Craft Paint at JOANN: Types, Uses and Complete Buying Guide (2026)

Craft paint is one of the most versatile supplies in any DIY toolkit. One small bottle can decorate wood, fabric, canvas, paper, glass, and ceramics all with the same product. You do not need to be an artist to use it well.

The craft and DIY supplies section at JOANN stocked craft paint across every type and size from small 2 oz bottles for single projects to large 16 oz bottles for bulk work. After store closures in 2025, most craft paint shopping has moved online. This guide covers every type, surface use, brand, price, and where to buy craft paint now.

What Is Craft Paint

Craft paint is a beginner-friendly, water-based paint made for DIY projects and decorative crafts. It is designed to work on many different surfaces wood, fabric, canvas, paper, glass, and ceramics at an affordable price.

It is not the same as professional fine art paint. Craft paint is made for accessibility. It costs less, comes in small bottles, cleans up with water, and does not require special tools or skill to use. That is exactly what makes it useful for everyday DIY and home décor projects.

Most craft paint sold at JOANN is acrylic-based. Acrylic craft paint is water-soluble when wet and water-resistant when dry. It dries quickly usually within 30 minutes and can be layered, mixed, and applied with brushes, sponges, or stamps.

What Is Craft Paint Used For

Craft paint is used for almost any decorative DIY project where you want to add color to a surface. It is the go-to paint for:

painting wood signs, frames, and home décor
fabric painting on T-shirts, tote bags, and jeans
canvas painting for wall art and beginner projects
decorating ceramics and pottery
glass painting for jars, bottles, and windows
kids craft projects and school art activities
holiday and seasonal décor
painted rock and stone projects
upcycling and furniture makeovers

Craft paint joann customers used most often for wood and fabric projects the two surfaces where affordable, easy-to-apply paint adds the most visual impact quickly.

Types of Craft Paint at JOANN

Acrylic Craft Paint

Acrylic craft paint is the most common type at JOANN and the best starting point for any beginner. It works on wood, canvas, paper, cardboard, and primed surfaces. It dries fast, mixes easily, and comes in the widest color range of any paint type.

Acrylic craft paint joann shoppers purchased most often in 2 oz bottles for individual colors and in multi-pack sets for projects needing a full palette. The most recognized brands were Folk Art, Apple Barrel, and DecoArt all stocked in the JOANN craft paint section.

Acrylic paint is water-based, which means brushes and spills clean up with water while the paint is still wet. Once dry, it is water-resistant and durable on most non-flexible surfaces.

Fabric Paint

Fabric paint is a specialized acrylic paint formulated to flex with fabric rather than crack when the material moves or stretches. Standard acrylic craft paint dries stiff on fabric and cracks with wear. Fabric paint stays soft and flexible after drying.

Fabric craft paint joann stocked included Tulip brand soft fabric paint and heat-set formulas that become permanent after pressing with an iron. Use fabric paint for T-shirts, tote bags, shoes, denim, and any item that will be worn, stretched, or washed regularly.

Puffy Paint

Puffy paint dries with a raised, three-dimensional texture on the surface. Puffy craft paint joann customers used most often for decorating fabric especially kids’ clothing, shoes, and fabric accessories where the dimensional effect adds visual interest.

Squeeze the bottle directly onto the surface in thin lines or dots. The paint raises as it dries. Avoid applying thick layers very thick applications take longer to dry and may crack. Most puffy paint is also heat-set with an iron for a more durable finish on fabric.

Chalk Paint

Chalk paint dries to a flat, matte, chalky finish that looks similar to vintage or farmhouse-style painted surfaces. It requires little to no surface preparation chalk paint adheres to wood, metal, and furniture without priming or sanding in most cases.

Chalk paint is used for furniture makeovers, home décor signs, and any project where a weathered, matte look is the goal. It is typically sealed with wax or varnish after application to protect the finish. Do not confuse chalk paint with chalkboard paint they are different products.

Tempera Paint

Tempera paint is a water-based paint designed primarily for kids craft projects and school art activities. It is washable, non-toxic, and dries quickly. Tempera craft paint joann stocked in school-supply sets and individual bottles for kids’ DIY work.

