How to Add Glitter and Texture to Your Painting Kit Artwork: 5 Simple Techniques

When you finish a painting kit, you create a beautiful piece of art. But what if you could make it even more special? Adding glitter and texture transforms a flat canvas into a tactile, eye-catching masterpiece. Whether you want to add a subtle sparkle or bold dimension, these techniques work with any painting kit—and they’re surprisingly simple to learn.

In this guide, we’ll explore five easy ways to embellish your artwork using common supplies from Paintingtogogh. Think of kits like A Little Bit of Magic or Life is Sweet—they already bring joy, but with a few extra steps, you can make them truly unique. Let’s dive into the world of mixed media painting.

Why Add Glitter and Texture to Your Painting?

Plain acrylic paintings on canvas are lovely, but adding texture and glitter takes them to a new level. Texture gives your artwork a three-dimensional quality that invites touch and closer inspection. Glitter catches the light, creating playful highlights that change as you move around the piece. Together, they turn a simple painting into a conversation starter.

Plus, texture and glitter help you personalize your kit. Even if you follow the instructions exactly, a sparkly accent or a raised element makes the final piece feel like your own. It’s a low-risk way to experiment with mixed media—no special skills required.

Materials You’ll Need to Get Started

Most of the supplies are easy to find. Start with a completed painting from your Paintingtogogh kit—any theme works, but whimsical designs like A Little Bit of Magic or sweet motifs like Life is Sweet are especially fun to embellish. You’ll also need fine glitter (craft grade), glitter glue, a clear sealing medium, modeling paste, a palette knife, stencils, and a spray bottle for water effects.

Optional extras include sand, salt, cheap paintbrushes (dedicated for glue), and a soft brush for applying glitter without mess. Have a small container of water nearby to clean tools quickly. And remember: always work on a protected surface, because glitter tends to migrate!

• Fine glitter in complementary colors (gold, silver, or iridescent)
• Glitter glue or clear-drying tacky glue
• Modeling paste (heavy body or lightweight)
• Stencils with simple patterns (diamonds, dots, leaves)
• Painting sponge or palette knife for applying paste

Technique 1: Add Sparkle with Glitter Glue and Acrylic Paint

The simplest way to add glitter is by mixing it directly into your paint. After you finish the kit’s main painting, take a small amount of leftover acrylic paint—or use a complementary color from Paintingtogogh’s Art & Craft Paint line—and stir in a pinch of fine glitter. Apply this mixture with a brush to select areas like stars, flowers, or lettering. The glitter will suspend in the paint, drying with a subtle shimmer.

For a more intense sparkle, paint a thin layer of clear glitter glue over dried acrylic areas. While the glue is still wet, sprinkle loose glitter on top. Let it sit for a minute, then gently tap off the excess. This works beautifully on highlights, such as the honeycomb in Life is Sweet or the magical swirls in A Little Bit of Magic. Seal with a spray varnish once fully dry.

• Always test glitter on a scrap piece first to see the final effect.
• Use a soft dry brush to sweep away excess glitter after tapping.

Technique 2: Create Dimension with Modeling Paste

Modeling paste is a thick, opaque medium that dries hard and can be sanded or painted over. Use a palette knife to spread it onto your canvas in peaks, waves, or lines. For a painting like Serenade in Teal, you might add raised waves or swirls. Allow the paste to dry completely (overnight is best), then paint over it with your kit’s colors. The ridges catch light and mimic natural textures like frosting, sand, or clouds.

If you want a rougher texture, mix fine sand or crushed eggshell into the paste before applying. This works wonderfully for landscapes in Snowy Pines—create rocky ground or snowy drifts. Once dry, paint the entire area with a thin wash of color, then wipe off the high points with a damp cloth to accentuate the relief.

Technique 3: Use Salt or Sand for Organic Textures

Salt is a classic watercolor trick that also works with acrylics. While your paint is still wet, sprinkle table salt or coarse sea salt over the surface. As the paint dries, the salt absorbs moisture and leaves behind crystalline patterns. This creates a lovely granulated effect perfect for backgrounds or skies. Brush away the salt once the paint is bone dry.

Fine sand or glitter can be mixed into a medium like gel medium or even white glue. Paint the mixture onto specific shapes—like the boots in These Boots Were Made for Walkin’—to give them a gritty, realistic feel. You can tint the sand with a little paint before mixing for an integrated color. Work quickly, as the mixture dries fast.

• Don’t overwork the salt areas—let them dry untouched for best results.
• Seal all sand or salt textures with a clear acrylic spray to prevent flaking.

Technique 4: Stenciling with Texture Medium

Stencils offer a controlled way to add texture. Place a stencil on your dry painting and spread texture medium (like modeling paste or dimensional fabric paint) over it with a palette knife or sponge. Lift the stencil carefully to reveal raised patterns. This is ideal for adding decorative borders, stars, or repeating motifs to a background.

You can also use stencils with glitter glue: apply the glue through the stencil, remove it, then sprinkle glitter while it’s wet. For a subtle effect, use a fine mist of water mixed with iridescent mica powder and apply through a lace stencil. The result is elegant and sophisticated, perfect for enhancing a romantic piece like Love Takes Flight.

• Clean stencils immediately after use to avoid dried glue or paste.
• Use repositionable spray adhesive to hold stencils flat while working.

Tips for Long-Lasting Glitter and Texture Artwork

Once you finish your masterpiece, let it cure for at least 48 hours before framing or handling. Apply a final sealant—a spray varnish or brush-on gloss medium—over all glitter and textured areas. This locks everything in place and prevents glitter from falling off. Avoid stacking painted canvases face-to-face; use spacers or frame them individually.

Store your artwork away from direct sunlight and humidity, as glitter and paste can degrade over time. If you plan to gift your piece, include a small card with care instructions. With these simple precautions, your enhanced painting kit artwork will shine and delight for years.

Adding glitter and texture is a rewarding way to make your painting kit artwork truly one-of-a-kind. Why not start with a kit that’s already full of charm? Try the enchanting A Little Bit of Magic kit from Paintingtogogh—it’s the perfect canvas for experimenting with sparkle and dimension. Grab your brushes, some glitter, and your favorite kit, and let your creativity run free.