Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are fast-drying paints which contain several types of pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. They can be diluted with water but they become water-resistant after they dry up. Acrylic paints are similar to oil paints in many ways but they are far easier to use and cheaper as well. It is a product of the plastics industry. Acrylic paints are best for beginners because it does not require the skills needed for watercolor nor the patience required in oil paintings. It is very flexible in ways of usage and is therefore preferred by many professional artists.

Features of Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints were first available for commercial use in the 1950s. Initially these were mineral spirit-based paints but gradually water-based acrylic paints came into use. When acrylic paints are in an undiluted state, they are completely opaque. Any color may be applied on the other with much ease. However, the greatest advantage and disadvantage of acrylic paints are that they are fast-drying paints. This is advantageous because not much of time is required to finish a painting. But, one should also be very fast with the designs and ideas or else the paint will dry up. Nowadays, additives known as retardants are used to slow down the drying process. Although the artist quality acrylic paints are fast-drying ones yet they are not suitable for exterior use; for that special exterior acrylic paints are available in the market.

Useful Tips for Using Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints should preferably be applied over a base layer. One must use plenty of paint on a wide brush and not much of water while painting surfaces. The brushes should be immediately cleansed off or else the brushes will be wasted. Acrylic paints generally produce a very uniform color. However, one may use shading effects also. Glazing is also another way of getting a variety of colors. So the next time you start painting with acrylic paints, try to remember these useful tips.