How to Make Tempera Paint Into Acrylic 

Have you ever been in the middle of an art project, only to realize halfway through that you don’t have the right paint for your vision? It can be frustrating to have to stop and run to the store, especially when you already have paint on hand. But what if I told you that you might be able to transform your tempera paint into acrylic?

That’s right – with a few simple steps, you could potentially turn your tempera paint into a more versatile acrylic medium. Not only could this save you time and money, but it could also open up new possibilities for your artwork.

But how exactly do you make this transformation happen? In this article, we’ll walk through the steps and materials needed to convert tempera paint into acrylic. Whether you’re a professional artist or just someone who loves to dabble in DIY projects, this guide is sure to come in handy when you’re in a pinch. So let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of transforming paint!

Understanding the Difference Between Tempera Paint and Acrylic Paint

Tempera Paint

Tempera paint is a water-based medium made of pigments, egg yolk, and water. It is a traditional medium that has been used for centuries by artists. Tempera paint dries quickly and is easy to mix, making it ideal for creating different shades, tints, and hues. It also provides a smooth and flat finish that is perfect for creating intricate details in paintings.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a synthetic medium made of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It was first introduced in the 1950s and has since grown in popularity due to its versatility and durability. Acrylic paint dries quickly, forming a flexible film that resists cracking over time. It can be used on a wide range of surfaces such as canvas, paper, wood, metal, and even fabric.

Differences between Tempera Paint and Acrylic Paint

The main difference between tempera paint and acrylic paint lies in their composition. While tempera paint uses egg yolk as its binder, acrylic paint uses synthetic polymers such as acrylic resin or vinyl polymer emulsions. This difference means that acrylic paint is more durable than tempera when it comes to weather resistance and longevity.

Another significant difference between these two types of paints is how they dry. Tempera dries quickly but can become brittle over time; meanwhile, acrylic remains flexible once it’s dry. The flexibility of acrylic makes it less prone to cracking or flaking than tempera when applied on canvas or other flexible surfaces.

When using either type of paint, you will need to consider the application surface material you are using them on because they both have unique properties that may not work well with certain materials.

Pros and Cons of Tempera Paint

Pros:

• Dries quickly
• Easy to mix and blend colors
• Provides a smooth and flat finish
• Ideal for creating intricate details in paintings
• Non-toxic, making it safe for children to use

Cons:

• Becomes brittle over time and can crack or flake off surfaces
• Not waterproof or weather-resistant, so not suitable for outdoor use
• Dries too fast, making it challenging to blend colors after application.
• The egg yolk binder may cause the paint to spoil over time if not stored correctly.

Pros and Cons of Acrylic Paint

Pros:

• Dries quickly into a flexible film that resists cracking or flaking over time.
• Versatile enough for use on various materials such as canvas, paper, wood, metal, and fabric.
• A wide range of textures with options like matte, glossy or satin finishes.
• Water-resistant once dry making it ideal for outdoor use.
• The non-toxic nature of acrylic paints makes them perfect for children’s projects.

Cons:

• Dries very quickly which might not be suitable if you need more time to work the paint.

  < li > The texture of acrylics might prove difficult to work with when painting fine details.

  < li > If you don’t clean your tools thoroughly after using acrylic paints, they will dry up fast, causing damage to your brushes and palettes.

  < li > The paint can be quite expensive compared to tempera paint.

  Mixing Tempera Paint with Acrylic Paint: Is It Possible?

  Mixing tempera paint with acrylic paint is possible, but it requires a bit of preparation and care. First, you need to understand that these two types of paints have different properties, which means they might not mix well together without the help of a medium.

  What is a Medium?

  A medium is an additive used in painting to change the properties of the paint. A medium can be added to paint to increase its transparency, reduce its viscosity, or improve its drying time. When mixing tempera paint with acrylic paint, you will need a medium that can create a bond between the two types of paints.

  Preparing Your Supplies

  Before you start mixing your paints, ensure you have enough supplies on hand. You will need:

  • Tempera Paints
  • Acrylic Paints
  • Acrylic Medium (Gloss or Matte)
  • Paper Plates for Mixing Colors
  • Paintbrushes (Variety of Sizes)
  • Cloth or Paper Towels for Wiping Brushes Clean Between Color Changes

  Ensure that you have enough space and good ventilation when working with these materials as some acrylic mediums might give off strong odors.

  Mixing Your Paints

  To mix your tempera and acrylic paints:

  1. Squeeze out some acrylic paint onto one paper plate.
  2. Squeeze out some tempera paint onto another paper plate.
  3. Add a small amount of acrylic medium into the tempera paint and stir thoroughly to combine.
  4. Use the paintbrush to mix the acrylic paint and the newly converted tempera paint on a separate plate.

  It’s best to start with equal parts of tempera and acrylic paints, then gradually add more of each until you achieve the desired color.

  Preparing the Surface for Painting with Acrylic: A Step-by-Step Guide

  When it comes to painting with acrylics, preparing your surface is just as important as mixing your colors. Proper preparation ensures that your artwork will last longer while preventing discoloration or cracking over time. Here’s how to prepare a surface for painting with acrylic:

  Cleaning Your Surface

  Before applying any paint, you need to ensure that your surface is clean and free from dust, grease, or other contaminants that might interfere with adhesion.

  1. Wipe the surface down with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. If there are stubborn stains or marks on the surface, use soap and water to clean them off.
  3. Dry it completely using a clean cloth before proceeding.

  Priming Your Surface

  Applying a primer creates a smooth surface for better paint adhesion and helps reduce the absorbency of some materials such as canvas.

  1. Pour some primer onto one paper plate.
  2. Dip your brush into the primer and apply it evenly across your surface in long strokes.
  3. Allow it to dry overnight before applying any acrylic paints on top.