Tempera is not as durable as acrylic. It is not water-resistant when dry and is not suitable for surfaces that will be touched frequently or washed. It is the right choice for paper projects, school crafts, and short-term decorative items.

Metallic Paint

Metallic paint contains reflective particles that produce a shiny, metallic finish on surfaces. Gold, silver, bronze, and copper metallic craft paint were all stocked at JOANN in the acrylic craft paint section. Metallic paint is used for accents, lettering, home décor, and holiday project details.

Neon and Fluorescent Paint

Neon paint uses high-intensity pigments that appear extra bright under normal light and glow under black light. These were stocked at JOANN primarily for party projects, Halloween décor, and kids’ crafts where bright, attention-grabbing color is the goal.

Multi-Surface Paint

Multi-surface craft paint is specifically formulated to adhere to a wider range of surfaces than standard acrylic including glass, ceramics, and plastic without requiring a special primer. It is the most versatile single-bottle option for projects that involve multiple surface types in one piece.

Craft Paint Brands at JOANN

JOANN stocked several major craft paint brands, each targeting a slightly different type of user and project.

Apple Barrel is the most affordable craft paint brand. It is widely used for beginner DIY projects, school crafts, and bulk painting because of its low cost and large color range.
FolkArt offers higher pigment density and smoother coverage than budget brands. It is a step up from Apple Barrel and is commonly used for home décor, wood signs, and detailed craft work.
DecoArt is the parent brand behind many craft paint lines and produces a wide range of finishes including matte, satin, metallic, and specialty paints.
Tulip is best known for fabric paint and puffy paint. It is the most popular choice for clothing, tote bags, and wearable craft projects.
Crayola craft paint is designed for kids, with washable and non-toxic formulas suitable for school and home activities.

Each brand focuses on a different use case Apple Barrel for affordability, FolkArt for smoother finish, Tulip for fabric, and Crayola for kids.

Craft Paint Types Chart

Paint Type	Best Surfaces	Finish	Washable When Dry	Best For
Acrylic craft paint	Wood, canvas, paper	Matte, satin, gloss	No	General DIY
Fabric paint	Fabric, clothing	Flexible matte	No permanent	Wearable items
Puffy paint	Fabric, paper	Raised 3D texture	No	Dimensional designs
Chalk paint	Wood, furniture	Flat matte	No	Furniture, signs
Tempera paint	Paper, cardboard	Matte	Yes	Kids crafts
Metallic paint	Wood, glass, ceramics	Metallic shine	No	Accents, décor
Multi-surface paint	Most surfaces	Matte to satin	No	Mixed surface projects

What Surfaces Can You Use Craft Paint On

Craft paint works on many surfaces, but the results depend on choosing the right type of paint for each material. While most craft paint is versatile, not every formula performs the same way across fabric, wood, glass, or plastic.

On fabric, standard acrylic craft paint will stick but it is not ideal for long-term use. It dries stiff and tends to crack when the fabric moves or is washed. For clothing, tote bags, or anything wearable, fabric paint is the better choice because it remains soft and flexible after drying. If you only have acrylic craft paint, you can improve flexibility by mixing in a fabric painting medium before applying.

Canvas is one of the easiest surfaces to work with. Acrylic craft paint performs well on pre-primed canvas, which is how most canvas panels and stretched canvases are sold. Thin, layered coats produce the best results, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next to avoid uneven texture.

Wood is often considered the best surface for craft paint. It absorbs paint evenly and holds color well, making it ideal for signs, décor, and furniture projects. Light sanding before painting improves adhesion, and applying a varnish or sealant afterward protects the finish from wear and moisture.

Glass requires a more specialized approach. While standard acrylic may adhere temporarily, it can chip off over time. Multi-surface or glass-specific paint provides better durability. For items that will be washed, such as jars or cups, oven-bake formulas create a more permanent bond.

Ceramics behave similarly to glass. Multi-surface or ceramic-specific acrylic paint works best, especially when heat-set in an oven for durability. Decorative ceramic items that will not be handled frequently can still use standard acrylic without issues.

Paper and cardboard are the most forgiving surfaces. Acrylic craft paint applies easily with no preparation required. For thinner paper, slightly diluting the paint with water helps prevent warping and keeps the surface smooth.

