Cheaper Alternatives to Liquitex Acrylics: Budget-Friendly Paint Options

While Liquitex acrylics are renowned for their quality and consistency, not everyone can afford the premium prices. Fortunately, there are several affordable brands that offer comparable performance and features, making them excellent alternatives for painters on a budget. In this article, we will explore some of the best options available, detailing why they can be preferred over Liquitex's brand.

Introduction

When budget and quality are key considerations, the choice between premium brands like Liquitex and more affordable alternatives can significantly impact an artist's creative output. In my personal experience, I've found several brands that, while they may not match Liquitex's exact characteristics, offer compelling advantages in terms of cost, versatility, and performance. Here are my top picks and recommendations for budget-friendly paint options.

Top Budget-Friendly Acrylic Paints

Daler Rowney

Best Quality for the Money
Daler Rowney stands out as a top contender when it comes to providing excellent value for money. The brand offers high-quality paint and gesso at very competitive prices. For example, a large bottle of black paint, which is a core color for any painter, can be purchased for around 20 dollars. With the bottle lasting over five years with only half remaining, it’s clear that Daler Rowney provides excellent value and consistency.

Royal and Langnickel

Great for Beginners
For those just starting out in painting, Royal and Langnickel offers a fantastic introduction to acrylics. Their beginner-friendly sets offer 24 colors for approximately 10 dollars. While they might not match the depth and variety of Liquitex, these sets are priced affordably and are perfect for a budget-conscious painter.

Pre by Nicole

Professional Names, Student Grade Pigment
Pre by Nicole is another good choice for those who are devoted to brand names but still seeking student-grade pigments. Although it is not considered a professional-level paint, it offers the names of well-known brands, which can be appealing to artists who are building their collection. The cost is generally lower than Liquitex, making it a worthwhile investment for aspiring painters.

Crafters Square (Dollar Tree Brand)

Cost-Effective with Creativity
While Crafters Square is a Dollar Tree brand, its quality varies greatly. Many individual craft paints are of the lowest quality. However, combining them with Liquitex pouring medium can yield surprisingly impressive results. This approach allows for creativity without the high cost, making it an excellent choice for those who are willing to mix and match different products to achieve their desired outcomes.

Apple Barrel

Strengths in Specific Applications
Apple Barrel is a good option for those who are looking for specialized paints. While it has limitations in terms of general coloring and layering, its metallic and pouring mediums are highly effective. When used appropriately, Apple Barrel acrylics can produce admirable results.

Craft Smart

Not Recommended for Portraits
Craft Smart is known for its runny consistency and the time it takes to layer. While not recommended for detailed work like portraiture, it can be ideal for splash paint, pouring, and abstract art. Its affordability makes it a cost-effective choice for specific artistic applications.

Deco Art

High-Quality Metallic and Pouring Paints
Deco Art excels in metallic and pouring paints. While there are better deals on basic colors offered by other brands, Deco Art’s specialty paints are worth considering for those who are looking for unique and high-performance paints.

Folkart

Specialty Paints Worth the Price
Folkart offers excellent deals on basic colors. However, for metallics and specialty colorshift paints, it is well worth the investment. While there might be better options available for basic colors, Folkart’s specialty paints provide exceptional value.

Art 101 (Five Below Brand)

Art 101, now known as Messi, offers a great range of basic colors, neons, and metallics. These paints are worth the five dollars, especially if you can find them. However, a significant caveat is that the recent replacement of these paints at Five Below with a similar brand has resulted in a noticeable drop in quality and usefulness, particularly for the neon and metallic lines.