For over 30 years, FolkArt® has been inspiring artists and crafters to push their creativity to the limit. Our passion is providing high-quality paints, mediums, and tools that unlock each artist’s unique vision. With an unmatched selection of colorful acrylics, lustrous enamels, versatile chalks, and specialty paints, we offer everything you need to bring any artistic dream to life.
Our History
FolkArt was launched in 1983 by Plaid Enterprises, with a small line of acrylic paints in 201 versatile colors. We saw that crafters needed bright, affordable paints in a wide spectrum of imaginative shades. Our vision was to push the limits of what paint could do, redefining it as an artistic medium rather than just a functional coating.
The FolkArt name was chosen to represent the brand’s spirit of imagination, originality, and craftsmanship. We take inspiration from folk art’s improvisational, expressive aesthetic, which values creativity above all else. Just like folk artists, we aim to make art accessible to all by providing professional-quality paints at budget-friendly prices.
From those first 201 colors, the FolkArt line rapidly expanded to include glazes, textures, canvases, brushes, and mediums. As our catalog grew, so did our reputation in the arts & crafts community. Leading retailers like Michaels, JOANN, and Hobby Lobby started stocking FolkArt products to meet rising demand from their customers.
Today, the FolkArt brand includes over 1,000 colors across dozens of paint lines, from subtle antiquing glazes to dazzling neon acrylics. Yet even as we’ve grown into an arts & crafts powerhouse, our commitment to empowering creativity remains as strong as ever. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create with FolkArt!
Our Values
FolkArt’s success stems from the simple belief that art belongs to everyone. We live by the values that have defined the brand since day one:
Creativity
We are constantly pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box to offer artists new ways to envision their work. Our product developers are themselves artists, so they intuitively understand the frustration of being limited by materials. We test the possibilities of every new formula extensively before bringing it to market. You can trust FolkArt paints to perform exactly as promised, unlocking your creativity instead of holding it back.
Quality
Every FolkArt product meets our uncompromising quality standards. We carefully select high-grade pigments, durable polymers, and pH-balanced formulas. Our enamels deliver rich, smooth coverage while our acrylics offer exceptional blendability. Chalk paint sticks to nearly any surface with superior adhesion. No matter which paint you choose, you can expect archival lightfastness for art that will last.
Value
Making art more affordable and accessible is central to our mission. Our prices reflect our commitment to keeping that creative spark burning in artists of all backgrounds. Students can explore their potential without breaking the bank. Even professional artists depend on FolkArt for dependable quality on a budget. We believe cost should never limit inspiration.
Community
FolkArt celebrates the diverse, welcoming spirit of the folk art community. We support makers of all ages and skill levels who think outside the box. Our social media channels provide a place to share inspiration and helpful tips. Through partnerships with leading arts nonprofits, we help bring art programs to communities in need. And we learn just as much from the artists who use our products as they do from us!
Our Products
With FolkArt paints, mediums, and tools, creative possibilities are endless. Here is just a sampling of what we offer:
Acrylic Paints
From ultra-vibrant colors to specialty finishes, our acrylic paint collection opens infinite creative doors. Options include:
- Original Formula – Our flagship acrylic in over 350 colors with a smooth, creamy texture.
- Color Shift – Iridescent paints that change hue as you alter the viewing angle.
- Metallic – Infused with real bronze, pewter, or silver leafing for a radiant metal sheen.
- Neon – Electrifying bright pigments that glow under blacklights.
- Glitter – Dazzling colors with light-reflecting particles suspended in every brushstroke.
Enamels
For gorgeously smooth, durable coverage on wood, glass, metal, and more, explore our enamel paints:
- Gloss Enamels – Optimal flow and self-leveling properties.
- Matte Enamels – Soft, velvety finish with superior adhesion.
- Chalky Finish Enamels – Matte enamel with a subtle chalked texture.
Chalk Paint
Our chalk paint line started a DIY revolution! The matte, velvety finish transforms furniture and home décor with gorgeous patinas. Unique features include:
- Self-sealing formula – No base coat or topcoat needed on most surfaces.
- Low-odor – Safe for indoor DIY.
- Minimal prep – Just clean and degloss most surfaces before painting.