Plastic is the most challenging surface. Craft paint can work, but only with proper preparation. Light sanding followed by a plastic adhesion primer significantly improves results. Without this preparation, paint tends to peel off easily.

Best Craft Paint for Each Project

Choosing the right craft paint depends on what you are making. Here is a simple breakdown:

Best craft paint for fabric: Fabric paint (flexible and washable)
Best craft paint for wood: Acrylic craft paint (easy coverage and adhesion)
Best craft paint for canvas: Acrylic craft paint (layer-friendly and smooth)
Best craft paint for furniture: Chalk paint (matte finish, minimal prep)
Best craft paint for kids: Tempera or washable paint (safe and easy cleanup)
Best all-purpose option: Multi-surface paint (works across materials)

If you are unsure, start with acrylic craft paint it covers the widest range of beginner projects.

Craft Paint vs Acrylic Paint

Many people wonder what the difference is between “craft paint” and “acrylic paint.” The confusion is understandable most craft paint is acrylic.

The real difference is in quality level and intended use:

Craft paint (like Apple Barrel, Folk Art, DecoArt) is made for decorative DIY projects. It has lower pigment density than artist-grade paint, which means colors may be slightly less vibrant and may require more coats for full coverage. It is significantly cheaper 2 oz bottles for $1 to $3 versus artist acrylic tubes at $8 to $25.

Artist acrylic paint is made for fine art. It has higher pigment density, more consistency between batches, and better lightfastness (resistance to fading over time). It is designed for canvas paintings intended to last decades.

For DIY crafts, home décor, fabric projects, and kids’ activities craft paint is the correct choice. The lower price makes it practical to buy a full color range without major expense. For fine art paintings you plan to keep long-term, artist-grade acrylic is worth the extra cost.

Craft Paint for Fabric

Will craft paint work on fabric? The short answer is: it will stick, but it will not last the way fabric paint does.

Standard acrylic craft paint dries rigid on fabric. When the fabric moves, stretches, or is washed, the dried paint cracks and peels. This is why fabric paint exists it is formulated with a flexible binder that allows the paint film to move with the fabric rather than crack against it.

When craft paint on fabric is acceptable:

Decorative fabric items that will not be washed (framed fabric art, wall hangings)
Items where cracking over time is fine (rustic or distressed aesthetic)
When mixed with a fabric painting medium (this restores flexibility)

When to use fabric paint instead:

Any clothing item that will be worn and washed
Tote bags, shoes, and accessories
Baby clothing or any item requiring durability

For projects involving fabric, also consider fabric sealing options. For a full guide to sealing and protecting craft projects on fabric and other surfaces see the Mod Podge guide.

Craft Paint for Kids

Kids craft paint needs to meet one specific standard above everything else: non-toxic and washable. Everything else is secondary.

Non-toxic acrylic paint is labeled AP non-toxic by the Art and Creative Materials Institute. This certification confirms the paint has been reviewed by a toxicologist and is safe for children. All major craft paint brands at JOANN Apple Barrel, Folk Art, Crayola carry AP non-toxic certification.

Washable kids paint is different from standard acrylic. Washable paint is specifically formulated to wash out of skin, clothing, and most surfaces with water. Standard acrylic paint, once dry, does not wash out of clothing. For kids’ activities where paint will definitely end up on clothes and skin use washable paint, not standard acrylic craft paint.

Tempera paint is the most common kids art paint for school and group craft activities. It is washable, non-toxic, and applies easily with brushes and sponges. It is not durable fine for paper projects and school crafts, not for items meant to last.

Kids craft paint sets bundled multiple colors in small bottles these were a popular JOANN purchase for birthday gifts, class supply sets, and holiday activity kits. Craft paint joann for kids searches most often returned multi-color sets in the 12 to 24 bottle range.

Craft Paint Bottle Sizes and Formats

Craft paint at JOANN came in three standard bottle sizes. Each size serves a different use case.

2 oz bottles (under 2 oz) are the smallest and most affordable. They are the standard format for single-color acrylic craft paint. At $1 to $3 per bottle, they are ideal for buying a full color range without major expense. One 2 oz bottle covers approximately 20 to 30 square inches at standard coverage.

