Fun & Messy Techniques: Dabbers

Love paint? Don’t want to break out the paintbrushes? Then give the Acrylic Paint Dabbers a try for stamping or creating backgrounds.

Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabbers

Whether basic black or colored, Acrylic Paint Dabbers make it easy to apply paint to your stamp or surface.

Priming the dabber

Be sure to shake the bottle well before using. You’ll also need to “prime” the dabber before using it for the first time. Hold the bottle upside down over a piece of scrap paper and press down on the dabber top while gently squeezing the sides of the bottle. Hold for about 30 seconds or until you see paint.

The dabber bottles have a valve—when you press down, the valve opens so the paint can flow. If you bang, tap or otherwise abuse the dabber, the valve can’t stay open long enough for the paint to flow.

Re-establishing flow

If you haven’t used your dabber for awhile, you might need to spray some water onto a plastic surface, then rubbing the dabber top in the water.

Always cap your dabber between uses to prevent the paint from drying on the top of the dabber.

Stamping with dabbers

Simply dab the paint directly onto your stamp and press the stamp onto your paper. Immediately clean stamps with water or stamp cleaner after using paint dabbers.

Direct to paper

Tap, swirl, sweep or drag the dabber directly onto your surface to create patterns like polka dots and swirls. The paint works on any type of paper, though you’ll want to allow a little extra dry time for non-porous glossy paper. Hold your paper at an angle and run the dabber along the edge for definition.

Dry brush effects

Hold the dabber in one hand and your paper in the other and swipe the dabber lightly across the paper. By holding the dabber in the air, you’re not fully pressing down the valve, allowing for a light application of paint.

Dilute the paint

Simply mix the paint with water on a plastic palette. Use a little water to lighten the paint color; add more water for a pale wash. You can also use a plant mister to spritz water onto glossy paper, then apply paint from the dabber.

Use a brush

Want to break out the brushes? Shake the dabber, unscrew the top and dip your paintbrush inside. Use a q-tip for spot application.