Mediums & Tools
Take your painting to the next level with our mediums and tools:
- Clear Gesso – Prep canvas, wood, and more for crisp, vivid paint application.
- Pouring Medium – Create mesmerizing fluid artworks.
- Mark Makers – Innovative stamps, stencils, and embellishments.
- Brushes – Pro-designed for optimal pickup and control.
Our Artists
No matter your skill level, FolkArt paints will help you create your vision while nurturing your unique creative voice.
Beginners
For first-time painters, FolkArt offers a fun, frustration-free way to explore the joy of creating. Vibrant student-grade acrylics blend smoothly right out of the tube. Our brush sets provide all the tools you need to get started. Check out our ideas, tips, and tutorials online for guidance developing your style. Most importantly, don’t aim for perfection – just pick up a brush and play!
Crafters
Do-it-yourselfers turn to FolkArt for our unmatched selection of specialty paints for home décor, upcycling furniture, personalized gifts, and trendy techniques like faux finishes. Our one-step chalk paint streamlines DIY transformations without messy stripping or priming. For crafters, the only limit is your imagination!
Students
Budding artists in elementary, high school, and college rely on FolkArt for affordable, professional-quality paints suitable for any assignment or project. Vibrant acrylics mix easily and clean up with just soap and water. We even offer convenient classroom packs of our most popular colors. Outside the classroom, FolkArt fuels creativity through partnerships with youth art organizations like YoungArts.
Enthusiasts
For lifelong learners pursuing art as a hobby, FolkArt delivers beautiful results made simple. Our mediums and tools make effects like pouring, sanding, layering, and more achievable for beginners. No complex techniques required! Find project ideas for all skill levels on our blog, YouTube channel, and social media. Most importantly, we help enthusiasts rediscover the pure pleasure of making art.
Artisans
From folk artists keeping traditions alive to entrepreneurs starting creative small businesses, artisans need quality at value prices. FolkArt fits the bill, with bulk options for high-volume users. Our paint performs consistently batch after batch, easily adhering to wood, glass, fabric, metal, and ceramics during production. Vibrant opaque coverage allows artisans to complete projects efficiently. We empower artisans to turn their talents into viable businesses.
Pros
For professional artists, designers, faux finishers, and muralists, FolkArt offers a commercial-quality alternative at a fraction of the price of art brands. Pigments maintain their integrity over time for artworks that will last. Our 38 ml tubes of heavy body acrylic allow artists to squeeze out just the amount of paint needed. Many pros even report that our acrylics perform as well as brands costing four times more!
Our Community
FolkArt doesn’t just make paint – we make connections. Our global community unites artists of all backgrounds through their shared love of creativity. Here are just a few ways we foster connections:
- Social media – Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for a daily dose of inspiration from our followers’ stunning artworks. Share your own FolkArt creations using #folkart.
- Blog – Find beginner tips, project tutorials, artist interviews, and more on Create folkart-paint.com. Subscribe for regular inspiration delivered to your inbox.
- Brand partnerships – We support nonprofit arts education programs through donations and sponsored classes. Recently we partnered with Girls Who Paint empowering young female artists.
- Retailer workshops – Visit a FolkArt event at one of our premier retail partners like Michaels and JOANN. Meet other creators while learning new techniques hands-on.
- FolkArt Family – Apply to join our circle of distinguished artists and influencers. Members receive product samples, event access, and rewards for sharing their work.
- Newsletter – Subscribe to our email newsletter for product announcements, special offers, featured artworks, and community updates.
- Customer service – Our helpful team loves answering your questions and hearing your product feedback. Reach them through [email protected].
In the FolkArt family, each artist lifts up the others. Share your passion, lend support, and let inspiration flow freely. Together, we’ll fill the world with creativity.
Our Vision
We launched FolkArt over 30 years ago to make art more accessible. Today, as we look ahead to the future, our vision remains focused on empowering creativity for all.
We plan to:
- Continue innovating with new materials and techniques that remove artistic limitations
- Expand our unparalleled spectrum of vibrant colors across all paint lines
- Drive sustainability through eco-friendly production and packaging
- Build an even wider community of artists through outreach and education
- Maintain our commitment to quality and value above all else
No matter how much we grow, FolkArt will always stay true to our roots – nurturing the artist in everyone. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create next with our paints!
