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There are many choices you could make when you begin to learn how to paint.
They are often packaged in similar-looking paint tubes, but they have many differences.
What is the Difference Between Oil and Acrylic Paint?
Photo:Tookapic
Oils, in the art history sense, are classic.
The chemical composition features pigments that are suspended in oil (typically linseed oil).
Acrylics, on the other hand, are much younger.
Photo:Alicia Zinn
They were first made commercially available in the 1950s and feature pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion.
Unlike oils, you don’t need any special chemicals to thin acrylicsjust water will do.
Additionally, when it is time to clean your brushes, mild soap and water are all you need.
Photo:Daian Gan
This aspect makes them great for beginners.
How Do Characteristics of Acrylic vs Oil Paint Compare?
Oil paints dry slowly.
Photo:Caleb Salomons
When you do, it’s possible for you to pick up where you left off.
A disadvantage of this is that an oil painting can take several months to become fully dry.
Acrylics, on the other hand, are fast-drying.
In some instances, it can take just a couple of minutes for them to be set.
Lightfastness
Lightfastnessis the property that describes how fast a color will fade when exposed to light.
Oils and acrylics respond differently to light conditions.
Oil paints will fade over time.
Acrylics have excellent lightfastness.
Artwork made with acrylic will look the same now as they will many years from now in the future.
Acrylic paint is known for itsability to experiment.
Oil paints don’t have this same flexibility.
How Do You Know What Paint Is Best For You?
So, ask yourself; What kind of paintings are you trying to create?
Are you going for something thats experimental and more design oriented?
If so, then go for acrylics.
But if youre looking for traditional painting styles that are realistic, oil paint is the best choice.
Another consideration is where you’re going to work.
check that that if you working with them, you are in a well-ventilated area.
Paints That Artists Love
Photo:Caleb Salomons
Ready to begin painting?
Did Van Gogh use oil or acrylic?
Dutch Post-ImpressionistVincent van Goghused oil paint.
