The most common way to give a new look to a room is to paint it. However, not all paints are created equal and the right choice can make a big difference. While some paints are ideal for painting furniture, others are best used for other surfaces. In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of paint and which ones are best for cardboard.
Top 10 Best Paint For Cardboard
How to choose the best paint for cardboard
Caring for your cardboard can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips for choosing the right paint:
- Make sure that the paint is compatible with cardboard. Check with the manufacturer first to see if they have any recommendations or warnings about using their product on cardboard.
- The weight of the cardboard will determine whether or not you need a primer before applying paint. If your cardboards are thick, then you may need primer; if they’re thin, then you won’t need primer.
- Make sure that you know what kind of finish you want before choosing your paint. For example, if you want glossy paint then make sure that your finish will be glossy as well. Otherwise, you might get something different than what you expected!
Best Paint For Cardboard
In my opinion, the best paint for cardboard is acrylic paint. Acrylic paints are water-based and easily removable, allowing you to repaint your cardboard in whatever color you want. You can even use them on wood or metal surfaces as well! This means that if you’re creating a piece of art with cardboard and want to change things up later, it’s no problem. Just grab some more acrylic paint and get back to work. Here is the list of the best paint for cardboard:
Mont Marte Signature Acrylic Paint Set
1
This is the best paint for cardboard, hands down.
It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a semi-matte finish that dries quickly and covers well. The colors are beautiful, true to their names, and easy to work with. It’s great on paper and cardboard, but I’ve also used it on fabric with good results.
The texture is creamy and thick which makes sense because it’s acrylic paint and the colors are rich and vibrant.
I’m not sure about the claim that it can be used on leather, though it seems like that would have been mentioned in the description if it were true!
Ranger MDM46424 Dina Wakley Media Gesso
2
I have used this paint on cardboard, wood, leather, plaster, paper, and more. The paint is very easy to work with, and it dries quickly. It does not crack or peel off of any surface I have tried it on.
The color selection is great; there are 36 beautiful colors in the set. You can use them alone or mix them together to create your own unique color palette.
The best part about this set is that you can use it on almost any surface! I love using it on cardboard because it gives me a smooth finish that looks like silk.
Handy Art® 440-003 Medium Student Acrylic Paint
3
I’m a huge fan of Handy Art® and use their products in my studio all the time. And when I saw their new line of student acrylics, I just had to try it.
The product is fantastic for students and hobbyists alike. The paint dries quickly and has a matte finish, which makes it perfect for painting on cardboard or any other porous surface. It can be used as an undercoat or primer before painting with other materials like oils or watercolors.
What really sets this paint apart from others is its non-toxic certification. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals like latex or dairy products that could be harmful if ingested by children who play with painted toys or furniture made with this kind of material. There are also no gluten, soy, peanut, or tree nuts in it. Another important consideration when you’re dealing with younger children who may have allergies to those substances!
This paint comes in a 32 oz bottle so you can buy one for yourself and then share it with friends who need it too!
Acrylic Paint Acrylic Paint Set
4
This is a great set of acrylic paints. I love the creamy consistency and high pigments, which allow for great covering power for large areas and fine details. I love that they are versatile. So they are suitable for most painting surfaces including canvas, paper, wood, fabric, leather, cardboard, and crafts.
I have found them to perform well in all of my art projects, which include kids’ craft projects and also larger paintings for my home. The clarity and brilliance allow for superb color mixing to provide a bigger color palette of shades and tones.
I have used the set with different types of brushes (including my fingers), on different kinds of surfaces (including canvas), and with different kinds of paints (including oil paints). They work well with all of them!
I highly recommend this product!
Krylon I00402 Glitter Aerosol Spray
5
This glitter spray is the perfect way to add some glam to your next holiday, wedding, prom, anniversary party, or other special events. It’s easy to use and non-clogging. So you can use it on whatever you want, from crafts to clothing to florals for a dazzling effect that’s sure to impress.
This shimmering silver color adds instant sparkle to any project you’re working on, and it works on glass, metal, wicker, plastic, Styrofoam, wood, ceramic, and much more.
This spray can be used in many different ways. You can use it as a base coat for your project or just add it at the end for an extra pop of sparkle. It’s easy to create interesting patterns or designs with this spray by using a stencil or stamp tool. Just make sure that whatever surface you’re using is clean before you start spraying!
One thing we really love about this glitter spray is how versatile it is. You can use it on so many different materials from paper crafts to clothing materials like velvet or satin fabrics!
Rust-Oleum 249130 Universal All Surface Spray Paint
6
The Rust-Oleum Spray Paint is a great option if you’re looking for paint that will work on almost any surface. I would recommend it for painting cardboard boxes. Because it’s oil-based and has excellent adhesion, which means that it prevents rust and corrosion.
