Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint: 20504 Black (2 Ounce) for All Your Craft Projects

That little 2-ounce bottle of Apple Barrel black acrylic paint might not look like much, but it has saved more DIYs than I can count.

Priced at around $0.58 per bottle—or approximately $0.29 per ounce when purchased through Amazon—it’s a no-frills, go-to paint for anyone who wants affordable quality without sacrificing performance.

Manufactured by Plaid—a household name in craft supplies—this water-based, non-toxic formula is trusted by artists, teachers, and parents alike.

Before diving into how the paint performs on different surfaces, it’s worth understanding the strengths of its size, safety, and formulation.

• Size & Portability: The 2 fl oz squeeze bottle is easy to store and ideal for small-scale projects.
  
• Controlled Application: Features a precision tip to help with neat, targeted use.
  
• Finish & Dry Time: Dries to a smooth, matte finish within 24 hours.
  
• Safety Assurance: Water-based, non-toxic, and made in the USA—safe for all ages.

One of the standout features of this paint is its adaptability across a wide range of materials, from traditional to unconventional.

Traditional surfaces:

• Adheres beautifully to unfinished wood—no primer needed.
  
• Smooth coverage on canvas, ideal for painting and mixed media.
  
• Performs well on craft papers without wrinkling or soaking through.
  

Unconventional materials:

• Bonds to ceramics and terra-cotta.
  
• Works on Styrofoam models and foam boards.
  
• Can be applied to metal and glass with proper prep work.
  

Indoor or outdoor use:

• When sealed, it stands up to outdoor elements.
  
• Washable properties make it classroom-friendly and kid-safe.

Now that we know where it works, let’s talk about how well it performs during application and which crafting methods it supports best.

• Easy to Apply: Glides on with minimal brush strokes when applied with care.
  
• Coverage: Requires 2–3 coats for full opacity, especially on dark or slick surfaces.
  
• Mixing Potential: Blends well with other Apple Barrel shades for custom colors.
  

Craft Techniques: Great for basecoating, stenciling, stamping, and sponging.

Beyond the initial application, this paint also proves its value over time with durability and easy maintenance.

• Durability: Sealed projects retain their color and finish for years.
  
• Special Feature: Cured, sealed items can even be made dishwasher-safe.
  
• Easy Cleanup: Washes off brushes and hands with soap and water before it dries.

With so many craft paints available, this one earns its popularity by balancing price, quality, and dependability.

• Affordability: At $0.29/oz, it’s a smart buy for budget-conscious crafters.
  
• Consistency: Uniform quality across batches gives peace of mind when reordering.
  
• Safety and Ethics: Non-toxic and manufactured in the U.S. under strict standards.
  
• Beginner-Friendly: Forgiving and approachable for all skill levels.

No product is perfect, and this paint does have a few limitations that might matter depending on your project goals.

• Pigment Load: As a craft-grade acrylic, it’s less intense than artist-quality options.
  
• Dry Time: Needs about 24 hours to fully cure, longer than some fast-drying paints.
  
• Matte Only: Doesn’t offer gloss, metallic, or special effects—topcoats needed for shine.
  
• Small Size: Larger projects will require multiple bottles.
  
• Not Archival: Not suited for gallery or heirloom art due to lower permanence.

So where does this paint truly excel? Here are the project types and creative spaces where it shines the most.

• In Schools: Perfect for teachers needing safe, easy-clean materials.
  
• Holiday Crafts: Ideal for Halloween accents, Christmas ornaments, and seasonal décor.
  
• DIY Décor: Handy for upcycling, sign painting, and touch-up projects.
  
• Kid-Friendly Projects: Parents love its easy cleanup and low toxicity.
  
• Mixed Media Art: Great base layer for layered designs and texture play.

In the end, Apple Barrel’s 20504 black acrylic isn’t trying to be a high-end, gallery-grade paint—and that’s exactly what makes it great.

For under a dollar, you get a versatile, safe, and easy-to-use product that performs consistently on dozens of surfaces.

Whether you’re helping kids with school crafts, creating seasonal decorations, or adding finishing touches to DIY décor, this little bottle punches far above its weight. Keep one in your craft drawer—you’ll reach for it more often than you think.