What’s the Difference Between Tempera Paint and Acrylic Paint

If you’re an artist or just enjoy dabbling with paints, you may have heard of tempera paint and acrylic paint. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are actually quite a few differences between the two. Knowing the distinctions can help you choose which type of paint to use for your next project.

Tempera paint has been around for centuries and was commonly used in medieval times for paintings. It is made from mixing pigments with an egg yolk binder and water. Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is a more recent invention that came about in the mid-20th century. It is made from mixing pigments with a synthetic polymer emulsion.

So what’s the big deal? Well, understanding the difference between these two types of paints can make all the difference in your finished artwork. From texture to drying time to color vibrancy, every aspect of these paints varies greatly. So whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, it’s important to know which paint is best suited for your particular project.

What is Tempera Paint and How is it Different from Acrylic Paint?

Tempera Paint Overview

Tempera paint is a water-based paint that has been used for centuries. It was originally made by mixing pigment with egg yolk, but modern tempera paints use synthetic binders that can be thinned with water. Tempera paint dries quickly, has a matte finish, and is easy to clean up. It is often used in schools as it is non-toxic and safe for children to use.

Acrylic Paint Overview

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-soluble paint that contains synthetic pigments suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. It can be used on various surfaces such as canvas, wood, metal, and paper. Acrylics are available in a wide range of colors and finishes such as matte and glossy. They have excellent lightfastness compared to other paints, which means they do not fade even when exposed to sunlight.

Differences Between Tempera and Acrylic Paints

The primary difference between tempera and acrylic paints lies in their composition. While tempera paint uses natural or synthetic pigments mixed with a binder (such as casein), acrylic paints contain synthetic pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion.

Another significant difference between the two types of paints lies in their application properties. Tempera paint dries quickly and provides a matte finish while acrylics dry faster than oils but slower than temperas and can be used to create either matte or glossy finishes depending on the medium used.

One advantage of using acrylic over tempera is its durability; once dried, the surface becomes waterproof, making it resistant to fading due to moisture exposure. However, some artists prefer tempera because it provides more control over details due to its slower drying time.

Pros and Cons of Tempera Paint

Pros:

• Non-toxic and safe for children to use
• Dries quickly, allowing for multiple layers to be added in a single session
• Easy to clean with soap and water
• The matte finish gives it a unique look that cannot be replicated by other paints.

Cons:

• Not as durable as acrylic paint once dried, which can cause issues when exposed to moisture or sunlight over time.
• Limited color selection compared to acrylics
• Might not be suitable for all surfaces such as canvas or paper.

Pros and Cons of Acrylic Paint

Pros:

• Durable and resistant to fading due to exposure from moisture or sunlight over time.
• Faster drying time than oil paints while still providing the ability to blend colors together well.
• A wide range of colors and finishes are available, allowing for more creative flexibility in projects.The paint can be used on various surfaces such as canvas, wood, metal, and paper.Cons:
  The fast-drying time makes blending difficult for some artists who prefer more control over their painting process.The synthetic pigments used in the paint can emit fumes that may irritate some people’s respiratory systems.Clean-up requires solvents instead of just soap and water making it less beginner-friendly than tempera paints..Glossy finishes can create a “plastic” look in some cases, which may not be ideal for all artists.

  Which Type of Paint Dries Faster: Tempera or Acrylic?

  Tempera Paint

  Tempera paint is water-based and dries relatively quickly. It typically dries within 10-30 minutes, depending on factors such as the thickness of the paint layer, humidity, and temperature. However, it does not fully cure until it has dried for at least 24 hours.

  Acrylic Paint

  Acrylic paint is also water-based but dries faster than tempera. It can dry in as little as 10-20 minutes, depending on similar factors such as thickness and environmental conditions. It can also cure fully within a day.

  Misconception Alert!

  It’s important to note that when we say “drying time,” we mean the time it takes for the paint to no longer be wet to the touch. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the paint is fully cured and won’t smudge or smear if touched.

  How Does the Texture of Tempera Paint Differ from That of Acrylic Paint?

  Tempera Paint

  Tempera has a smooth texture and can be applied in thin layers without becoming too transparent or streaky. However, it cannot be layered thickly without cracking or flaking.

  Acrylic Paint

  Acrylics have a thicker texture compared to tempera and can be applied in both thin washes and thick impasto layers without cracking or flaking. They also tend to be more opaque than tempera.

  Misconception Alert!

