Selecting between acrylic and oil paints is more than just a preference; it’s a decision that can shape your artistic journey. Acrylics have been artists go-to choice since the 1940s, and on these days, you can see acrylic artworks everywhere: online, in prominent art galleries, and so on. On the other hand, oil paints, celebrated for their rich textures, have been in use since the 1400s. So it’a a great question: which one should YOU to choose?
First, acrylics are very popular for their rapid drying time, typically drying within minutes to an hour. This quality makes them ideal for artists who work in fast-paced environments or prefer layering multiple coats in a single session.
On the flip side, oil paints, offer a slower drying time, ranging from days to weeks. This extended timeframe is perfect for artists who relish in the art of blending and wish to make adjustments as their work progresses.
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- So, to start with: which type of painter are you? Or, which type of person are you: do you have time and patience, and do you like working slowly and in detail? (–> oil painting type) Or are you rather a spontaneous, impatient type of person, eager to get her ideas out there and move on to next ones? (–> acrylic painting type). Well, this division might seem a tad oversimplified, because there is so much more to take into account, but it sure is one starting point to consider.
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- The next step would be to think about the texture you want to achieve. Which kind of result do you personally like the best? Acrylics can mimic watercolors when thinned out or create impasto effects when applied thickly. Oils are known for their rich, buttery texture, adding a level of depth to artworks. Do you have any preference here personally?
- Another practical thing to consider is your workspace. Acrylics, being water-soluble, are more suited to smaller, indoor spaces as they require minimal ventilation and are easier to clean. Oils, however, often require solvents like turpentine for thinning and cleaning, thus needing a well-ventilated area. Does it meet your possibilities in terms of working space?
- The next step would be to think about the texture you want to achieve. Which kind of result do you personally like the best? Acrylics can mimic watercolors when thinned out or create impasto effects when applied thickly. Oils are known for their rich, buttery texture, adding a level of depth to artworks. Do you have any preference here personally?
Over the years, I have oscillated between oil and acrylic paints numerous times. I’ve found that experimenting with both mediums is invaluable and enjoyable. I recommend starting with small projects in each medium to understand their unique characteristics and how they align with your artistic style. Remember, the medium you choose is a crucial tool in bringing your artistic vision to life on the canvas. So, make your choice wisely, but also remain open to exploring and changing your preferences on the way ahead. 🙂
What Is Acrylic Paint?
What Is So Special About Acrylic Paint?
So, acrylic paint has been a big hit with artists since the 1940s. It’s water-based, which means it’s super versatile. The paint itself is like colored particles mixed into the acrylic polymer emulsion. The coolest part? Acrylics can act like watercolors or oil paints – they’re like the chameleons of the art world.
Now, here’s a neat little fact you might not know: acrylics change when the temperature changes. When they dry, they go through this thing called ‘glass transition.’ It’s basically the point where the paint goes from being liquid to solid. And once they’re dry, they become this water-resistant and flexible layer, which is awesome because you can use them on all kinds of surfaces, like canvas and wood. Pretty cool, right?
Pros and Cons of Acrylics
THE SPEED OF CREATING ART
- PRO: Ideal for time-sensitive projects or rapid layering.
- CON: Challenging for slow blending and modifications.
BLENDING
- CON: Blending acrylics may seem difficult at first for beginners, especially if compared to watercolor and oil painting. Retarders or mediums can increase flexibility. Learn more and get other tips for blending with acrylics.
KEEPING IT CLEAN
- PRO: Cleanup is simple with soap and water, ideal for classrooms or home studios. Get more tips for cleaning acrylic brushes.
- CON: Brushes need prompt cleaning to prevent damage from hardened acrylic.
VERSATILITY IN APPLICATION
- PRO: Suitable for various surfaces and techniques, including canvas, paper, wood, glass, and even fabric. They also lend themselves to various techniques, from thin washes similar to watercolor to thick, textured applications akin to oil paints.
- CON: Requires proper preparation for optimal adherence and vibrancy. Canvases may need a coat of gesso to prevent absorption, while materials like glass or wood might require sanding and priming. Without this, the acrylic paint might not adhere well or may lose its vibrancy.
- PRO: Acrylics dry to a uniform sheen, ensuring a cohesive look.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH SAFETY
- PRO: Generally safer and more environmentally friendly than oil paints.
