Acrylic paints
were created as house paints in the early 1940s. Since they dry very quickly, artists started to use them soon after, to avoid the long drying processes of other paints. The paint comes in almost all colors and in different packaging sizes, which makes it highly versatile. According to Allsands.com, acrylic paints have a synthetic polymer (or plastic) base which makes them very easy to experiment with.
Layering Acrylic Paints
Since acrylic paints have a plastic base, the layers of paint adhere to each other. This causes the paint to dry within moments of being painted on the canvas. Therefore, it is important to squeeze only as much as you need from the tube to prevent waste. You also have less time to manipulate the paint on the canvas; it is highly recommended that you have a clear picture in your head of where and what you want to paint.
An advantage of acrylic paint is that it is very easy to layer; again, this is because it dries so quickly. You can easily layer different colors on top of each other or create mixed media by laying a different material on top of wet acrylic paint. It also acts as a glue, according to Allsands.com, and can be useful for collages.
Tips for Acrylic Paint
If you are a serious artist, buying an acrylic retarder should be a high priority. Geocities.com suggests adding only a few drops at a time to the paint and buying the same brand of retarder as the actual paint. Two websites to research for buying a retarding agent and paints are In2art.com and Dickblick.com, or you can stop by your local crafts store.
Using regular tap water is a good way to dilute acrylic paint, if this is more of a hobby. Like the retarder, gently add a few drops at a time, while thoroughly mixing the paint. Geocities.com suggests not adding water to the entire tube or bottle because it can create an odd odor; just mix the water with the paint on your palette.
Thoroughly clean everything the acrylic paint touched while you were painting. Dried acrylic paint on brushes can ruin them by drying out the bristles, making them brittle and rough. Wash your palette with warm water and soap, and scrape off any dried paint. You might want to keep separate supplies for acrylic paints.
