March 21, 2026
Art and craft paint encompasses a broad product category, from student-grade acrylics to professional oil paints and specialty craft mediums, with strong demand across hobby, educational, and professional markets in the United States (U.S.). According to Fortune Business Insights, the global art and craft materials market was valued at approximately USD 23.56 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 40.68 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.44%. In Tennessee, retailers selling art and craft paint are required to obtain a state business license through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov for a $15 fee, and all retail sales are subject to a 7% state sales tax base rate.
Tennessee’s market has grown in tandem with the national trends outlined above. Tennessee supports a thriving arts and crafts community anchored by the creative corridors of Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Nashville’s East Nashville neighborhood hosts independent studios and gallery retailers, while the University of Tennessee in Knoxville drives demand for fine art supplies among students and faculty. The Tennessee Arts Commission has funded arts and cultural activities for more than 800 nonprofits, schools, and local governments statewide, and the growth of paint-and-sip studios across the state has expanded everyday consumer demand for acrylic paints, brushes, and canvas sets.
The federal regulatory environment imposes requirements that Tennessee market participants must observe. Federal and state safety regulations govern the labeling and sale of art materials in Tennessee. The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA, 15 U.S.C. § 1277) requires that all art materials be evaluated for chronic health hazards and labeled accordingly. Compliance is administered through the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI), whose AP and CL seals appear on conforming products. The applicable testing standard is American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D4236, “Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards.” Tennessee retailers and buyers should also note that products sold in compliance with California Proposition 65 carry additional hazard warnings, and compliance with ASTM D4236 is mandatory under LHAMA, 15 U.S.C. § 1277.
With the regulatory environment as a guide, product evaluation can proceed on solid footing. Evaluating pigment quality, lightfastness ratings, and compatibility between mediums before purchasing helps Tennessee buyers select the right art and craft paint. Professional-grade paints offer higher pigment concentration and more reliable color permanence than student lines. Inquiring about student discount programs, bundle pricing, and loyalty accounts can reduce overall costs. Tennessee consumers are protected against deceptive business practices under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 47-18-104, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in commerce. Complaints about a seller can be filed at tn.gov/consumer. The AP (Approved Product) seal from the Art & Creative Materials Institute on a paint label means a toxicologist has evaluated the product for safety, a particularly relevant certification for paints intended for children’s use.
Top Art & Craft Paint Providers in Tennessee
Jerry’s Artarama — Nashville
- Address: 713 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Phone: (615) 731-5901
- Website: https://jerrysretailstores.com/nashville-tn
- Description: Jerry’s Artarama Nashville is a dedicated fine art supply retailer carrying a wide range of acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache paints from professional brands, along with brushes, canvases, and framing services. The store serves professional artists, students, and hobbyists throughout the greater Nashville area.
BLICK Art Materials — Nashville
- Address: 240 Great Circle Rd, Nashville, TN 37228
- Phone: (615) 742-0663
- Website: https://dickblick.com
- Description: BLICK Art Materials is one of the oldest and largest art supply retailers in the U.S., established in 1911. The Nashville location stocks an extensive selection of craft and fine art paints, including student and professional grades, alongside drawing tools, papers, and studio supplies for artists at every level.
Hobby Lobby — Knoxville (Kingston Pike)
- Address: 8009 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
- Phone: (865) 560-7421
- Website: https://www.hobbylobby.com
- Description: With over 70,000 products across its arts, crafts, and home decor departments, Hobby Lobby’s Kingston Pike location gives East Tennessee painters access to acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache paints from student-grade to professional lines, alongside brushes, canvases, palette knives, and custom framing services. Open Monday through Saturday, the store serves University of Tennessee students, hobbyists, and educators looking for a one-stop craft supply destination at competitive price points.
Michaels Arts and Crafts — Knoxville
- Address: 11348 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934
- Phone: (865) 297-5006
- Website: https://michaels.com
- Description: Michaels is a national arts and crafts retail chain with multiple Tennessee locations. The Knoxville Parkside Drive store carries a broad assortment of craft paint brands, including Folk Art, DecoArt, and Apple Barrel, alongside canvas panels, brushes, stencils, and mixed-media supplies suited to hobbyists, educators, and classroom projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do art and craft paint retailers in Tennessee need a state business license?
Yes. Any business selling art and craft paint at retail in Tennessee must obtain a state business license through TNTAP for a $15 registration fee, and must collect the applicable state and local option tax on each transaction. For licensing details, visit the Tennessee Department of Revenue at tn.gov/revenue.
What federal labeling law applies to art and craft paints sold in Tennessee?
The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA), codified at 15 U.S.C. § 1277, requires that all art materials be evaluated by a toxicologist for chronic health hazards and carry appropriate warning labels. Retailers and manufacturers must comply with this law regardless of the state in which products are sold.
What does the ASTM D4236 standard mean for paint buyers?
ASTM D4236 is the “Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards,” the testing standard incorporated by reference into LHAMA. Products bearing the ACMI AP (Approved Product) seal have been evaluated and found to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans. Buyers should look for the AP seal, especially when purchasing paint for use by children.
Are there any Tennessee-specific taxes on art and craft paint purchases?
Tennessee’s base state sales tax rate is 7%, and local option taxes can add an additional 1.5% to 2.75% depending on the county or municipality. Combined rates in Nashville (Davidson County) and Knoxville (Knox County) typically fall between 9% and 9.75%. For current local tax rates, contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue at (615) 253-0600.
How can I verify an art supply retailer is operating legitimately in Tennessee?
You can search for a business’s registration and standing through the Tennessee Secretary of State’s business search portal. Confirm that the retailer holds an active business license, and check the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org for any complaints or ratings before making a large purchase.
What consumer protections apply if an art paint product is misrepresented in Tennessee?
Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 47-18-104 prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce, including misrepresentation of a product’s qualities, standards, or grade. Consumers who believe they have been deceived by a retailer may file a complaint with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs online or by calling (615) 741-4737. Visit tn.gov/consumer for complaint forms and additional resources.
Can I return art and craft paint purchased in Tennessee, and what warranty terms should I expect?
Unopened art and craft paint in original sealed containers is generally returnable within 30 days at Tennessee retailers with a receipt, but opened paint containers are almost always non-returnable because the product’s quality and safety cannot be verified once the seal is broken. Specialty art paints such as oil paints, acrylics sold in sets, and custom-mixed colors typically carry stricter return policies, with custom-mixed products being non-returnable at most retailers. Art and craft paint does not carry a traditional manufacturer warranty, but many brands offer a satisfaction guarantee that provides a replacement if the product is defective, dried out upon opening, or does not match the advertised color when applied as directed. Buyers should inspect paint containers at the time of purchase for damaged seals, dents, or signs of freezing, as paint exposed to extreme temperatures during shipping may be permanently degraded. For defective products, contact the manufacturer’s customer service line listed on the label with your receipt and lot number.