DURABILITY
- PRO: Resistant to aging and doesn’t yellow over time.
- CON: Prone to cracking in thick applications or varying conditions like extreme temperature changes or high humidity.
EASINESS OF MIXING COLORS
- PRO: Simple to mix when wet, offering a wide range of hues.
- CON: Rapid drying can make extensive color mixing challenging.
SUITABILITY FOR DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
- PRO: Compatible with techniques like impasto, glazing, and stippling.
- CON: Some techniques may be limited by the paint’s quick-drying nature (such as intricate wet-into-wet blending or complex layering).
COST
- PRO: Often more affordable than oil paints.
Working with acrylics is kind of a mixed bag – they’ve got their ups and downs. Getting to know all these little details about acrylics really helps, especially when you’re just starting out or even if you’re already at that intermediate level.
It’s like what the famous painter Edgar Degas said: “Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.” But hey, don’t let all this stuff scare you off. We’re going to jump into oil paints next, and I promise, it’s going to be just as exciting. Let’s keep the good vibes going! 🙂
What Is Oil Paint?
What Is So Special About Oil Paint
Did you know that the use of oil paints can be traced back to 7th-century Afghanistan, where they were used for Buddhist murals? Oil paint, traditionally made by mixing pigments with drying oils like linseed, walnut, or poppyseed oil, is renowned for its rich, buttery texture and vibrant color depth.
One fascinating aspect of oil paint is its ability to stay wet for extended periods, ranging from a few days to even weeks, depending on the thickness and oil content. This unique feature allows for intricate blending and layering, making oil paint a favorite for realism and depth in artworks.
Pros And Cons of oil Paint
Working Time
- PRO: Extended working time allows for detailed and meticulous artistry.
- CON: Requires patience, which can be challenging for fast-paced projects.
Texture and Consistency
- PRO: Rich texture enables a range of artistic effects and expressions, from smooth, finely detailed brushwork to heavy, impasto techniques where the paint stands out from the canvas.
Color Depth and Brilliance
- PRO: Offers depth and luminosity, ideal for realistic and vibrant artworks. The natural gloss of oils enhances the richness and vibrancy of colors.
- CON: Some colors may alter over time, yellowing or darkening. Specifically, lighter and more transparent oil colors, such as certain yellows and whites, are prone to yellowing over time. Darker colors may also experience some darkening or fading.
Health and Safety
- CON: Use of solvents for cleanup poses health and environmental risks.
Layering and Depth
- PRO: Allows for intricate layering, adding a dimensional quality to paintings.
- CON: Sensitive to environmental factors like temperature and humidity.
Color Maintenance
- PRO: Easier to repair and restore, even after years, preserving the artwork’s integrity.
- CON: Maintaining color balance over time can be challenging due to pigment reactivity.
Space Requirements
- CON: Requires more dedicated space for safe practice due to fumes and ventilation needs.
Learning and Technique
- CON: Involves a steep learning curve with a need to understand various mediums and techniques.
- PRO: Known for durability, making oil paintings is a valuable long-term investment.
- CON: Initial costs are higher due to the need for specific paints, additives, and tools.
Thus, oil painting does require a good bit of your time, and yes, it can be a bit pricey and tricky at first. But the textures and depth you can create with it are absolutely amazing. You get to play around and see your art come to life in ways you can’t imagine.
If you’re up for the challenge, diving into oil painting is very satisfying. It’s not just about making art; it’s about discovering a whole new side of your creativity.
Oil Paint vs Acrylic: 9 Important Differences Summarized
Here, I’ve made you a table that summarizes the key differences between acrylics and oil paints.
Making the Right Choice – Acrylic vs Oil Paint Comparison
| Category | Acrylic Paint | Oil Paint |
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1. Working Time
ACRYLIC: Quick-drying, ideal for fast work
OIL: Slow-drying, allows detailed work
2. Versatility in Application
ACRYLIC: High, suitable for various surfaces and methods
OIL: Moderate, best for traditional canvas painting
3. Blending and Color Mixing
ACRYLIC: Challenging, requires fast techniques or retarders
OIL: Easier, excellent for smooth transitions
4. Texture and Consistency
ACRYLIC: Varies from thin washes to thick textures. Transparency and opacity control adjustable with mediums.
