Wood crafts are a popular hobby for people of all ages. From decorative signs to intricate carvings, the possibilities for creating art with wood are endless. One of the most important aspects of any woodcraft project is the paint you choose. The right paint can bring your creation to life and make it stand out.
But with so many different types of paint options in the market, knowing which one to choose can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best paint for wood crafts based on their quality, durability, and ease of use.
Keep reading for our top five picks for the best paint for wood crafts!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set
Best Budget Option
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set
Best for Outdoor Projects
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Paint
Best Overall
FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set
Starting off our list of the best paints for wood crafts is the FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set. This is a top-rated paint set perfect for all your wood crafting needs. This set comes in 24 colors, each made with high-quality, non-toxic materials that make them safe for any age group and around pets.
These paints are easy to use and mix to create custom shades. They also dry quickly, making them perfect for projects that require multiple layers of paint.
On the downside, the thinner nature of this paint makes it so that some colors may require multiple coats to achieve full coverage, which can be time-consuming.
The thin consistency of this paint can also result in drips or uneven coverage if not applied carefully. Moreover, if not properly sealed or stored, this paint can dry out quickly, making it unusable.
The FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set can also be used on various surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, ceramics, and more, making it one of the more versatile paint options on this list.
It also dries to a quite durable finish, capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.
For these reasons, this is our pick for the best paint for wood crafts overall.
Pros:
- Can be used on various surfaces
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Cost-effective
- Non-toxic
- Great color selection
Cons:
- May require multiple coats
- Paint consistency can be thin, resulting in drips or uneven coverage if not applied carefully
- Can dry out quickly if not properly sealed or stored
Best Budget Option
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set
Apple Barrel acrylic paint set is our budget pick for the best paint for wood crafts. This set is perfect for beginner crafters or those on a budget. This set comes in 16 colors, each with high-quality materials that provide great coverage and durability, even though it may not be as long-lasting as other types of paint.
That being said, the consistency of this paint can be thin, which can result in drips or uneven coverage if not applied carefully. Some colors may also require multiple coats to achieve full coverage, which can be time-consuming.
This paint set is primarily designed for use on wood and may not work as well on other surfaces. This is not an issue if you are looking for the best paint for wood crafts, but note that this paint cannot be used in other DIY products as easily as other brands on this list.
These paints are water-based, making them easy to clean up and dry quickly, which is perfect for projects requiring multiple layers of paint. They are also non-toxic, making them safe for children and pets. All in all, this is our pick for the best paint for wood crafts for those on a budget.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Wide range of colors
- Non-Toxic
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Thin consistency
- Not as durable as other types of paint
- Limited use on other surfaces
Best for Outdoor Projects
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Paint
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch ultra cover paint is the best paint for wood crafts that will be used outdoors. This paint provides excellent coverage and is highly durable, making it resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading. It’s also water-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
In fact, this is the most long-lasting best paint for wood crafts on this list, boasting a smooth, long-lasting finish. It is also very easy to apply, and can be used on multiple surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic.
But with great durability comes certain pitfalls. The Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Paint has a strong odor, which may require a well-ventilated area or a respirator mask. This paint may also take longer to dry than other types of paint, which can be a drawback for those who need a quick turnaround on their projects.
This best paint for wood crafts is sold by the pint, and the color options available skew more neutral than other options on this list, lacking the large variety of colors sold by other brands. Because of its durability, this is the best paint for wood crafts that will find their home outdoors.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Easy to apply
- Multi-surface use
Cons:
- Strong odor
- Longer drying time
- Limited color options
Best Spray Paint
Krylon Colormaxx Spray Paint
Krylon Colormaxx spray paint is the best paint for wood crafts requiring a smooth finish. This paint dries quickly, in case you need to layer or are in a time pinch, but it also provides excellent coverage with just one coat. Because it is in a spray can, it provides smooth, quick, and easy coverage for large areas.
This best paint for wood crafts is also highly durable and resistant to chipping, fading, and scratching. With over 50 colors, you’ll surely find the perfect shade for your project. If you’re concerned about how much use you’ll get out of this paint, know it can be applied to several surfaces, including plastic and other synthetic materials!
Downsides to this paint include its strong odor, limited durability compared to other paint alternatives on this list, and limited application control, since the spray nozzle may provide less control than traditional brushes or rollers.
All in all, this is a great option for larger products that require less detail.
