If you’re just getting into painting, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: Should I use acrylic or oil paint? It’s a common decision for beginners, and it can feel a little overwhelming at first.
Acrylic and oil paints are both popular choices, but they work in very different ways. Acrylics dry fast and are super easy to clean up, while oils take their time to dry and offer rich, smooth blending. Depending on how you like to work — quickly and intuitively or slowly and in detail — one may suit you better than the other.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about both types of paint. You’ll learn how they differ, what makes each one special, and how to decide which is the right fit for your art journey.
1. The Importance of Choosing the Right Paint
As an artist, the medium you choose can significantly influence both your creative process and the final outcome of your artwork. Whether you’re an aspiring artist looking to start your painting journey or a professional seeking to refine your skills, choosing between acrylic and oil paint is one of the first decisions you’ll need to make. Understanding the advantages and limitations of each paint type can directly impact how you approach your projects and the type of techniques you’ll use.
The choice of paint also affects your working time, textures, color richness, and, of course, the cost of materials. Some artists prioritize quick drying times, while others may prefer a slower pace to work on fine details. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of acrylics and oils is essential for anyone serious about their craft.
2. What Is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is a modern, synthetic paint made from pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Developed in the 20th century, acrylics are water-based, meaning that they can be thinned and cleaned using water. This makes them an attractive option for artists, particularly for those starting out, as they are easy to use, non-toxic, and versatile.
Composition and Ingredients
Acrylic paint consists of:
- Pigment: Provides the color.
- Acrylic Polymer: Acts as the binder that holds the pigment together and adheres to the painting surface.
- Water: Serves as the solvent, making acrylics water-soluble when wet.
Acrylic paints are often used on a variety of surfaces, such as canvas, wood, paper, or even textiles. They can be applied thinly to resemble watercolors or more thickly to resemble oil paints, giving artists the flexibility to experiment with their approach.
How Does Acrylic Paint Work?
Once applied, acrylic paint dries quickly, usually within 15–30 minutes, depending on thickness and environmental factors like humidity. The rapid drying time means that you can apply multiple layers in a short period, which is great for artists who prefer a fast pace.
Acrylics can be thinned with water, mediums, or gels to alter their consistency. This versatility allows them to be used for different painting techniques, such as glazing (thin layers of paint) and impasto (thick paint applied with texture).
3. What Is So Special About Acrylic Paint?
What sets acrylic paint apart from other mediums is its versatility, quick drying time, and affordable cost. Artists can use acrylics for a variety of techniques, from detailed brushwork to pouring art. The versatility in its application also allows it to be mixed with different types of media, including oils, pastels, and markers.
Another special feature is its color retention. Acrylics tend to remain bright and vivid once dried, although the color can sometimes shift slightly darker after drying, which needs to be considered when choosing the hues for your artwork.
Durability of Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is also known for its durability. Once fully dry, acrylics are water-resistant, which helps protect the artwork from damage due to moisture. This is an advantage when working on projects that require exposure to different environmental conditions.
4. Pros and Cons of Acrylics
Pros of Acrylic Paint
- Quick Drying Time: Acrylics dry fast, making them great for artists who like to work quickly or in layers.
- Ease of Use: No need for solvents; acrylics are simply mixed with water, making them a safer option for beginners.
- Versatility: You can use acrylics in many ways, from watercolor-like transparency to oil-like textures.
- Non-toxic: Acrylics are water-based and generally safe to use, making them suitable for indoor and child-friendly environments.
- Affordable: Acrylic paints are generally more affordable than oils, especially for beginners.
Cons of Acrylic Paint
- Faster Drying Time: While this is a benefit for some, the quick drying time can be a disadvantage for artists who like to blend their paints or work in slow, deliberate layers.
- Limited Textural Depth: Although acrylics can be thickened with gels and mediums, they do not achieve the same level of textural depth and richness as oil paints.
- Color Shifting: Acrylics tend to darken as they dry, so the final result may differ slightly from your initial expectations.
5. What Is Oil Paint?
Oil paint is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of paint, with a history that dates back to the 15th century. It is made by combining pigments with a drying oil, such as linseed oil, which allows the paint to dry slowly over time. This slow-drying property is one of the main characteristics that distinguish oil paints from acrylics.
Composition and Ingredients
Oil paint is made up of:
- Pigment: Provides the color.
- Drying Oil: Typically linseed oil, which acts as a binder and helps the paint adhere to the surface.
- Solvents: Used to thin the paint or clean brushes (e.g., turpentine or mineral spirits).
How Does Oil Paint Work?
Oil paint has a smooth, buttery texture that allows for fine blending and layering. The slow drying time, which can range from days to weeks, allows artists to manipulate the paint for longer periods, making it ideal for techniques like glazing, blending, and impasto.
While oil paints do not require water for thinning, solvents are typically used to achieve the desired consistency and to clean brushes.
6. What Is So Special About Oil Paint?
Oil paint has been a favorite of artists for centuries due to its rich color depth and slow drying time. The ability to blend oils over extended periods allows artists to achieve highly detailed and smooth transitions between colors. Additionally, oil paints create a beautiful glossy finish and often appear more vibrant and luminous than other mediums.
Durability and Longevity
Oil paintings are known for their longevity and ability to withstand the test of time. Many famous works of art, such as those by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt, have survived for hundreds of years, partly due to the durability of oil paints.
Glazing and Layering
Oil paints are also ideal for glazing techniques, where transparent layers of paint are applied over dried layers to create depth, luminosity, and subtle color transitions.