OIL: Rich, buttery, offers a wide range of textures. Natural depth, but less adjustable transparency / opacity.
5. Layering and Color Depth
ACRYLIC: Possible but may crack in thick layers. Bright colors but may lack oils’ depth.
OIL: Excellent for intricate layering, less prone to cracking. Deep, luminous colors, ideal for realism.
6. Environmental and Health Safety
ACRYLIC: Non-toxic, eco-friendly, fewer fumes, suitable for small spaces.
OIL: Potentially toxic, requires good ventilation
7. Cleaning Brushes
ACRYLIC: Easy with water and soap
OIL: Requires solvents like turpentine
8. Learning and Technique Easiness
ACRYLIC: Easier to learn, more forgiving
OIL: Steeper learning curve
9. Cost and Accessibility
ACRYLIC: Generally more affordable
OIL: Higher initial investment
Cost Implications
When choosing between acrylic and oil paint, considering the cost implications is important: it allows you to make a decision that aligns with your budget and ensures that you can pursue your artistic goals without financial constraints. So, is there a price difference in these two painting methods?
Cost Differences of Acrylic vs Oil Paint
Generally, acrylic paints tend to be more budget-friendly than oil paints, especially for those just starting out. This affordability is due to factors like the manufacturing process and the widespread availability of acrylics. They often come in a variety of grades, from student to professional, so you can choose the ones that suit your needs best.
On the other hand, oil paints typically lean towards the higher end of the price spectrum. The cost is influenced by the quality of the pigments used, the traditional processes involved in their production, and the additional requirement of specific mediums and solvents, like linseed oil and turpentine, for their application and care. Oil paints also come in different grades, but even the student grades can be more expensive than their acrylic counterparts.
However…
It’s important to note that while the initial investment in oil painting might be higher, oils can offer longevity both in the lifespan of the materials and the durability of the finished work. In contrast, acrylics, while more affordable initially, may require additional costs for mediums to modify their properties or varnishes for final protective finishing.
My 2 recommendations for starting with acrylic or oil paint, are:
- Start Small.
First, what I’d recommend, is to start with smaller scale: don’t buy the largest canvas to start your journey, although this finished painting would look fabulous on your living room wall 🙂 It will eat up your paints too quickly. Start small, and then scale up along with you development.
- Start with Good Enough Quality Tools.
This means selecting mid-range tools and materials that offer a balance between quality and affordability. The idea is to use tools that are sufficient to learn and practice effectively, without the need for professional-grade or high-end products initially.
For instance, in terms of paints, opting for student-grade rather than artist-grade can be more cost-effective while still providing a decent range of colors and satisfactory pigment quality. Similarly, choosing mid-range brushes and canvases gives you a good feel for the medium without the expense of top-tier options.
As your skills develop, you can gradually invest in higher-quality tools, understanding better what specific qualities you need in your materials. And I promise, you will enjoy that large-scale painting on your living room wall much more once you have had enough practice on smaller sized canvases first 🙂
How Much Does Starting with Acrylic Paint cost?
Let’s get to the numbers now. When it comes to acrylic paints, their prices vary significantly based on the quality grade – from student to professional levels.
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- Student-Grade Acrylics: These paints are more affordable and a great choice for beginners. Prices typically range **from $1 to $5 per tube (**2 oz or 60 ml). Student-grade paints have a lower concentration of pigments and may use synthetic alternatives to costly natural pigments. They offer a good spectrum of colors and are suitable for basic learning and practice.
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- Professional-Grade Acrylics: These are priced higher due to their higher pigment load and finer quality ingredients. Prices can range from $5 to $25 or more for a similar size tube (2 oz or 60 ml). Professional-grade acrylics provide a wider range of vibrant colors, better opacity, and increased durability. They are designed for artists seeking high-quality results and a wider palette for color mixing.
- Brushes: A basic set of acrylic paint brushes can range from $5 to $20. These typically include a variety of shapes and sizes. Higher-end brushes can cost significantly more, but for beginners, a mid-range set is usually sufficient.
- Palettes: A simple plastic palette for mixing colors can cost as little as $2 to $5. If you prefer a glass or wooden palette, the price might increase to $10 to $25. Disposable palette pads are another convenient option, typically ranging from $5 to $10.