8 oz bottles (2 oz to 8 oz range) are for projects requiring a large amount of one color background painting, furniture touches, or bulk color work. They cost $4 to $8 per bottle and offer significantly better value per ounce than the 2 oz size.

16 oz bottles and larger (8 oz to 16 oz+) are economy sizes for high-volume use classroom sets, large furniture projects, or regular crafters who use one color frequently. At $8 to $14, the cost per ounce is the lowest of any format.

Paint sets and bundles offer multiple colors in one purchase at a lower per-bottle price than buying individually. A 12-color craft paint set typically costs $8 to $15. Sets are the best starting option for beginners who need a full palette without buying each color separately.

How to Use Craft Paint

Using craft paint well does not require any special skills. A few basic techniques cover almost every project type.

Apply in thin layers. One thick coat of craft paint often cracks or peels as it dries. Two or three thin coats produce a more durable, even result. Allow each coat to dry fully usually 15 to 30 minutes before adding the next.

Sand wood between coats. Lightly sanding a wood surface between paint coats with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) creates a smoother finish. Wipe away dust before applying the next coat.

Mix colors on a palette. Do not mix directly in the paint bottle. Use a palette, paper plate, or piece of cardboard to mix custom colors. Start with the lighter color and add small amounts of the darker color until you reach the desired shade.

Seal the finished project. Most craft paint is not fully waterproof on its own. Applying a clear varnish, sealant, or wax over the dried paint protects the surface from moisture, scratching, and wear. This is especially important for wood and ceramic projects. For adhesive sealing and decoupage applications see the Mod Podge guide.

Use the right brush. Flat brushes for large areas, round brushes for detail work, and sponge brushes for smooth even coverage. Clean brushes immediately after use dried acrylic in a brush is very difficult to remove.

How to Choose the Right Craft Paint

Choosing by surface: Match the paint type to the surface first. Fabric gets fabric paint. Canvas and wood take standard acrylic. Glass and ceramics need multi-surface or specialty formulas. Everything else acrylic craft paint covers it.

Choosing by finish: Matte finishes look soft and non-reflective. Satin finishes have a slight sheen. Gloss finishes are shiny and highlight color vibrancy. Most basic craft paint is matte or satin. Buy a gloss varnish if you want a shiny finish on a matte paint color.

Choosing by project scale: For a small decorative piece 2 oz bottles work perfectly. For a large sign, furniture piece, or background buy 8 oz or 16 oz to avoid running out mid-project.

Choosing for kids: Use washable paint for any project where paint will contact skin or clothing. Non-toxic certification is standard on all major brand craft paint. Look for AP non-toxic labeling.

Beginner Tips for Craft Paint

Start with a limited color palette. Buy primary colors red, blue, yellow plus white and black. You can mix most other colors from these five. This is cheaper than buying every individual color and teaches you how color mixing works.

Always test the paint on a scrap piece of your surface before applying to the actual project. Paint looks different wet versus dry, and some surfaces absorb paint differently than expected. A test piece takes 30 seconds and prevents a wasted project.

Drying time is not the same as cure time. Craft paint feels dry to the touch in 15 to 30 minutes but does not fully cure (harden completely) for 24 to 72 hours. Avoid washing, sealing, or heavy handling during the first 24 hours after painting.

Use a damp paper towel to wipe up spills immediately. Once dry, acrylic paint does not come off most surfaces with water alone. Fresh spills clean up in seconds.

For paint pen craft ideas paint pens are craft paint in a marker format. They are used for fine detail work, lettering, and drawing on surfaces like rocks, glass, and fabric where a brush is too imprecise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Craft Paint

Using fabric paint for canvas and canvas paint for fabric is the most common surface mismatch. Each formula is designed for a specific surface. Using the wrong one produces poor adhesion, cracking, or peeling.

Applying too thick a coat causes the paint to crack as it dries. Thin coats always produce better results than one heavy application. If coverage is uneven after the first coat, add a second thin coat rather than going thicker.

Skipping sealing on wood and furniture pieces leaves the paint vulnerable to moisture and scratching. Always apply a protective sealant over craft paint on any surface that will be touched or exposed to humidity.

Not stirring or shaking the paint before use allows pigment to settle at the bottom of the bottle. Always shake the bottle or stir the paint before applying especially for metallics and specialty finishes where pigment settling is more pronounced.

