics.com Buy Acrylic Tube, Cylinder Cut To Size – UVACRYLIC Acrylic Tube, also known as Plexiglass Tube, is available in diameters from 2.5mm to mm and can be cut to size. It offers a variety of colors incl… – 11 times stronger than glass and lighter in weight – Superior UV resistance and weather ability – Can scratch if not handled properly – May yellow over time in outdoor environments without UV protection uvacrylic.com Acrylic Sheets, Acrylic Rods, Acrylic Tubes, Acrylic Cements … Delvie’s Plastics offers a wide range of acrylic products including sheets, rods, tubes, cements, and various fabricating supplies. Their acrylic shee… – Wide variety of acrylic products and finishes – Custom laser cutting and UV printing services available – Limited information on specific technical specifications – Potentially higher cost compared to other materials www.delviesplastics.com UVACRYLIC™ – Best Acrylic Sheets, Rods/Tubes, Custom Acrylic UVACRYLIC™ offers a wide range of acrylic products including sheets, rods, tubes, films, and custom acrylic solutions. – High-quality acrylic products with various customization options. – Integrated machining solutions for tailored designs. – Potential for scratching if not treated with scratch-resistant coatings. – Limited UV resistance compared to some other materials. uvacrylic.com Acrylic Plastic Sheet Supplier – Midland Plastics Acrylic material, often referred to by trade names like Plexiglas® and Acrylite®, is strong, lightweight, and more resistant to impact than glass whil… – Highly weather-resistant – Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures – Can be scratched more easily than glass – May yellow over time if not UV resistant midlandplastics.com Acrylic Tube – Curbell Plastics Acrylic tubes are versatile and durable plastic materials used in various applications. – Lightweight and shatter-resistant – Easy to fabricate and machine – Can scratch easily – May be more expensive than other plastics www.curbellplastics.com Acme Plastics: Distributor of Plastic Sheets, Rods & Tubes Acme Plastics offers a wide range of plastic products including acrylic sheets, rods, tubes, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and custom fabricatio… – Wide variety of plastic materials and products – Custom fabrication services available – Potentially higher costs for custom orders – Limited physical store locations www.acmeplastics.com Acrylic Sheets, Rods, & Tubes Curbell Plastics Acrylic sheets and products offered by Curbell Plastics. – Lightweight and shatter-resistant – Excellent optical clarity – Can scratch easily – May yellow over time with UV exposure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of acrylic tubes do suppliers typically offer?

Acrylic tube suppliers usually provide a variety of options, including clear, colored, and frosted tubes. They may also offer different diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths to suit your specific needs. Whether you need tubes for display, crafting, or industrial applications, there’s likely a suitable option available.

How can I determine the quality of acrylic tubes from a supplier?

To assess the quality, check for certifications and reviews from other customers. You can also request samples to evaluate clarity, durability, and finish. A reputable supplier should be transparent about their manufacturing processes and materials.

Are custom sizes available when ordering acrylic tubes?

Yes, many suppliers offer custom sizes to meet your project requirements. You can specify dimensions, thickness, and even colors. Just be sure to communicate your needs clearly and confirm any minimum order quantities that may apply.

What is the typical lead time for receiving acrylic tubes?

Lead times can vary based on the supplier and order size, but you can generally expect anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It’s best to inquire directly with the supplier for a more accurate estimate based on your specific order.

Do acrylic tube suppliers offer shipping services?

Most acrylic tube suppliers do provide shipping services, often with options for domestic and international delivery. Be sure to ask about shipping costs, delivery times, and any packaging measures they take to ensure your tubes arrive safely.