  While both types of paint have different textures, they can still be used together in mixed media artworks to create interesting visual effects.

  Can You Mix Tempera and Acrylic Paints Together to Create a New Color?

  Yes, you can mix tempera and acrylic paints together, but it’s important to note that they have different consistencies and properties. Mixing them may affect the drying time, texture, and opacity of the resulting color.

  Tip

  When mixing paint, start with small amounts of each color to test how they interact before adding more.

  Which Type of Paint is More Suitable for Use on Canvas: Tempera or Acrylic?

  Acrylic paint is generally more suitable for use on canvas than tempera because it adheres well to canvas surfaces and dries permanently. It also has better lightfastness and doesn’t crack or peel over time like tempera can. However, if you prefer the look or texture of tempera paint, it can still be used on canvas with proper preparation and sealing.

  Pro Tip

  To prepare a canvas for painting with either type of paint, first prime the surface with gesso to create a smooth base layer that will improve adhesion.

  What are Some Advantages of Using Tempera Paint Over Acrylic Paint, and Vice Versa?

  Advantages of Tempera Paint:

  – Dries quickly
  – Non-toxic
  – Easy clean-up with soap and water
  – Can be used on a variety of surfaces including paper, cardboard, wood, and fabric

  Advantages of Acrylic Paint:

  – Dries permanently
  – Can be used on a variety of surfaces including canvas, paper, wood, metal, and plastic
  – Resistant to fading and weathering
  – Can create varying degrees of transparency or opacity depending on how it’s applied

  Misconception Alert!

  There isn’t necessarily a “better” type of paint between the two. The choice between tempera and acrylic will depend on the specific needs of your project and personal preference.

  Are There Any Safety Concerns Associated with Using Either Tempera or Acrylic Paints?

  Both tempera and acrylic paints are generally considered safe when used as directed. However, it’s important to follow basic safety precautions such as keeping paints away from eyes and mouth, using in a well-ventilated area, and washing hands thoroughly after use.

  Tip

  If you have concerns about using certain types of paint, consult the product label or contact the manufacturer for more information.

  How Do You Properly Clean and Store Both Types of Paints to Ensure Their Longevity?

  Cleaning:

  To clean brushes or other tools used with tempera or acrylic paints, simply rinse them with water until all paint has been removed. For stubborn stains, use soap and water or a specialized brush cleaner.

  Storage:

  Both types of paint should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To prevent drying out or evaporation, make sure containers are tightly sealed when not in use. If storing for an extended period of time, consider adding a small amount of water to keep the paint from becoming too thick.

  Pro Tip

  Label each container with the date it was opened to help keep track of how long it has been stored and prevent using expired paint.

  In conclusion, tempera paint and acrylic paint differ in their composition, application, and durability. Tempera is water-based and dries quickly while acrylic is water-resistant and provides a more long-lasting finish. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the artist’s preferences and intended use.

  Frequently Asked Questions about What’s the Difference Between Tempera Paint and Acrylic Paint

  Is tempera and acrylic paint the same?
  Tempera paint is a cost-effective and safe choice for school art projects for children, but it is not as long-lasting as acrylics. Acrylic paint is more expensive and typically used by professional artists on canvas, while tempera paint is better suited for paper. Unlike most acrylic paints, tempera paint has a translucent quality.

  What is tempera paint best used for?
  Tempera paint is a versatile and commonly used medium for various projects like crafts, posters, props, and color mixing exercises. However, it works best when applied to paper, cardboard, and poster board.

  What are the disadvantages of tempera paint?
  The main disadvantage – apart from the time-consuming need to apply it in thin layers – is that tempera paintings cannot usually attain the deep colour saturation that oil paintings are able to manage.

  Why do artists use tempera paint?
  Compared to oil paint, tempera is less opaque and can hold less pigment, which allows light to pass through and reflect off the white gesso surface underneath. Egg tempera also has the benefit of being resistant to light, meaning that its colors will not darken or alter over time.

  What is acrylic paint good for?
  Craft acrylics are versatile and can be applied to a variety of materials, including wood, metal, fabric, and ceramics. They are commonly used in decorative painting methods, such as faux finishes, to add aesthetic value to everyday objects. While color mixing is possible, pigment information may not always be provided.

  Can you make tempera paint permanent?
  Tempera paint is not meant to be as long-lasting and lightfast as acrylic or oil paints, but it can still last for about a year on paper and other surfaces. However, the colors may fade over time. To prevent this, you can use a fixative on your painting.