Using cheap brushes on smooth surfaces leaves visible brush strokes. A quality flat brush held at a consistent angle minimizes brush stroke visibility on smooth wood and canvas surfaces.

Craft Paint Colors

JOANN stocked craft paint in a full color spectrum from basic primaries to specialty finishes. The most consistently stocked colors were:

Standard colors: white craft paint joann, black craft paint joann, red, blue craft paint joann, yellow, green craft paint joann, pink craft paint joann, orange, purple, brown

Neutrals: grey, tan, cream, beige, navy, dark brown

Specialty finishes: gold metallic, silver metallic, bronze, copper, pearl white, iridescent

Seasonal and accent colors rotated with holiday and seasonal craft promotions deep burgundy and forest green for fall, bright reds and greens for Christmas, pastels for spring.

Paint Pen Craft Ideas

Paint pens are craft paint in a fine-tip marker applicator. They are used for projects where brush control is difficult or where fine lines and lettering are required.

Common paint pen craft ideas include:

lettering on wood signs and plaques
detailed designs on rocks and stones
writing on glass jars and bottles
decorating shoes and sneakers
fine detail work on ceramic mugs
mandala and geometric designs on dark surfaces

Paint pens come in the same color range as bottled craft paint. They work on the same surfaces always shake well before use to mix the pigment inside.

Craft Paint Price at JOANN

Format	Size	Price Range	Best For
Single bottle	2 oz	$1–$3	Individual colors, small projects
Single bottle	8 oz	$4–$8	Larger coverage, backgrounds
Single bottle	16 oz+	$8–$14	Bulk projects, furniture
Multi-color set	12–24 bottles	$8–$15	Beginners, full palette
Fabric paint	2 oz	$2–$4	Fabric-specific use
Chalk paint	8 oz	$7–$12	Furniture, farmhouse style
Metallic paint	2 oz	$2–$4	Accent colors, details

Craft paint joann sale events offered 30% to 40% off during seasonal promotions. Craft paint joann under $9 was achievable on most individual bottle sizes without any coupon needed. Craft paint joann clearance items end-of-season colors and discontinued sets were available at 50% to 70% off. Buying craft paint sets during sale events produced the lowest per-bottle cost of any purchase format.

For paper-based craft projects that pair with paint work cardstock, scrapbook paper, and specialty card materials see the cardstock guide.

Why Craft Paint Was a Core Category at JOANN

Craft paint was one of the highest-volume categories in the JOANN craft supplies section. It drove consistent repeat purchases every finished project creates demand for new colors, and crafters rarely stock every color they eventually need. A single visit for one specific color regularly turned into a multi-bottle purchase once a shopper was standing in front of the full color wall.

The JOANN craft paint section was organized by brand first, then by finish type matte and satin acrylics in one zone, fabric and specialty paints nearby, chalk and furniture paints adjacent. Folk Art, Apple Barrel, and DecoArt each had dedicated shelf sections. Tulip fabric paint had its own zone near the fabric craft supplies.

The price point made craft paint a true impulse purchase. At $1 to $3 per bottle, adding a few extra colors to any craft supply run was easy to justify. This accessibility combined with the wide surface compatibility made craft paint one of the most cross-purchased items in the store alongside Mod Podge for finishing and sealing.

JOANN vs Michaels vs Hobby Lobby for Craft Paint

Feature	JOANN (pre-closure)	Michaels	Hobby Lobby
Acrylic paint brands	Folk Art, Apple Barrel, DecoArt	Folk Art, Apple Barrel	Folk Art, DecoArt
Fabric paint	Tulip full range	Tulip partial	Limited
Chalk paint	Full range	Moderate	Moderate
Puffy paint	Yes Tulip	Yes Tulip	Limited
Metallic options	Full range	Full range	Moderate
Kids/washable paint	Full range	Full range	Limited
2 oz bottle price	$1–$2	$1–$2	$1–$2
Coupon discount	40–50% weekly	20% app	40% single item
Paint set availability	Wide	Wide	Moderate

All three chains carry comparable basic acrylic craft paint at similar prices. The difference was in specialty paint depth JOANN carried the widest range of fabric paint, chalk paint, and specialty finish options. Amazon now carries the full Folk Art, Apple Barrel, DecoArt, and Tulip ranges with better bulk pricing than in-store options.