Pros:
- Smooth, even coverage
- Easy to use
- Quick drying time
- Wide range of colors
- Durable
- Multi-surface use
Cons:
- Strong odor
- Limited control
- Limited durability
Best for Beginners
DecoArt Crafter’s Acrylic Paint
DecoArt Crafter’s acrylic paint is an affordable and versatile option for beginners. It has a smooth consistency and can be used on various surfaces, including wood. DecoArt Crafter’s acrylic paint is water-based and non-toxic, making it safe for kids to use.
Note that, like other paints on this list, DecoArt Crafter’s acrylic paint is primarily designed for use on wood and may not work as well on other surfaces. This paint may also require multiple coats to achieve full coverage, depending on your chosen color, and careful application to avoid drips as a result of its thin consistency.
This best paint for wood crafts is sold individually or in kits, comes in several colors, and is easy to work with since it does not require priming. DecoArt Crafter’s Acrylic Paint is known for its consistent color quality, ensuring your finished product has an even tone. Beginners, rejoice! This is the best paint for wood crafts on the market for first-timers.
Pros:
- Consistent color quality
- Cost-effective
- Color variety
- Non-toxic
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Requires multiple coats
- Thin consistency
- Limited use on other surfaces
Wood Paint Buyer’s Guide
If you’re in the wood paint market, choosing the right product is important to ensure the best results for your project. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing the best paint for wood crafts:
Type of paint
There are three main types of wood paint: oil-based, water-based, and acrylic-based. Oil-based paints offer excellent durability and are ideal for outdoor use, but they take longer to dry and require solvents for cleanup. Water-based and acrylic-based paints dry faster and are easier to clean up, but they may not provide the same level of durability as oil-based paints.
Color and finish
Most of the best paints for wood crafts come in a variety of colors and finishes, so choose one that matches your desired look. Matte finishes are great for a natural look, while glossy finishes provide a more polished look. Satin finishes offer a happy medium between the two.
Coverage
Check the coverage of the paint. The label should indicate the square footage covered with one can or bottle of paint. Consider the size of your project and the number of coats required to determine how much paint you’ll need. If you’re looking for full coverage, thicker paint may be required, whereas a lighter coat may be suitable for a translucent or more natural finish.
Durability
If the painted surface is exposed to wear and tear, such as furniture or flooring, when considering the best paint for wood crafts, choose a paint that offers high durability and resistance to chipping, peeling, and fading.
Application method
Some wood paints are designed for use with a brush, while others can be sprayed on. Consider the size and type of surface you will be painting and your preference when choosing an application method.
Drying time
Some types of paint take longer to dry than others. If you’re working on a time-sensitive project, choose a paint that dries quickly.
Wood Paint Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare wood for painting?
Before painting wood, it’s important to clean the surface thoroughly and remove any dirt, debris, or old paint. Sand the surface to create a smooth, even surface, and fill any holes or gaps with wood filler. A primer can also be applied to provide a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
Can I paint over stained wood?
Yes, you can paint over stained wood. However, it’s important to prepare the surface properly by cleaning and sanding it, and applying primer to ensure the paint adheres properly.
How many coats of paint should I apply to the wood?
The number of coats of paint required depends on the type of paint used, the color, and the desired finish. In general, two to three coats of paint are recommended for the best coverage and durability.
How long does wood paint take to dry?
Wood paint’s drying time depends on the paint type, temperature, and humidity. In general, oil-based paints take longer to dry and can take up to 24 hours or more. Water-based and acrylic-based paints dry faster and can be dry to the touch within a few hours. Choose the best paint for wood crafts that matches your project type.
How do I maintain painted wood surfaces?
To maintain painted wood surfaces, it’s important to clean them regularly with mild detergent and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that can scratch the surface. Touch up any chips or scratches with matching paint to protect the surface.
What is VOC content in paint?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are harmful chemicals found in some paints. Consider choosing low-VOC or VOC-free paint options to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
The Best Paint for Your Wood Crafts
Finding the right paint for your wood crafts can be overwhelming, but by using one of the best paint options for wood crafts listed above that is most suitable for your project, you can be confident in your choice.
Because of its quality, durability, ease of use, great color selection, and ability to be used on other surfaces, the Folk Art Acrylic Paint Set is our top pick for any wood crafting project you have in mind.
Now that you’re familiar with the best paint for wood crafts, get to know the other top paint products on the market on our paint reviews page.
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