Acrylic paints became available to artists in the middle part of the 20th century.
Originally developed and marketed as house paint, this water-based emulsion was quickly developed for the art world by Liquitex and Daler-Rowney, and it was eagerly snapped up by painters around the globe.
Right from the get-go, artists knew they had found something special in acrylic paint.
This clear, vivid pigment was a chameleon that could imitate the luxurious richness of oil paint or the clean, translucent freshness of watercolor.
It didn’t have an unpleasant odor and was snap to clean up. What more could an artist wish?
Cleaning Up Is No Longer A Drudgery
Unlike it’s smelly, oily and messy cousin, acrylic paint is water based. Ignore all the chemical jargon, fancy phrases like acrylic polymer emulsion and unpronounceable pigment base names. Just bask in the knowledge that you’re able swish your brushes in water and they’re clean in a snap.
Your hands and cuticles won’t be permanently stained as they were when you painted with oils. As a bonus, your skin won’t chap and crack from using turpentine and a scrub brush to remove the offending pigment.
Paint Without Fear Of Being Overcome By Fumes
Acrylic paints are odor-free. Paint in an enclosed closet if you must, but you’ll never run gasping from the room for a breath of fresh air. This makes acrylics a perfect paint for artists with respiratory problems.
It’s also ideal for parents. No one should intentionally be exposed to toxic or noxious fumes, but it’s very important to protect young children who have little say in the matter.
The mediums used to alter acrylic paints are also, for the most part, fumeless. When an artist or a family member has sensitivities, it’s important that everything associated with their paint of choice is safe.
More Color Choices And Craft-Specific Formulations
Acrylic paints are available in a huge number of colors and formulations. From the least costly craft-grade paint to the most expensive professional grade product, there’s a seemingly endless variety of colors from which to choose.
Various manufacturers have chosen specific color palettes for different paint lines. You may have a modest selection in a student grade paint and much greater choice in the professional line from the same manufacturer.
Some companies go for the exotic colors and include those with their standard fare. Other companies may be heavily into contemporary formulations, the likes of which were never seen in a Renaissance or 18th century painting.
Companies producing paints for the craft industry often make specialty lines of paint colors. You can find retro colors that are typical of Early American décor. You’ll also find this season’s hot colors or coordinated color themes inspired by famous design icons.
Versatility – Another Name For Acrylics
This chameleon of the piant world is just waiting for you to ply your skills with it. Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-wool traditional oil painter, a watercolor artist who wouldn’t be caught dead with a tube of white in your tabouret, or a mixed-media changeling who revels in every new product on the market, acrylic paints can find a comfortable and productive home in your paint box.
Mixed with a heavy body medium, acrylic paint can give you the stiff, three-dimensional qualities of oil paint if you want to use a technique like palette knife painting. Thinned with a liquid medium, you can use it for glazing techniques like Grisaille or Chiaroscuro. This adds depth and drama to any painting.
Using water with acrylics instantly gives you transparent watercolor effects. A nice feature of using acrylics for watercolor is that once it dries, it’s permanent. It can be used straight from the tube, or watered down to the faintest tint of color.
Multimedia artists and crafters use acrylics on any surface that doesn’t try to run away from them. Acrylic paint adheres to almost any surface. You can use it on fabrics, paper, metals, stone and porcelain.
Priced Right For Everyone
There are acrylic paints at every price point. Whether you want inexpensive paint for your child’s craft project or fine quality for your next great masterpiece, you’ll find paints priced just right for your taste and pocketbook.
Acrylic paints all work with each other, so you can mix and match whatever brands you wish. You can buy inexpensive paints for the kids and crafting, and add a few of the more costly, designer colors. A variety of paints in your tabouret can reduce your costs and expand your potential.
Ever since the first days of its inception, artists have been singing the praises of acrylic paints. And what’s not to love? Give it a try and see what all the hubbub is about.
