Why Use Acrylic Instead of Oil

Are you an art enthusiast looking for new ways to explore your creativity? Or perhaps a seasoned painter searching for a new medium to experiment with? Whatever your background, it’s important to know that not all paints are created equal. In fact, the debate between acrylic and oil has been raging on for years.

While oil has long been considered a classic medium, there are many benefits to using acrylic paint instead. From its quick-drying formula to its versatility in application, acrylic has become a favorite among artists around the world. But why exactly should you choose acrylic over traditional oil paints?

In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons why using acrylic can be advantageous for artists of all levels. From avoiding toxic fumes to achieving vibrant colors, we’ll cover all the pain points that may be holding you back from making the switch. So if you’re ready to take your artwork to the next level, keep reading!

Primary Differences Between Acrylic and Oil Paints

Acrylic and oil paints are two of the most commonly used mediums in painting. While both types of paints comprise pigments, binders, and solvents, they differ in the composition of their binder. Acrylics use an acrylic polymer emulsion as a binder while oils use linseed oil or another drying oil. This difference leads to several distinctions between these two types of paints.

One primary difference is that acrylic paint dries faster than oil paint. This is due to the water-based nature of acrylics versus the oil-based nature of oils. Because of this fast-drying property, artists who prefer working quickly or layering colors may find that acrylics suit their needs better than oils.

Another significant difference between these two types of paints is their flexibility when dry. Acrylic paint dries hard and even brittle, while oil paint remains flexible even years after it has dried.

Pigment Differences:

Another significant difference between acrylics and oils is in pigment quality and color intensity. Oils tend to produce more vibrant colors with greater depth compared to acrylics, which can appear flat or dull at times. However, advances in technology have allowed for brighter pigments to be used in acrylic paints.

Color Mixing:

Additionally, although both mediums can be mixed together on a palette, mixing wet-on-wet layers on canvas presents some differences. Since acrylic paint dries faster than oil paint when applied thinly onto a surface (due to its water content), it does not blend as easily as oils do on canvas.

Environmental Impact:

Acrylics tend to be considered less toxic than oils since they do not contain solvents like turpentine which can release harmful fumes into the air. Additionally, cleanup is much easier with acrylics since they can be washed with soap and water, while oils require turpentine or other solvents to be cleaned up.

Surface Compatibility:

Lastly, the type of surface used can also affect an artist’s choice between acrylics and oils. Acrylics tend to adhere better to porous surfaces like canvas, paper, or wood. In contrast, oils are considered more versatile since they can be applied to a wider range of surfaces including metal and plastic due to their oil-based composition.

Drying Time Comparison: Acrylics vs. Oils

One significant difference between acrylic and oil paints is their drying time. As mentioned earlier, acrylic paint dries faster than oil paint. This is because acrylics use water as a solvent while oils use linseed oil or another drying oil which takes much longer to evaporate.

Acrylic paint dries quickly due to its water content, usually within 15-30 minutes after application. This fast-drying property makes it ideal for artists who want to work quickly or layer colors without waiting hours for each layer to dry.

On the other hand, oil paints take significantly longer to dry compared to acrylics. Oil paint can take anywhere from a few days up to several weeks or even months depending on the thickness of the paint layers and atmospheric conditions in which it was painted.

Drying Process:

The drying process for both types of paint is also different. Acrylics dry by evaporation of water from the emulsion binder as well as through polymerization (the binding agents forming a strong bond together). In contrast, oil paints dry through oxidation when exposed to air resulting in chemical changes within the paint that create a hard film.

Overpainting:

The quick-drying nature of acrylic paints means that overpainting is possible almost immediately; however, this can result in smudging if care is not taken. On the other hand, oil paints require more time between layers or for the top layer to dry before additional layers can be added.

Benefits of Fast Drying:

The fast-drying property of acrylics has several advantages. For instance, artists working on a deadline can complete their artwork in a much shorter amount of time with acrylics than oils. Additionally, acrylics allow for layering colors and glazes quickly, which is not possible with oils due to their extended drying times.

However, this quick-drying property can also be disadvantageous since it leaves less room for error or correction compared to oils. Since acrylic paint dries quickly once applied to a surface, mistakes must be corrected quickly before the paint sets.

