Poster colors are water-based paints that are commonly used for crafts and artistic endeavors. They have brilliant opaque colors and are simple to use, making them an ideal choice for beginners due to their ease of application and widespread availability.
Poster Colors at a Glance
Opacity and Vibrancy: Poster colors are made to give out solid, vibrant colors with decent coverage.
Versatility: It can be applied on a whole range of surfaces-from paper to cardboard to wood.
Easy to Use: The poster color can be easily applied and mixed with water.
Fast Drying: Poster paints dry rather quickly, enabling fast layering and the working process.
Cheap: It is quite an inexpensive medium to express vivid imaginations.
Differentiated from Watercolor: Poster colors are more opaque and have a solid finish, while watercolors are more transparent.
Uses:
Crafts And Art Projects:
In school projects, classroom decoration, and many other craft works too, Poster colors find great utility.
Posters And Display:
Large-scale posters or banners would necessitate a full-fledged vibrating appearance.
Animation And Illustration:
Certain animation and illustration work may require using poster colors.
Types of poster color
Common types of poster colors include:
Opaque poster colors:
These are the most common type, known for their ability to cover the surface and create a solid, vibrant color.
Metallic poster colors:
These contain metallic pigments, resulting in a shimmering effect when dry.
Fluorescent poster colors:
These colors are known for their intense brightness and ability to stand out.
Water-based poster colors:
These are generally safe for use by children and are easily cleaned up.
Acrylic Poster Colors:
These colors are stronger and more luminous than conventional poster colors and therefore have more application in detailed work.
Tips for Beginners:
Use a limited palette:
Start out concentrating on two or three colors so that you do not look that overpowering, hence creating cohesion in the design.
Work on blending and layering:
Try blending colors, layering colors, creating depth, and texture.
Mix colors on your palette:
A palette comes in handy for mixing and controlling colors, especially in layering your colors.
Wash your brushes well:
Poster paints tend to stain brushes very badly, so remember to wash them thoroughly right after use.
Difference Between Acrylics and Poster Colors
Acrylic Paints:
Binding Agent: Acrylic polymer emulsion.
Drying Time: Fast-drying.
Water Resistance: Become water-resistant once dry.
Poster Paints:
Binding Agent: Often uses starch, cornstarch, or other water-based binders.
Durability: Less durable and not as permanent as acrylics.
Versatility: Primarily used on paper, cardstock, and canvas.
Drying Time: Slower drying than acrylics.
Water Resistance: Washable even after drying.
How to use them in 5 easy steps
Step1.
Wet the paper first, then mix a small amount of water with the poster colors.
Step2.
If you want a more transparent look in your colors, add more water, but make sure your paper is watercolor paper.
Step3.
They fade very easily, so you have to do at least two washes, and they have a quick dry time; they dry up in 5 minutes.
Step4.
Brush: It is recommended to go for synthetic brushes with hard bristles.
Step5.
Try drawing simple drawings with them, primarily rough sketches for your paintings or masterpieces, as they are inexpensive and useful to have around.
FAQ’s
1. What are poster colors, and how are they different from watercolors?
Although both poster color and watercolor are water-based, poster color is coarser and watercolor is thinner.
2. Are poster colors good for beginners in painting?
No doubt, they are great for beginners.
3. Can poster colors be used on canvas or only on paper?
No champ, they are not limited only to paper.
4. How to make poster colors waterproof or long-lasting?
Students can do it by using a sealant like acrylic varnish
5. What surfaces work best with poster colors?
Paper and cardboard can give you better outcomes.
6. Are poster colors safe for kids and school projects?
Yes, yes, feel free to use them for your school project.
7. How do you prevent poster colors from cracking when they dry?
Storing them in an airtight container is a perfect solution.
8. Which are the best poster color brands for artists?
The top brand colors are DOMS, Camel and Camlin.
9. How to store poster colors to avoid drying out?
Protect them from sunlight.
10. Can you mix poster colors with other mediums like acrylic or ink?
It is suggested not to mix them.