As a crafter, you’re always on the lookout for new ways to perfect the finish on your latest project. Maybe you’ve fallen victim in the past to false advertising, choosing the cheaper option and ending up disappointed because the thing you created definitely couldn’t be deemed Pinterest worthy.

So before you start your next project, take a look at this guide on how to achieve the perfect finish and the paints you need to do so:

The all round option

Enamel paint is hardwearing, looks great and in spray form is easy to apply. If you’re renovating furniture or starting early and creating Christmas decorations, then this paint will offer good coverage plus strong resistance to the elements and wearing.

The Craft and Hobby Enamel from Rawlinspaints.com is available in both spray and brush variations and is certified toy safe so can be applied to items children will come into contact with.

For wood crafts

Wood like to soak up paint so ensure you pick up enough for a couple of coats. An acrylic paint is a great option with the Americana brand considered a staple in most crafter’s tool boxes. This can be picked up from stores such as Hobbycraft, is permanent and works best with a slick of sealing varnish over the top to ensure the paint doesn’t flake off over time. Try out the brand’s range of gel stains, which are great for creating antiqued looks on furniture or wood.

For metal work

Sometimes you might find yourself needing to spruce up something metal with paint, but aren’t sure what the best option is to achieve full coverage. First, you need to prime your metal with – you’ve guessed it – a metal primer, and then use an oil-based paint to get the job done. Oil-based paint is the best choice because it offers full coverage and is easy to clean once dry. Humbrol is a good brand to try.

For paper and cardboard

Most crafts use paper and cardboard so it’s important you have high quality paint that works well with these materials. You can choose from a variety of paint types for these, from watercolours to acrylics, to poster paints and oil (just bear in mind that oil paint takes a long time to dry).

It’s also worth looking out for paint pens that make the drawing and colouring process easier and allow you to try out new techniques in your craftwork. Winsor & Newton offer a range of watercolour brush pens that feel like a paintbrush while using them. They come in a huge range of colours and with two ends, so you can draw using a pen or paint using a brush and spread colours with a little added water.

When it comes to choosing the right paints for your crafting project do some research, check the labels and ensure you’ve got the right tools for the job to achieve the perfect finish.

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