Blending:

Lastly, blending colors can be more difficult when using acrylics due to their fast-drying nature. However, there are techniques such as wet-on-wet blending that can help create soft transitions between colors.

Advantages of Using Acrylics Over Oils for Certain Artwork

While both acrylic and oil paints have their own unique properties and benefits, there are certain advantages that acrylics hold over oils in specific circumstances.

One significant advantage is that acrylic paints do not yellow over time like oils do. This means that artworks created with acrylic will retain their original color vibrancy over long periods without any discoloration caused by yellowing.

Another advantage of using acrylics is that they are water-resistant once dried. This makes them ideal for outdoor paintings or murals since they won’t run or smudge if exposed to rain or moisture.

Clean-Up and Storage:

Acrylic paints are much easier to clean up than oil paints since they only require soap and water instead of solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits. Additionally, once dried, acrylic paint does not require any special storage conditions unlike oil paint which must be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Layering:

Acrylics also allow for layering of colors and glazes quickly due to their fast-drying nature. This property is ideal for artists who want to work quickly and build up layers of color without waiting hours for each layer to dry. Additionally, the quick-drying time means that acrylic paint will not smudge or blend with previous layers once dried.

Cost:

Lastly, acrylic paints tend to be more affordable compared to oil paints. This is because the pigments used in acrylics are much cheaper than those used in oils. Additionally, since they do not require solvents like oils do during cleanup or storage, they are less expensive overall.

Achieving Depth and Vibrancy with Acrylics vs. Oils

Both acrylic and oil paints can produce vibrant colors; however, oils tend to produce more depth and luminosity in their colors compared to acrylics. Achieving depth and vibrancy when using acrylics requires a few different techniques.

One technique is layering colors on top of each other. By building up multiple layers of color with varying opacity levels, an artist can create depth and dimensionality similar to what is achievable with oils.

Another technique involves adding gloss mediums or varnishes to the finished artwork. These additives enhance the colors’ vibrancy by increasing reflectivity while also adding depth to the painting’s texture.

Different Types of Acrylic Paint:

There are also several different types of acrylic paints available that can help achieve greater vibrancy or depth depending on an artist’s preference. High flow acrylics are thin-bodied and highly pigmented making them ideal for detailed work or layering thinly over other colors.

Heavy body acrylics have a thicker consistency allowing for more texture and impasto effects. These paints can be applied thickly to create a sculptural effect on the canvas.

Glazing:

Another technique that can help achieve depth and vibrancy when using acrylics is glazing. Glazing refers to applying a thin layer of transparent or translucent paint over an already dry layer of paint. This technique allows light to penetrate through the layers, creating a luminous effect.

Cost Comparison: Acrylic vs. Oil Paints and Equipment

When comparing the cost of acrylic versus oil paints, there are several factors to consider. While both mediums have their own unique properties and benefits, they also differ in price.

One factor that makes acrylics less expensive than oils is that the pigments used in acrylic paints are much cheaper than those used in oils. Additionally, since they do not require solvents like oils do during cleanup or storage, they are less expensive overall.

Drying Time:

Another advantage of using acrylics over oils is their fast-drying time which can save artists money by reducing the amount of time spent waiting for each layer to dry before moving on to the next one. This fast-drying property also means that artists can complete artworks faster with acrylics compared to oils which may take days or even weeks to dry completely.

Clean-up and Storage:

Acrylics are also easier and cheaper to clean up after use compared to oils which require solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits that can be expensive and potentially hazardous if not disposed of properly.

Lastly, the equipment required for painting with acrylics tends to be less expensive than for oil painting. For instance, brushes for acrylic painting tend to be less costly than their oil-painting counterparts since they do not require special bristles designed specifically for use with oils.

Common Techniques Used Specifically with Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints offer a range of unique properties and benefits that make them ideal for specific techniques. Here are some of the most common techniques used specifically with acrylic paints.

Impasto:

Impasto is a technique where thick layers of paint are applied to the surface creating a textured effect. Because acrylics can be applied in multiple layers without waiting for each layer to dry completely, they are ideal for creating impasto effects quickly.

Dry Brushing:

Dry brushing is another technique used with acrylics where the brush is loaded with very little paint and dragged across the surface, creating a dry-brushed or scumbled effect. This technique is ideal for creating texture or adding highlights to areas of the painting.

