It’s no wonder that when acrylic paints were developed, artists of every genre jumped on the bandwagon and have been using them ever since. Because of their flexible nature, acrylic paints are especially favored by student painters, hobbyists, and those participating in arts and crafts. 

What Is Acrylic Paint?

All paint is composed of some sort of pigment, a binder, a liquid, and additives. Pigments are particulates of natural or chemical substances that are insoluble and which have been finely ground to make them easy to mix with the other ingredients. Natural substances found in plants and minerals are the most common organic materials used for pigments. The compounds in leaves, flowers, and berries are used to make many colors of acrylic paint. There are also minerals, such as iron oxide and semi-precious stones, such as lapis lazuli, that have been used for centuries to mix vibrant blues, reds, browns, black and other hues. Chemical compounds are also used to give the paint its color. Some of these include titanium, chromium, and barium. To hold the pigments together, a binding element is used. In the case of acrylics it is a synthetic polymer and water making it a water based paint. This is unlike oil paint, where the binder is typically linseed oil. 

Acrylic paints were shunned by the purist painters but this all changed in the 60s as modern artists such as Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Roy Lichtenstein embraced the medium to create paintings full of brilliant colors and crisp lines. Soon, more and more artists of all genres began trying acrylics and its popularity grew. Today, it is used by millions of fine artists, hobbyists, and crafters the world over.   

Acrylic Paint Varieties

Acrylic paint comes in many varieties. Depending on the outcome an artist wants, they can choose from heavy body acrylic paint to more fluid acrylic paint. Let’s look at some examples:

• Matte Acrylic Paint - This paint dries to a smooth, flat finish. It is often used for underpainting in oil painting, as it dries quickly and allows the painter to tone the canvas and quickly get to work with the oils. It is also used by mixed-media artists as a base or foundation layer, since pencil, markers and other paints can be used on top of it. 
• Gloss Acrylic Paint - Because of its synthetic make, the acrylic paint most artists use dries to a slightly glossy finish. Special acrylic mediums can be added to the paint to heighten it into a very shiny surface. This can be used to the painter’s advantage when adding highlights or reflections.
• Iridescent Color - This acrylic paint contains pearlescent pigments that once dry create luminous colors that change hues when viewed from different angles. This can add another layer of texture and interest to paintings.
• Metallic Color - Shades that resemble metal are achieved when the acrylic paint includes mica powder. This naturally occurring mineral, often called “fool’s gold,” is ground to a fine powder and mixed with the pigment. It can be used to add a layer of authenticity to any metal objects in paintings as well as an interesting shiny layer to artwork.
• Acrylic Craft Paint - Crafters love craft paints for their wide range of colors and ease of use. They usually come in small individual bottles, allowing hobbyists to collect a wide variety of colors at little expense. It is also an ideal outdoor acrylic paint and can be used on anything from flower pots to plastic furniture to signs.
• Interactive Acrylic Paint - Once acrylic paint has dried, it cannot be rewet and reworked. But with interactive acrylic paint, the artist can paint a layer and spray it with an “unlocking” spray to rewet the dry layer. This lets the artist rework areas or lift unwanted paint.
• Open Acrylics - This term is used to denote paints that can be purchased by the tube, one color at a time, as opposed to purchasing paint in a set. 

Acrylic vs. Oil Paint

There are many things to consider when choosing to paint with acrylics or oils. Many artists have a preference they stick with, while others will bounce from one to the other. It’s best to give both media a try, before choosing one over the other. 

The most common reason people choose acrylic paint over oils is its fast drying time. Acrylics can dry in minutes, while oil paint takes weeks to cure until it is considered completely dry. Another reason acrylics are so popular is the ease of thinning and cleaning with water. Noxious solvents are needed to do the same with oils and it’s important to paint with them in a well-ventilated area and to wear gloves to protect the skin. Oils also need these solvents plus additional oil to get many of the effects artists desire, which means there are more supplies to transport if an artist wants to paint away from the studio. 

Unlike oils that can be reactivated during their drying time or reactivated with turpentine once dry, acrylics dry to a hard, plastic-like surface. This makes them incapable of reactivation, which may cause problems for the painter who wishes to change the work. However, once acrylic paint dries it has a very high lightfastness and will maintain its original vibrancy for years to come. Oil paint has a low light fastness and will fade over time. Applying varnish over the finished oil painting can reduce the rate of fading. 

Acrylic Painting Techniques

Acrylics lend themselves to many painting techniques. Their versatility extends from traditional oil painting methods to watercolor approaches. Here are some explanations of common executions of acrylic paint.

Dry Brush Painting: This method involves using a dry brush loaded with paint and applying it to a dry surface. This can add a textural quality to the painting as not all the paint will stick to the surface, but only the paint on the bristles that come into direct contact. 

Wash Painting Technique: When you cover an area with a thin application of paint, it is called adding a “wash.” This can be done on a wet or dry surface and as the first layer of the painting or over an existing layer. 

Stippling: This technique is achieved by dipping the brush in paint and adding it to the surface in a soft tapping motion. The subsequent dots and dashes created can add interest and highlights to the work. 

Palette Knife: Instead of a paintbrush, the palette knife is used to put the paint on the canvas. Think of it as buttering a slice of bread. Dip the end of the knife into the paint and scoop up a little. Then smear it on the canvas. Move the paint around using the flat side of the knife or its edge. It can be applied in thin, smooth strokes or with large dollops of paint to create an impasto effect. 

Underpainting: This involves painting the entire surface and letting it dry. Then the actual subject of the painting is done on top of that layer. Using an underpainting is especially good for beginners who might have a fear of facing a blank or white canvas. Some painters allow portions of their underpainting to show to add energy to their work.  

Glazing Painting Technique: Glazing is a way to add depth to your colors. To achieve this technique, use very thin layers of the same or a different color over an existing color. Let the paint dry between each coat. If the paint is thin enough (i.e., the consistency of watercolor paint) each subsequent layer will show through a little. 

Layering Painting Technique: Anytime you put one color over another you are creating layers. These can be added as thin or thick overlays. 

Suggested Products:

• Acrylic Premium Artist Paint, 22ml Tubes - Set of 60 - Enjoy 60 vibrant colors in this high-viscosity paint. Create eye-catching color schemes and textures. Comes in easy-to-squeeze tubes. Works not just on canvas, but paper, wood, glass and more.

• Iridescent Acrylic Paint, 60ml Bottles - Set of 10 - Add an extra layer of shimmer to your next art project with these vibrant and iridescent acrylic paints. Suitable for canvas and other surfaces and especially effective when used on black surfaces.

• Metallic Acrylic Artist Paint, 22ml Tubes - Set of 36 - Add a touch of metallic shine with this set of 36 unique and highly pigmented paints. You’ll love the reflective look you can achieve with these fade-resistant artist paints.

• Outdoor Acrylic Paint, 59ml Bottles - Set of 20 - Take your artwork outside and paint everything from flower posts to plastic furniture. This outdoor acrylic paint dries to a durable surface and maintains its brilliant color.

• Pouring Acrylic Paint, 60ml Bottles - Set of 32 - Join the latest art trend and start creating poured paint artwork. This set of 32 brilliantly pigmented pouring acrylic paints are specially formulated to glide over the canvas and mix easily to create as many different designs as you want.

Are you ready to create some art? Interested in seeing even more Arteza products? Shop set below for your next creation.