Acrylics
Acrylic is a fast-drying, water-based paint made from pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. It’s known for its versatility—able to mimic both watercolor and oil depending on how it’s used. Acrylic dries to a water-resistant finish and works well on a variety of surfaces, making it popular for beginners, students, and professionals alike.
Pros
- Dries quickly and permanently
- Can be used thick or thin
- Works on paper, canvas, wood, fabric, and more
- Water-soluble when wet, water-resistant when dry
- Layers easily without reactivating previous ones
Cons
- Dries fast, leaving little time for blending
- Can darken slightly as it dries
- Mistakes are harder to fix once dry
- Brushes must be cleaned immediately to avoid damage
- Plastic-based, so dried paint is not reworkable like watercolor or gouache
In essence
Acrylic paint is flexible and user-friendly, great for both bold, opaque strokes and delicate washes (when diluted with water or acrylic mediums). It dries within minutes, allowing for quick layering, but also means you need to work quickly. Once dry, it forms a waterproof film that won’t lift or smear, so it’s ideal for building textures and working in multiple sessions.
Guides
Tips and Tricks
- Choose a surface that holds up well to moisture, such as canvas or acrylic paper. Regular paper can warp unless it’s thick and prepped. For smoother coverage, apply a layer of gesso before painting on raw surfaces.
- Clean your brushes immediately after use. Once acrylic dries in the bristles, it becomes difficult (or impossible) to remove. Rinse often during painting and use soap and warm water at the end of your session to avoid damage.
- Use acrylic mediums to modify paint behavior. You can thin the paint with water for washes, or use gel medium for texture, flow medium for smoother strokes, and matte/gloss mediums to adjust the finish. Avoid adding too much water (over 30%) if you want the paint to stay durable.
- Store leftover paint in airtight containers if you’re using a palette. Acrylics dry fast even when not in use, so if you want to reuse mixed colors, cover your palette or use a wet palette system. For long sessions, keep misting your paints to prevent drying out.