- Mediums: Acrylic mediums, used to alter the paint’s texture and drying time, vary in price. A basic 250 ml bottle of medium like gloss or matte medium can range from $8 to $15. Specialty mediums like texture pastes or retarders might be more expensive.
- Canvas: Pre-stretched canvases can start from $3 to $5 for small sizes (e.g., 8×10 inches) and can go up to $20 or more for larger sizes (e.g., 18×24 inches). Canvas pads or rolls, which are more economical, vary in price based on size and quantity.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: Easels, varnishes, cleaners, and protective gear (aprons, gloves) also add to the cost. An entry-level easel can be around $15 to $30, while varnishes and cleaners might be about $5 to $10 each.
Long-Term Acrylic Painting Costs
When comparing acrylic vs oil paint, consider also the long-term costs of acrylic painting. That may consist of:
- Durability: Professional-grade acrylics, with higher pigment quality, offer lasting durability. They resist fading, maintaining color vibrancy for years.
- Protective Varnishes: Essential for safeguarding paintings against dust, dirt, and UV damage. Varnishes also enhance colors and finish. Costs range from $10 to $30 per bottle, an ongoing expense for each artwork.
- Maintenance: Minimal but includes occasional cleaning and re-varnishing, adding small, infrequent costs.
How Much Does Starting With Oil Paint Cost?
Prices can vary significantly in the price spectrum of oil paints, being particularly influenced by the quality of pigments used in paint.
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- Student-Grade Oil Paints: More affordable, ranging from $3 to $10 per tube (37 ml). These contain lower concentrations of pigments and often use synthetic alternatives, suitable for beginners or practice.
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- Professional-Grade Oil Paints: Priced higher, often between $10 to $40 or more per tube (37 ml), due to the use of high-quality, finely ground pigments that offer rich color and consistency.
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- Specialized Brushes: Oil painting requires specific brushes that can range from $5 to $30 or more, depending on quality and size. Natural bristle brushes are preferred for their ability to hold and apply the thicker oil paint.
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- Mediums: Mediums like linseed oil, which can cost between $5 to $15 per bottle, are used to alter the paint’s consistency and drying time. Solvents for thinning paint and cleaning brushes, such as odorless mineral spirits, are similarly priced.
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- Primed Canvases: Prices vary based on size and quality, starting from around $5 for small, pre-primed canvases to $50 or more for larger, high-quality ones. Canvas rolls or panels can be a more economical choice but may require additional preparation.
- Cleaning Supplies: Items like brush cleaners, jars, and rags add to the costs. A good quality brush cleaner can be around $10 to $15.
- Primed Canvases: Prices vary based on size and quality, starting from around $5 for small, pre-primed canvases to $50 or more for larger, high-quality ones. Canvas rolls or panels can be a more economical choice but may require additional preparation.
Long-Term Oil Painting Costs
What types of costs do I have to cover in long run in case of oil painting? Consider these:
- Framing: Depending on the size and style, framing costs can vary widely, often ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars per artwork. Quality framing not only enhances the presentation but also protects the painting.
- Long-Term Preservation: To maintain the integrity of oil paintings, proper environmental control (like humidity and light management) might be necessary, potentially including costs for climate-controlled storage or display spaces.
- Potential Restoration: Over time, oil paintings may require professional cleaning or restoration to address issues like cracking, fading, or yellowing. Restoration costs depend on the artwork’s condition and the conservator’s rates, but can be significant, especially for larger or more damaged pieces.
By Vincent van Gogh, Public Domain
However, being creative in budgeting is a good strategy to make your artistic journey more affordable . Don’t let the prices keep you from expressing yourself or compromising the quality of your work – the real value of art isn’t defined by the materials used but by the creativity and passion behind it.
Take a look at my blog post about tips and tricks how to save money as acrylic and oil painter.
FAQ
Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing Between Acrylic and Oil Paint.
What are the key differences between acrylic and oil paint?
Acrylic paints are water-based, dry quickly, and are easy to clean up with soap and water. Oil paints are oil-based, dry slowly, allowing for more blending time, and require solvents for cleanup.
Is acrylic or oil paint better for beginners?
Acrylics are often recommended for beginners due to their quick drying time and ease of use.
Can I mix acrylic and oil paint together?
No, acrylic and oil paints have different bases and should not be mixed.
What should I consider when choosing between acrylic and oil paints?
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- Drying Time: Acrylics dry quickly; oils dry slowly.