This spray paint also dries quickly. So you won’t have to wait around for hours before you can get your box into the rainforest. The fast-drying formula dries to the touch in 30 minutes and covers up to 15 sq ft per can.
The best part about this spray paint is that it provides an attractive, rich metallic look on surfaces. It comes in multiple colors and finishes. So you can choose one that best suits your needs!
Liquitex BASICS Gesso Surface Prep Medium
7
I have been using Liquitex BASICS Gesso for several months now and I am very pleased with it. The gesso is a good quality base coat primer, which means that it can be applied directly over your cardboard surface without needing to prime it first.
One coat of gesso should be enough to cover most surfaces. But if you’re painting on something that’s particularly porous or has a lot of texture (like corrugated cardboard), you may want to apply two coats.
The gesso dries quickly, so if you want to paint something in one day you don’t need to worry about having to wait for the gesso to dry before applying the acrylic paint. It also gives off no smell or fumes when drying which is really important if you’re working in a smaller space!
Gessos are made up of acrylic polymer emulsion and are compatible with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors and Mediums. They conform to ASTM D4236 standards and are safe for educational use.
Fantastory Acrylic Paint Set
8
As an artist, I know the importance of paint. It’s crucial for putting your vision into reality. That’s why I always use this acrylic paint set from Fantastory.
I love how easy it is to mix and create new hues with their easy-to-mix 24 assorted colors of acrylic paints. That’s not all, the clarity and brilliance of these paints allow me to get a great finish on my projects. And they’re non-toxic and safe!
The creamy consistency and high pigments offer great covering power for large areas and fine details. Those highly pigmented colors are great to produce true, consistent shades of painting art, ideal for professional artists, young aspiring artists, painting lovers, and kids.
All in all, if you’re looking for a high-quality acrylic paint set that won’t break the bank, check out Fantastory Acrylic Paint Set!
Ohuhu Oil Paint Set
9
I’ve been using this paint set for about a month now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great value for the money, and the colors are beautiful and vibrant.
I like that Ohuhu offers a large selection of colors in this one set. It means I can do more detailed work without having to purchase several different pieces of equipment. They’re also very easy to clean up after use, which is another plus!
I think these paints are ideal for beginners or those who want an easy way to get started with oil painting.
Montana BLACK 400ml Popular Colors Set of 12 Graffiti Street Art Mural Spray Paint
10
The Montana BLACK 400ml is the best paint for cardboard because it’s high pressure, has great coverage, and dries fast.
This set comes with 12 cans of the most popular colors according to Montana. The cans are all 400ml and have a wide opening for easy cleaning. The cans are high pressure, so they’re great for graffiti, street art, and mural use. They’re also winter-proof, so you don’t have to worry about your paint freezing when it’s cold outside!
The Montana Black 400ml has been compared to MTN, Ironlak, Belton, and Molotow by many artists who love using them all year round!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to prime cardboard before painting?
Yes! You definitely need to prime cardboard before painting. The reason is that cardboard is very absorbent. And if you don’t prime it, then your paint will actually just soak into the cardboard and not stick.
Do I need to sand cardboard before painting?
Yes, you need to sand the cardboard before painting. The cardboard is very absorbent, and if you don’t sand it first, the paint will be absorbed into the cardboard and not stick to the surface of your project.
Can I use chalk paint on cardboard?
Yes, you can use chalk paint on cardboard. However, it will not be as durable as if you were to use regular paint. Chalk paint is meant to be applied to wood and other materials that can soak in the chalk coating. Cardboard does not have the same absorption properties. So the chalk will not adhere as well or last as long.
Does spray paint work on cardboard?
Yes! Spray paint works on cardboard!
You can use spray paint on any kind of surface. But it’s best to do a test before you start your project. Spray paint comes in different formulas. So it will perform differently depending on the type you choose.
Final Verdict
When it comes to painting cardboard, the possibilities are endless. From making signs and other decorations to building a house, you can use cardboard in so many ways!
Whether you’re looking for a paint that is easy to work with or one that works on a variety of surfaces, there are plenty of options out there. We hope that this guide has helped you narrow down your search and find the best paint for cardboard for your project needs!
Jessica Olson is a talented painter known for her evocative and vibrant artwork. Her paintings eloquently capture the beauty of the natural world and the depth of human emotion. With a keen eye for color and form, Jessica’s art invites viewers to embark on a visual journey that resonates with the soul. Through her work, she seeks to evoke contemplation and emotional connection, leaving an indelible impression on all who experience her art.