From Marion Boddy-Evans,
Your Guide to Painting.
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Acrylics are extremely versatile, so it's not surprising so many artists use them. This is Part Two of a Q&A of what you need to get started. (Go to Part one.)

What support should I use for acrylics?
Suitable supports for acrylics include canvas, canvas boards, wood panels, and paper. Basically anything to which acrylic paint will stick (do a test if you’re not sure). If you’re buying a pre-made canvas or board, check that it’s been primed with something suitable for acrylics (most are.)

What kind of palette should I use for acrylic paints?
Wooden, glass, or plastic palettes can be used for acrylics, but it can be tiresome getting all the dried paint off. Disposable palettes -- pads of paper where you tear off the top sheet and throw it away -- solve this problem. If you find the paint dries out too fast, try a palette designed to keep the paint wet - the paint sits on a sheet of wax paper place on top of a damp piece of watercolour paper. (Instructions on how to make your own moisture-retaining palette.)

Can I mix acrylics with anything besides water? What about mediums?
Mediums are added to acrylics to change the paint's consistency (make it thicker so it shows brush marks or thinner for washes) and finish (matt or gloss), to slow drying (retarders), to add texture, and avoid overthinning. If you overthin acrylics by adding too much water, there will be insufficient binder to hold the pigment together and you end up with uneven paint. Trial and error will show you exactly how much water is too much; it's quite a bit.

What should I wear when painting with acrylics?
Because acrylics don't wash out easily once they're dry, it's advisable to wear old clothes, an apron, or overall when painting. No matter how careful you are, at some stage you will get paint on your clothes! Some artists simply wipe their brushes on their clothes, instead of a cloth. Don't forget to wear old shoes too! I sometimes paint barefoot, but if I’m painting standing up (which I do unless I’m really tired) by the end of the day my feet will be letting me know that they would’ve preferred some cushioning under them.

What else do I need to start painting with acrylics?

• Clean water -- one jar for washing your brushes and the other for mixing water.
• A cloth or paper towels to wipe your brushes and hands on.

Go to Acrylic Painting -- Getting Started Part One

Further Reading:

• Planning a Painting: Decisions to Make Before Putting Brush to Paint
• How Should You Hold a Paint Brush?
• How to Use a Palette Knife
• Tips on Buying a Painting Easel
• How to Stretch Your Own Canvas
• How To Prime a Canvas