Craft Paint at JOANN: Historical Context

Craft paint has been a JOANN staple since the company expanded beyond fabric into full craft supplies in the 1980s and 1990s. Folk Art and Apple Barrel both DecoArt company brands became the dominant affordable craft paint lines in the US market during this period, and JOANN was a primary retail distributor for both.

The category expanded as DIY home décor and upcycling trends grew in the 2000s and 2010s. Chalk paint specifically drove a surge in the furniture DIY segment after the early 2010s farmhouse aesthetic trend. JOANN expanded chalk paint shelf space significantly during this period to meet demand.

Craft Paint Near Me

Before store closures, searches for craft painting near me and craft paint joann nearby returned local store results with the full acrylic, fabric, and specialty paint range in stock. JOANN was the primary local source for many specialty paint types particularly fabric paint, chalk paint, and bulk acrylic sets that general dollar stores and grocery stores do not carry.

Today, Michaels and Hobby Lobby carry the full basic acrylic and fabric paint range in-store. Walmart carries Apple Barrel and basic acrylic craft paint in the craft section. For current store options see the joann fabrics near me guide.

Where to Buy Craft Paint Now

Amazon carries the full Folk Art, Apple Barrel, DecoArt, and Tulip ranges in every size and finish including bulk sets, large bottles, and specialty formulas that were previously only available in-store. Most crafters now buy craft paint online because full color ranges and multi-pack sets are available year-round at competitive pricing.

Care and Storage of Craft Paint

Keep craft paint bottles tightly sealed between uses. Acrylic paint dries quickly when exposed to air even a loosely capped bottle loses moisture overnight and becomes thick and difficult to apply.

Store bottles upright in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Heat causes acrylic paint to thicken and eventually separate. Freezing destroys the polymer structure frozen acrylic paint does not recover after thawing.

If paint has thickened slightly, add a few drops of water and mix thoroughly. Add water gradually adding too much makes the paint too thin and reduces its pigment density and adhesion.

Clean brushes immediately after every use with warm water and soap. Acrylic paint that dries in brush bristles cannot be removed with water and requires a chemical solvent. A brush cleaned immediately takes 30 seconds. A brush left to dry with paint in it is usually permanently damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is craft paint?

Craft paint is a water-based, beginner-friendly paint made for DIY and decorative projects. It works on wood, canvas, fabric, paper, glass, and ceramics. Most craft paint is acrylic and cleans up with water while wet.

Can you use craft paint on fabric?

Standard acrylic craft paint will adhere to fabric but cracks with washing and movement. For lasting results on wearable items, use fabric paint instead. Fabric paint is formulated to stay flexible on fabric and survive regular washing.

Can you use craft paint on canvas?

Yes. Acrylic craft paint works well on pre-primed canvas. Apply in thin layers and allow each coat to dry before adding the next.

What is the difference between craft paint and acrylic paint?

Most craft paint is acrylic. The difference is quality level craft paint has lower pigment density and costs less than artist-grade acrylic. For DIY crafts and home décor, craft paint is the practical choice.

Is craft paint safe for kids?

All major craft paint brands carry AP non-toxic certification. For kids’ activities, use washable paint rather than standard acrylic washable paint rinses off skin and clothing with water.

Did JOANN sell craft paint?

Yes. JOANN stocked Folk Art, Apple Barrel, DecoArt, and Tulip brand paint across every type acrylic, fabric, chalk, puffy, and metallic in sizes from 2 oz to 16 oz bottles.

How long does craft paint take to dry?

Most acrylic craft paint feels dry to the touch in 15 to 30 minutes. Full cure where the paint reaches its maximum hardness and durability takes 24 to 72 hours depending on the surface and thickness applied.

What is puffy paint?

Puffy paint is a dimensional craft paint that dries with a raised texture. It is squeezed directly from the bottle onto fabric or paper. It is non-toxic and machine washable on fabric after full curing.

How do I seal craft paint?

Apply a clear acrylic varnish, sealant spray, or wax over dried craft paint to protect it from moisture and wear