Stenciling:

Stenciling involves using stencils as a guide while painting specific shapes or designs onto a surface. Acrylics work well for this technique since they can be easily thinned down to create an almost ink-like consistency that can be applied through the stencil openings.

Splattering and Dripping:

Splattering and dripping are both techniques that involve applying paint in loose, uncontrolled ways to create abstract or expressionistic effects. Acrylics work well for these techniques since they can be easily thinned down and splattered or dripped onto the surface.

Disadvantages of Using Acrylics Instead of Oils for Artists to Consider

While acrylic paints have many advantages over oils, there are also several disadvantages that artists should consider before choosing one medium over another.

One disadvantage is that acrylics tend to dry much faster than oils which can limit an artist’s ability to blend colors on canvas. Additionally, once dried, it can be difficult to rework areas of the painting as adding more layers will not blend seamlessly with previous layers like oil paints do.

Surface Compatibility:

Acrylics also tend to adhere better to porous surfaces like canvas, paper, or wood. In contrast, oils are considered more versatile since they can be applied to a wider range of surfaces including metal and plastic due to their oil-based composition.

Color Shifts:

Another disadvantage of using acrylic paints is that the colors can shift slightly as they dry. This means that an artist may need to compensate by adding more pigment to achieve the desired color.

Lastly, cleaning up after using acrylics can be more time-consuming compared to oils since soap and water are not always enough. Additionally, any dried acrylic paint can be difficult to remove from brushes or palettes.

The Popularity and Availability of Acrylic Paints Compared to Oils Over Time

Over the years, the popularity of acrylic paints has increased significantly due in part to their affordability, versatility, and ease of use. According to a 2019 report by Art Business News, sales of acrylic paints have surpassed those of oil paints both in volume and value.

This increase in popularity can be attributed in part to advances in technology that have allowed for brighter pigments and longer-lasting formulations. Additionally, since acrylics are water-based instead of oil-based like oils, they are considered less toxic and easier for artists to use without the need for solvents.

Availability:

The availability of acrylic paints has also contributed to their rising popularity over oils. Acrylic paints can be found at most art supply stores and many big-box retailers while oils may require a specialty store or online purchase.

Additionally, since acrylics are easier and cheaper to clean up after use compared to oils which require solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits that can be expensive and potentially hazardous if not disposed of properly.

Overall, the increasing popularity and availability of acrylic paints have made them an attractive option for artists of all skill levels. While oils still hold a special place in the art world, acrylics offer many unique benefits that make them a compelling alternative to consider.

In conclusion, acrylic paints offer several advantages over oil paints such as faster drying time, non-yellowing properties, and easier clean-up. These benefits make acrylic a preferred choice for artists who value efficiency and convenience in their work process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Why Use Acrylic Instead of Oil

Which is better oil or acrylic?
Oil-based paints are a more dependable option as they retain moisture for a longer period of time than acrylic paints. When it comes to painting and blending, it ultimately depends on personal preference and desired working time, but it is widely accepted that oil paints offer superior blending techniques compared to acrylic paints.

What is one advantage of acrylic paint over oil?
Acrylic paints can provide a comparable appearance to oil paints and create an oil-inspired effect, but with quicker results. The most noticeable benefit is that acrylic paint dries much more rapidly than oil paint, allowing for additional painting in a shorter timeframe. It is typically ready for sale or transport within a day.

Do famous painters use oil or acrylic?
Many iconic artworks have been created using both oil and acrylic paints. Some of the most renowned painters who have utilized oil paints in their craft include Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.

What looks more realistic oil or acrylic?
When acrylic paint dries, it is typically more vivid than oil paints. Oil paints are recognized for their dense and smooth texture, which makes them ideal for creating lifelike artwork that requires seamless shading.

Did Bob Ross use oil or acrylic?
On the TV show ‘The Joy of Painting’, Bob Ross prefers to use thick oil paints. It’s important to avoid using acrylic based paints because they won’t work well with Bob’s wet-on-wet painting technique.

Why do some artists prefer acrylic paint to oils?
Some people choose to use acrylics because they are safer and dry fast, while others prefer oils due to their durability and the unique textures they create. This is a matter of personal preference.