You might be surprised to hear that I use acrylic paints as my art medium. I like the flexibility of acrylic paints, I can slow down the dry time or speed it up. It all depends on what I’m doing. I can work in layers, add collage elements and use the transparency to give me different effects. It is always exciting to see unexpected results. Here’s what you need to know before you get started:
Acrylic paints dry quickly.
Acrylics are water-based paint, which means they dry quickly (unlike oil or egg tempera) and are more flexible than other types of paint. The drying time can be sped up by using a hairdryer on low heat (no hotter than 120°F), but make sure that you don’t get too close to your painting as this could damage it.
Acrylic paints can’t be overworked.
Acrylics are the most forgiving painting medium you can use. They don’t require any preparation, they dry quickly and they can be painted over without affecting the original work.
If you’re a beginner and are worried about ruining your painting by making mistakes, acrylics are the best option for you. You don’t have to worry about overworking your painting or getting frustrated with it because of mistakes that can’t be fixed. Your mistakes will be easily covered up so that no one will notice them unless they look closely at your artwork.
Acrylics are also a good medium to use if you’re looking for something that will last. They’re more durable than watercolor and can withstand the elements better when applied correctly. If you want your painting to be displayed outdoors, acrylics are the best choice for you.
Acrylic paints clean up with soap and water.
Another reason I love acrylic paints is that they clean up with soap and water. You can be messy, you can use your whole body as a paintbrush, and you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals getting into your skin or in the air when cleaning up.
For example: after I’m done painting, all I need to do is get some warm soapy water (with a drop of liquid soap) on my brush and scrub it against the bristles until all the paint is gone from there. Then I rinse off both sides of my brush under running water until no more color comes off on my hand towel (or paper towel). Repeat for any other brushes or tools that have been used in this project.
The palette also cleans up with soap and water! Again – just make sure both sides of your palette knife gets rinsed off well under running water before putting it away for next time.
Acrylic Paints can be thick or thin.
You can control the thickness of the acrylic paint by adding a little water or a medium without changing the color. I like to buy the fluid acrylics because I like my paint thin but you can buy heavy body paint if you prefer a thicker paint. I also use a medium that will slow down the drying time on occasion, usually when I’m painting flowers.
Acrylic paints have no fumes.
Acrylic paints are a great choice for artists who want to paint in their home or studio. Unlike oil paints, acrylics have no fumes or odors that can damage your health. You don’t have to worry about ventilation when you’re using them—and you can even paint with the windows closed! It’s also important to note that there are no toxic chemicals involved in the production of acrylics, so no matter what medium you choose, it’s safe for your family and pets.
Give acrylic paints a try
Acrylic paints are the perfect medium for me, and I think they can be for you too! There’s no reason not to give them a try!
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