Acrylic Paints vs. Oil-Based: Which Should You Choose?

 Choosing the right type of paint is a big decision you should make most of the time, since not all paint options will help you achieve the desired painting effect. And this is nothing new, in fact, and this doesn't only apply to beginners. The truth is that this decision-making process is quite a common process among both beginner and professional artists, so to make the right choice, first, you will need to better understand the paints' characteristics. This will certainly help you make the right choice.

What's the Difference Between Acrylic and Oil-Based Paints?

source: ytimg.com

The main difference between these two sets of paints lies in the fact that acrylic paints can be dissolved in water while oil-based paints, on the other hand, cannot be dissolved in water, and this is their main and basic difference.

While both of these paint options come in sets, users seem to rely more on the use of the acrylic art set option and for a reason. While in the past it was considered that oil paints were thicker and better, this has changed. The choice of acrylic art sets is huge, giving you the chance to choose just the right thickness. Nowadays, acrylic paints come in a selection of thicknesses and consistencies, ranging in more thin and more easily pourable paints to thicker and heavier-bodied paints that can even come in a paste-like texture. The truth is that they differ in many other features, so only by understanding them will you be able to make the right choice for your painting.

Drying Time

Given the fact that acrylic paints are based on water, this makes their drying time quicker, faster and easier, which is something that cannot be said about oil-based paints that take a lot of time to dry. To be more precise, depending on the painting, its size and type, those painted with acrylic can dry up to several hours, while the ones made with oil-based paints can take from several days to several months. This fact is mainly one of the reasons why so many artists prefer the use of acrylic set of paint. They are perfect for those times when you need to have the painting fast and ready, and in those times when not in a rush and when you need to make a larger project, you can always opt for the use of oil-based paints.

However, you should know that there is an additive that you can add to your paints that can help them dry faster or slower, depending on your needs. Those that can help the drying process faster are called drying mediums, and those designed to extend the drying time are known as extender mediums.

Cleaninig

Making and creating the painting is the most important thing of all during the making process; however, you should know that cleaning is a part of it as well, so when it comes to making a new painting, cleaning time is just another thing you should take into account. Even though not fun, cleaning up is mandatory, so you should know that acrylic paints are easier and faster to clean up, mainly because of their base, which is water. 

Oil paint, on the other hand, cannot be cleaned with water and a damp cloth solely because it's oil-based, hence, it repels water. That is why they need to be cleaned with special solvents that, on the other hand, need to be handled carefully because they cannot be thrown down the drain.

Additionally, you'll also need some other supplies like soap or some oil to clean the paint brushes properly without damaging them.

As you can see, cleaning up acrylic paint is simpler and faster because all you need to clean the paint and brushes is water and maybe soap. Plus, these paints are completely safe to wash down the drain, so you won't have to worry about throwing the leftover paint solution.

Toxicity

Generally speaking, both of these paints are safe and non-toxic, but only when used on their own. In order to be sure that the chosen paints are non-toxic, you need to read the label and their ingredient list. The thing about oil-based paints is that some of them can be stated as less toxic because of the pigments used in them, which can have high toxicity levels like barium yellow, lead white, burnt or raw umber, chrome green and cadmium red, orange and yellow.

The paint can also become a bit toxic when mixed with some solvents and mediums, so if toxicity is something that matters to you, make sure to check the paint's ingredient list and be careful of the solvents and mediums you choose.

Longevity

Even though both of these paints have different longevity, you should know that light is the first and foremost painting quality killer. The more the painting is exposed to light, the faster the fading. Moisture is just another painting killer, so these are the first things you should know before deciding on the type of paint you use. In other words, no matter the paint's quality, if it's exposed to the sun and moisture, the painting's quality will decrease.

Generally speaking, both oil and acrylic paint are quality, and in order to improve their longevity, you can frame the paintings with UV protective glass.