  Sanding Your Surface (Optional)

  Sanding can help create an even smoother painting surface but is only necessary if you’re working on wood or other porous surfaces.

  1. Sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to create an even surface.
  2. Wipe away any dust with a dry cloth or sponge before proceeding.

  Sealing Your Surface (Optional)

  If you’re painting on porous materials, it’s a good idea to seal your surface before applying any paint. A sealer will prevent the paint from soaking into the material and ensure better adhesion.

  1. Pour some sealer onto one paper plate.
  2. Dip your brush into the sealer and apply it evenly across your surface in long strokes.
  3. Allow it to dry completely before applying any primer or paint on top.

  The Necessary Tools and Materials for Converting Tempera Paint to Acrylic

  To convert tempera paints to acrylics, you’ll need a few supplies, including:

  • Tempera Paints
  • Acrylic Paints
  • Acrylic Medium (Gloss or Matte)
  • Paper Plates for Mixing Colors
  • Paintbrushes (Variety of Sizes)
  • Cloth or Paper Towels for Wiping Brushes Clean Between Color Changes

  Ensure that you are using the right type of medium for your project. Depending on what finish you want, choose either matte or gloss medium.

  When choosing colors, consider getting primary colors like blue, red and yellow as well as black and white so that you can mix them easily when creating different hues.

  Choosing Your Acrylic Mediums

  When converting tempera paints to acrylics, you will need to select a suitable medium.

  • Gloss Medium: This medium creates a shiny finish that is ideal for use on surfaces such as wood, plastic, and metal.
  • Matte Medium: This medium creates a flat finish that is ideal for use on canvas or paper.

  Choosing Your Paintbrushes

  When it comes to converting tempera paints to acrylics, you will need paintbrushes that are durable and easy to clean.

  A variety of brush sizes are recommended when working with acrylics. You may want to purchase a set of brushes designed specifically for acrylic painting.

  Mixing Tempera Paint with Acrylic Medium: How to Do It Right

  To mix tempera paint with an acrylic medium:

  1. Squeeze out the tempera paint onto a paper plate.
  2. Add a small amount of acrylic medium into the tempera paint and stir thoroughly until they’re fully combined.
  3. If the mixture is too thick, add more medium until you achieve your desired consistency.
  4. You can also mix in some acrylic paints if you would like to change the color further.

  Remember that it’s best to start with equal parts of tempera and acrylic mediums before gradually adding more of each until you get your desired shade.

  When mixing your colors, ensure that you have enough space and good ventilation since some mediums might give off strong odors.

  The Ideal Ratio of Tempera Paint to Acrylic Medium for Making the Conversion

  The ideal ratio of tempera paint to an acrylic medium varies depending on what type of surface you’re working on and what texture or finish you’re aiming for.

  As a general rule, it’s best to use equal parts (1:1) of tempera paint and medium when converting them. If you find that the mixture is too thick, add more medium until it reaches your desired consistency.

  If you’re working on a porous surface, you might need to use more medium than paint since it helps the paint adhere better to the surface. Conversely, if you’re working on a non-porous surface like plastic or metal, you may need to use more tempera paint than medium.

  Enhancing the Properties of Your Mixture: Adding Other Mediums and Additives

  To enhance the properties of your mixture when converting tempera paints to acrylics, consider adding other mediums and additives such as:

  • Glazing Medium: This medium is used for creating transparent layers that can be built up over an opaque layer.
  • Retarder Medium: This medium slows down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing artists more time to blend colors and create various effects.
  • Gesso: A primer that prepares surfaces for painting. It’s essential when painting on canvas, paper or wood.

  When mixing these mediums with your converted mixture, ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how much to add. You do not want to end up with too much liquid in your paint mixture.

  Drying and Curing Time for Converted Mixture: What You Need to Know

  The drying and curing time of a converted tempera-to-acrylic mixture depends on several factors such as humidity levels, temperature, and thickness of application.

  Acrylics dry faster than tempera paints due to their synthetic polymer composition. The conversion process tends to speed up this process even further.

  It’s best practice not to touch or manipulate any painted surface until it has fully dried. Otherwise, you risk causing smudges or ruining your artwork.

  Acrylics usually cure within 24 hours but continue hardening over weeks; this means that they are still susceptible to damage until completely cured. Once cured, they are relatively durable and can withstand wear and tear over an extended period.

  In conclusion, with a few simple steps, it is possible to transform tempera paint into acrylic paint, making it versatile and suitable for a wider range of art projects.

  Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Tempera Paint Into Acrylic 

  Can you make tempera paint into acrylic paint?
  It is unlikely that you can mix tempera paint and acrylic paint together because they have different binding ingredients, which can result in an inconsistent texture and consistency that may not meet your expectations.

  How do you make tempera paint permanent?
  To ensure the durability of a tempera paint painting, an acrylic glaze can be used to seal it, as tempera paint is easily washable. This will help to prevent damage and preserve the painting for longer.

  Can tempera paint be thinned with water?
  Both tempera and watercolor paints can be easily diluted with water because they are water-soluble. To create a more transparent effect, simply mix a small amount of water into the paint.

  What can I mix with tempera paint?
  To make tempera paint, mix together equal amounts of egg and water with dried pigment. Gradually adjust the texture by adding more egg and water or powder as needed until you achieve your desired thickness.

  How do you thin out tempera paint?
  Tempera paint is made with water, so it can be diluted with additional water to create a smoother texture and consistency.

  Can you make your own acrylic paint?
  To make your own paint, you will need dry pigment, an acrylic base, acrylic retarder, and tools for mixing. First, grind the dry pigment until it is smooth and free of lumps using a painting spatula. Next, follow the instructions on the bottle to mix the pigment with the acrylic base.

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