Acrylics are easy to work with and have become popular for artists of all skill levels and styles. They are often paired with mediums and gels to create new effects.
They are less expensive than oil paints and can be used on any stable, nongreasy surface. They are also water-soluble and can be washed off brushes and tools with soap and water, which makes cleanup easier for those who work in shared studio spaces.
Versatility
Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that adapts to any artistic style. By incorporating different mediums such as gels, moulding pastes and even sand artists can modify the consistency of their sanding acrylic paint to achieve specific textures and effects on their paintings.
It is also useful for painters who work with thick, textured layers, as it can be applied in quick succession without the surface drying out between layers. This versatility is further enhanced by a range of additives, such as retarders to slow the dry time (useful for wet-into-wet techniques), flow releases to increase color-blending ability and varnishes that provide protection and reduce damage from light.
Since it is water-based, acrylic can be used on almost any stable, nongreasy surfaces such as canvas, hardboard or fibreboard. It can also be used on prestretched ‘gessoed’ canvas, though this requires that the canvas be primed with an acrylic dispersion primer before painting. It can be applied with brushstrokes, a palette knife or a scraper.
Durability
Acrylic paint can be used on a wide variety of surfaces including paper, canvas, wood, masonite, cloth and metal. It can be mixed with many different mediums to achieve the transparent brilliance of watercolour or to thicken it to give you a more oil-like effect. It has good adhering properties to most absorbent surfaces but will not stick to nonabsorbent surfaces such as glass or metal without a special primer.
It is water-based and therefore will not release toxic fumes when painting, making it safer to use in shared work spaces. It will also wash off brushes and hands easily with soap and water and can be disposed of safely with no need for hazardous solvents. It is highly resistant to fading caused by sunlight and has a good lightfastness rating. The pigments in acrylic paint are flexible and the film that they create can flex with expansions or contractions of the substrate. This makes it ideal for outdoor paintings.
Easy to Clean
Because acrylics are water-based, they can be cleaned up with soap and water. This is a huge benefit for artists working in confined spaces as they do not need to be concerned about toxic solvents like turpentine or white spirit and the subsequent cleanup that must happen (or the risk of a flammable rag spontaneously combusting).
The water solubility of acrylic paint also makes it very easy to work on washable surfaces. If a canvas or surface becomes saturated with dried acrylic paint, simply pour on some isopropyl alcohol and rub the stain. Then rinse the washable surface with a damp cloth.
If you’re a beginner, this ease of cleaning will let you experiment with different surfaces and techniques without worrying about what to do with your paint when it starts to dry. And for those who work in layers, this will help you complete a painting in a shorter amount of time since the paint won’t be stuck to your palette or clothes while you are working.
Easy to Mix
Acrylic paint is very easy to mix & use. It is water-based and doesn’t require turpentine solvents like oil paints do. It cleans & thins with water and is quite inexpensive.
Acrylics are a fast-drying paint that is often sold in tubes for convenience but can also be purchased in tubs or bottles. They work with many different surfaces, including canvas, wood, and fabric. They dry to a flexible plastic film that is water-resistant and can be varnished for protection from UV light and dust.
Summary:
You can blend acrylic paints directly on your painting surface or with other mediums to alter the consistency and opacity of the paint. A few drops of a white acrylic paint will lighten a color, for example. This means you can experiment with the initial shade you’ve mixed and create a family of tones for it. Creating this depth of tone can add a lot of nuance to your artwork.
