Since the 1900s, acrylic paints have captured many people’s attention because of their special properties. Most acrylic paints are water-based, which is why they are famous for their fast-drying paintings. Although they are water-based, the interesting thing about them is that they easily become water-resistant when dried.
History
A German chemical company called BASF developed the first acrylic paint for industrial applications. Actually, they made it from the dispersion of acrylic resin. It has gain population since 1940. At that time, paintings were widely used for home painting. Sam Gold was the first person to develop the plastic-based acrylic paint called Magna Paint. These colors were so affordable for artists. Later, in 1955, water-based acrylic paints were invented to meet the demands of artists. Mexican Muralists were the first to use water-based acrylic colors in their paintings.
Acrylic paint formulation
In acrylate paint, pigment particles are spread in the acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic paint formulations consist of water, propylene glycol, methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and methacrylic acid. It may also have about 0.4 percent sodium bicarbonate.
“While it is difficult to assess the composition of each paint, model acrylic latex paints contain about 41% water, 32% polymer binder, and 6.5% pigments plus additives.”
Propylene glycol appears as a viscous and colorless chemical that is able to slow down the evaporation of water.
Methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate act as polymer binders. Methacrylic acid has an unpleasant odor. It can increase the water solubility of the acrylic polymer.
What is acrylic paint used for?
Acrylic paints can be used on surfaces like wood, plastic, walls, and fabric. With acrylic colors, you can create a layer on these surfaces. In addition to industrial use, artists use acrylic paint sets and acrylic paint pens to draw on canvas and other surfaces. They can also use acrylic paint on wood. These paintings have water resistant properties.
If we want to compare the quality of acrylic color with watercolor, acrylic paints have more consistency. One great advantage of these colors is that they don’t have annoying fumes.
- Can you apply it on skin?
It is generally non-toxic, but if you apply it to your skin, it is not able to breathe, so it is not recommended to do so.
Acrylic paint vs. latex paint
Latex paint will get dry after an hour, while acrylic paint is dry after only 30 minutes. The tools you are using and the weather conditions can also affect the drying time.
Difference between acrylic and oil paint
The main difference is that acrylic colors are water based while oil colors are oil based. As a result, it takes more time for oil color to get dry.
The bottom line
You might hear about acrylic paint when you are talking to an artist. Actually, acrylic colors are so common among artists because of their special properties. These colors are water-based. They can be used on different kinds of surfaces, such as walls, wood, and canvas. Acrylic paints have more consistency than watercolor, and they don’t have annoying fumes. There is propylene glycol, methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and many other chemicals in these colors.
Frequently asked questions
What is an acrylic paint used for?
In addition to industrial use, artists use acrylic paint sets and acrylic paint pens to draw on canvas and other surfaces.
Is acrylic paint waterproof?
Although they are water-based, the interesting thing about them is that they easily become water-resistant when dried. However, it cannot be totally water-proof.
What is acrylic paint vs regular paint?
Latex paint will get dry after an hour, while acrylic paint is dry after only 30 minutes. The tools you are using and the weather conditions can also affect the drying time.
Is acrylic paint oil or water-based?
The main difference is that acrylic colors are water based while oil colors are oil based. As a result, it takes more time for oil color to get dry.
What is acrylic paint made of?
Acrylic paint formulations consist of water, propylene glycol, methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and methacrylic acid. It may also have about 0.4 percent sodium bicarbonate.
3 Responses
Can I add water to acrylic paint?
Yes, you can add about 30 percent water to your acrylic color.
What is the difference between watercolor and acrylic colour?