7. Pros and Cons of Oil Paint
Pros of Oil Paint
- Rich, Deep Colors: Oil paints offer rich, luminous colors that stay vibrant for longer periods.
- Slow Drying Time: The extended drying time allows for more blending, which is ideal for fine details and smooth transitions.
- Versatility: Oils can be used in various techniques, from impasto to glazing, offering flexibility in texture and appearance.
- Durable: Oil paintings are known for their durability and resistance to aging when cared for properly.
Cons of Oil Paint
- Long Drying Time: The slow drying time can be a disadvantage for artists who prefer quick results.
- Toxicity: Oil paints require solvents for thinning and cleaning, which can be harmful if not used in a well-ventilated area.
- Messier: The use of oil and solvents can create a messier painting environment compared to acrylics.
8. Oil Paint vs Acrylic: 9 Important Differences Summarized
1. Drying Time
- Acrylic: Dries quickly, usually within 15–30 minutes.
- Oil: Dries slowly, often taking days or weeks for a layer to be fully cured.
2. Texture and Finish
- Acrylic: Can be made to mimic different finishes but generally has a matte appearance.
- Oil: Creates a glossy, rich finish that enhances the depth of color and texture.
3. Color Vibrancy
- Acrylic: Colors remain bright but can darken slightly as they dry.
- Oil: Colors stay vibrant and luminous over time, maintaining their depth.
4. Flexibility and Application
- Acrylic: Ideal for a wide range of techniques and media, offering a fast, flexible approach.
- Oil: Best suited for detailed work, blending, and layered techniques.
5. Cleaning
- Acrylic: Can be cleaned with soap and water, making it easier to work with.
- Oil: Requires solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits for cleaning brushes and thinning paint.
6. Durability and Longevity
- Acrylic: Lasts well over time but may not be as long-lasting as oil paint in certain conditions.
- Oil: Known for its durability, with oil paintings lasting hundreds of years.
7. Cost
- Acrylic: Generally more affordable, especially for beginners.
- Oil: More expensive due to the cost of solvents, mediums, and higher-quality paints.
8. Environmental Impact
- Acrylic: More eco-friendly as it uses water-based formulas.
- Oil: Has a greater environmental impact due to the use of solvents and oils that can be toxic.
9. Techniques
- Acrylic: Best for quick, experimental techniques like pouring or impromptu work.
- Oil: Suited for slow, refined techniques like glazing and impasto.
9. Cost Implications
The financial aspect of choosing between acrylics and oil paints can also play a significant role in the decision-making process. Acrylics are generally cheaper, especially when you factor in the cost of solvents and mediums required for oil painting.
Cost Differences of Acrylic vs Oil Paint
Acrylic paints typically cost less upfront and don’t require additional materials such as solvents or brushes specifically designed for oil paints. However, higher-quality acrylics can still be expensive.
How Much Does Starting with Acrylic Paint Cost?
Acrylics are accessible and affordable. With a basic set of paints, brushes, a palette, and a canvas, you can begin painting for less than $100. This makes acrylics an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore painting without committing to a significant investment.
Long-Term Acrylic Painting Costs
Long-term costs with acrylics are relatively low, but you’ll still need to replace brushes and replenish your paint supply over time. Additionally, high-end acrylics can become more expensive.
10. Conclusion: Which Paint Is Right for You?
Key Takeaways: Acrylic vs Oil Paint for Beginners
- Acrylic paint is fast-drying, easy to use, and ideal for beginners or artists who prefer working quickly. It’s water-based, non-toxic, and suitable for a wide range of surfaces and techniques.
- Oil paint offers rich, deep colors and a smooth blending experience due to its slow drying time. It’s perfect for artists focused on detailed work, layering, and achieving professional textures.
- Drying time is a major factor: acrylics dry in minutes, while oils can take days or even weeks.
- Cost and cleanup are more beginner-friendly with acrylics — no solvents required, just water.
- Both paints are durable, but oils have stood the test of centuries in galleries and museums.
- Your choice depends on your goals — whether you’re exploring fast, vibrant styles or aiming for slow, rich detail.
In the end, both types of paint have their own merits. The best choice for you is the one that aligns with your artistic goals and personal preferences. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each medium, you’ll be better equipped to create works that reflect your vision and creativity.
FAQ
Is acrylic or oil paint better for beginners?
Acrylic paint is generally considered better for beginners due to its fast-drying time, ease of use, and non-toxic properties. Acrylics are also easier to clean and don’t require solvents, making them less intimidating for those just starting out. Furthermore, acrylics are versatile and can be used in a variety of techniques, making them an excellent medium for experimentation.
Can I mix acrylic and oil paint together?
It is not recommended to mix acrylic and oil paints directly. Acrylics are water-based, while oils are oil-based, and they have different drying times and properties. Mixing them can lead to issues with adhesion, cracking, or improper curing. However, you can use acrylics as an underpainting and then apply oil paint over it once the acrylic layer is dry.
Are oil paints more expensive than acrylics?
Yes, oil paints tend to be more expensive than acrylic paints, particularly when you factor in the cost of solvents, brushes, and mediums needed for oil painting. While acrylics are generally more affordable, both types of paint have options across a range of price points, from student-grade to professional-grade.
Which paint is more suitable for detailed work, acrylic or oil paint?
Both acrylic and oil paint can be used for detailed work, but oil paint is often preferred for fine details due to its smooth texture and longer working time. The slow drying time of oil paint allows artists to blend and refine details with precision. Acrylics, while capable of fine details, can be more challenging due to their quick drying time, requiring the artist to work faster or use retarders to extend the drying time.
