Acrylic Paint: Durable, Versatile, & Easy to Use!

What is Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint is a type of water-based paint that is typically made of synthetic or natural polymers. The polymers are held together with a liquid, which allows them to be applied with a brush or other application tool. Acrylic paints are different from oils because oils are created with fats as the primary ingredient, not polymers like acrylic paint. Due to their synthetic polymers, acrylic paints can be cleaned up easily with water, which makes them great for artists who are just getting started. Acrylic paints are usually opaque in color, but they can also be transparent. This depends a lot of the shade, pigments, and brand of paint you're using. Artists can also control the thickness of their acrylic paints easily using different acrylic mediums, or just good old-fashioned water. Making it the Go-To paint type for many artists of all calibers and skill-levels.

Pros of using acrylic paints

• Long shelf life: Acrylic paints have a long shelf life, which is great for artists who frequently use their paints. Oil paints can go rancid after prolonged exposure to light and air, which could also affect the smell of the paints.

• Low odor: Acrylic paints have a low odor, which is great for creating in small spaces such as an apartment or studio apartment. Oil paints have a stronger smell, which can be overwhelming in a small space.

• Comes in a wide range of vibrant colors: Professional artists use acrylic paints for their wide range of vibrant colors. Artists can also easily create new colors by mixing paints together.

• Can be used on a variety of surfaces: Artists also like that acrylic paints can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood panels and metal.

• Dries quickly: One of the most attractive features of acrylic paints is that they dry quickly. This can be especially useful when trying to meet a deadline.

• Easy to clean up: The water-soluble nature of acrylic paints makes clean up easy.

• Affordable price point: Acrylic paints are less expensive than oil paints, but offer many of the same benefits.

• Requires little surface preparation: Artists don’t have to prep the surface when using acrylic paints, which is a plus. Because acrylic paints are water-based, artists also don’t have to prep the surface as they would when using oil paints.

Cons of using acrylic paints

• Requires proper storage: Artists should store their acrylic paints in a cool, dark and dry place so the paints don’t dry out prematurely.

• Acrylic paint might yellow over time: Over time, acrylic paints may yellow and become brittle.

• Surface preparation: While acrylic paints don’t always require surface preparation, they may not adhere as well to certain surfaces.

• Price point: Acrylic paints have a higher price point than poster paints and beginner watercolors, but less than oil paints

Conclusion

Acrylic paints are easy to use and come in a variety of different finishes. They are perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. While acrylic paints do have some downsides, they are an excellent choice for all artists.