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- Blending: Oils allow extended blending; acrylics dry faster, requiring quicker techniques.
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- Texture: Acrylics vary from thin to thick; oils have a rich texture.
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- Cleanup: Acrylics use water; oils need solvents.
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- Environment: Acrylics are low odor for small spaces; oils require ventilation.
Are oil paints more expensive than acrylics?
Yes, generally, oil paints can be more expensive due to the cost of additional supplies like mediums and solvents.
Do acrylic and oil paints have different environmental impacts?
Yes, oil paints typically have a greater environmental impact due to the solvents used, whereas acrylics are more eco-friendly.
Can I achieve the same color vibrancy with acrylics as with oils?
Yes, both acrylics and oils can achieve vibrant colors, but their differing compositions, especially in terms of pigment and binding agents, maylead to slightly different visual effects. Acrylics, with their distinct pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer, can offer bright and bold colors. However, the depth and luminosity of color in oil paints can give a different kind of richness and vibrancy to the artwork.
Which paint dries faster, acrylic or oil paint?
Acrylic paint. It dries much faster than oil paint. Acrylics typically dry within minutes to hours, while oil paints can take days or even weeks to fully dry.
Can I paint over acrylic with oil paint, or vice versa?
You can, BUT it’s generally recommended to avoid painting oil over acrylic directly. Acrylic paint has a flexible and fast-drying nature, while oil paint takes longer to dry and can have different properties. However, you can paint acrylic over dried oil paint.
Which paint is more suitable for outdoor painting, acrylic or oil paint?
Acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is more suitable for outdoor painting due to its fast drying time and ability to withstand various weather conditions. Oil paint, on the other hand, requires a longer drying time and is more prone to damage from exposure to elements.
Which paint is more suitable for large-scale artworks, acrylic or oil paint?
Both acrylic and oil paints can be used for large-scale artworks. Acrylic paint’s fast drying time can be advantageous for creating multiple layers quickly, while oil paint’s longer drying time allows for more blending and manipulation on a larger scale.
Do acrylic and oil paints have different color ranges available?
Both acrylic and oil paints offer a wide range of colors, including various shades, hues, and tones. The color range available may vary between different brands and quality grades of paint.
Which paint is more suitable for impasto techniques, acrylic or oil paint?
Oil paint. Oil paint is often preferred for impasto techniques due to its thicker consistency and longer drying time, allowing for more sculptural and textural effects. Acrylic paint can also be used for impasto, but it may require the addition of mediums to achieve a similar thickness.
Which paint is more suitable for detailed work, acrylic or oil paint?
Acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is generally more suitable for detailed work due to its ability to hold fine details and its fast drying time, which allows for layering and additional details to be added quickly. Oil paint’s longer drying time can make it more challenging for intricate and precise work.
Can I use acrylic and oil paint interchangeably in my artwork?
Yes, you can – some artists choose to do it to achieve specific effects or experiment with different techniques. However, it is important to understand the characteristics of each paint and how they may affect the overall outcome of the artwork.
Conclusion
Thank you for being with me through this comprehensive overview! Here I focused on the 9 main differences between acrylic and oil paint, and then tried to summarize everything you need to know to get started with acrylic and oil paints, covering topics such as the addition of oil to oil paint, acrylic painting techniques and oil painting techniques for creating vibrant and muted colors, cost implications, and frequently asked questions.
Acrylics offer quick drying time and affordability, while oil paints provide extended blending and durability. Consider factors like drying time, blending, texture, cleanup, and environmental impact when choosing between the two. Acrylics tend to be more budget-friendly, while oil paints require additional supplies. The initial cost of acrylics ranges from $59 to $150, while oil paints range from $85 to $205. Long-term costs include framing, preservation, and potential restoration. Budgeting tips and cost-saving strategies are provided for both mediums.
I hope this guide helped you to decide which medium to try (or inspired you to try both of them!) and gave you the exact information you were looking for.
However, ultimately, the choice between acrylics and oil paints depends on your artistic style, preferences, and the effects you want to achieve in your artwork.
Whether you choose the vibrant and quick-drying acrylics or the rich and timeless oil paints, I wish you joy and creativity on your artistic path. May your colors be vibrant, your strokes be bold, and your artistic ideas come to life on the canvas. Happy painting! 🙂
