Choosing an oil painting medium is one of the most important decisions you will make as a painter. There are two main types of oils, alkyds and acid-based. Alkyd oils are typically more expensive than acid-based oils, but they have some very interesting qualities that can enhance your paintings!
There are three major components in any quality oil paint: pigment, solvent (or carrier liquid), and additives. The colorant part comes mostly from natural materials such as plants or minerals mixed into the liquid form. For example, reds are made from dried berries or flowers mixed with volatile chemicals to create the fluid version.
The type of solvent used for the paint depends upon how the paint is applied. For instance, water-soluble paints use alcohol or milk as a solvent so that the paint will completely soak into the surface. Oils like butter work well because they contain fats which help them spread easily on the painted surface.
This article will discuss whether it is better to use acrylic or oil paints, what differences there are between the two media, and where each one fits best in your artistic process.
How they are made
Both oil and acrylic paints contain oils, but which kind you use depends on what effect you want your painting to have. Using too much oil can cause your paint to run, making it look muddy!
Acrylics contain an alcohol as a solvent, so they will always dry faster than oils. This is why most artists prefer using acrylics because you do not need to let paintings dry in a warm place like you would with oils.
However, both types of paint require time to properly cure (or set) before you can work on another part of your painting. These times vary depending on the thickness of the paint, but most take a week to fully set.
What the differences are
When painting a picture, canvas is your best bet. Why? Because you can use canvas as either oil or acrylic paint. You get the same result no matter what type of paint you use!
Canvas is usually made out of two materials: natural linen or cotton fibers and synthetic resin. The texture of the surface depends on which kind of canvas you buy.
You can also add additional touches to the painting such as gesso (a primer that acts like glass for protecting the canvas) and textures such as sandpaper to give it depth.
Acrylic paints contain water and chemical solvents such as alcohol and toluene. These chemicals eventually dry down and evaporate, leaving a layer of plastic in the painted area. This helps protect the new coating from being scratched and/or chipping off.
Oil paintings are not limited to just one material. Artists mix oils with various other mediums to create their paintings. Oils will always have some amount of fatty acid molecules in them. These molecules stick to whatever surface they touch, helping preserve the image.
Which one is better
Choosing an oil painting style is not as simple as choosing a watercolor style, because there are more materials involved. Oils contain thinner layers of paint that can easily be re-worked, making them very versatile.
Oil paints also require close attention to detail. You have to work with your oils for several days before they dry, so it is important to take care of them by using a quality brush, cleaning them properly, and storing them in a protected place.
Acrylics are thicker than oils, which makes them harder to layer up and blend into each other, but they go much faster! This means you could start creating your masterpiece right after learning the basics of acrylic painting.
However, like oils, acrylic paintings need careful handling and will eventually run if disturbed. Make sure to use a clean, stable surface to create your artwork and protect your surface from getting dirty.
They are both good choices
Choosing an oil painting style is like choosing between eating chicken wings or barbeque ribs- you’ll probably end up doing it once! If that happens, then you will definitely know which one you prefer.
Oil paints have a thicker consistency than acrylics, but they look beautiful when applied correctly. When using oils, there are two main things to be careful of. First, make sure your brush is clean before applying so that you do not accidentally drag down any excess residue. Second, if the paint looks thick and solid, use a lighter touch when brushing on the liquids.
Acrylic paintings can also look great when painted properly. Like oils, acrylics come in many different varieties, but they all share some common qualities.
They are mostly made of acrylic acid (the active ingredient) and other solvents such as alcohol and benzene. These chemicals bind with the surface of the canvas or paper, helping “lock in” the image. This is what gives the painting its durability and longevity.
They are both bad choices
Choosing an oil or acrylic paint can be quite confusing as there are so many types of oils and acrylics! There is not one clearly better than the other, but some people do prefer one over the other.
It seems like everyone has an opinion about which kind is best to use. Some say that acrylic paints will last longer because they dry more quickly, while others claim that oils look better and lvoe brighter. It really does not matter what type of painting you are doing though, all colors in your piece come from either chemicals or minerals.
Acids and alkalis react with each other to create different colors. Oils contain lots of hydrogen atoms, and when these molecules collide with electrons, they become unstable and give off energy, creating color. These reactions occur due to the length of time it takes for the paint to fully dry. The faster it dries, the less stable the chemical compound becomes. This could cause the paint to break down and/or chip away.
We recommend using water-based non-acidic products since their ingredients don’t combine to form strong acids or bases. You also want to make sure your hands are clean before working with any painted materials to prevent rubbing and acid exposure.
How to pick good quality oil paints
When painting with oils, there are two main types of paint you can use!
Oil is an organic compound that will go solid at your specified temperature. This means that as you apply the layers of color, the liquid content will combine and form crystals of thicker pigment particles.
The molecules in the oil bond with these already-solid pigments creating a strong foundation for the painted surface. Once dry, the texture and look of the paint is very smooth and richly luscious.
However, oils are highly susceptible to air, water, and alcohol exposure, so make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and never let wet brushes touch those surfaces!
Acrylics are pure polymer compounds that gel when mixed with other materials such as liquids, gels, solvents, or glues. The ratio of acrylic polymers in the material changes how it sets up and dries depending on the type of art you want to create.
Certain colors mix easily into each other due to their structure, but overall they all separate and run together once applied. This creates a fluid consistency that can be shaped, rolled, and moved around without running or dripping.
How to pick good quality acrylic paints
When painting with oils, you have much more control over how your paint will behave. This is because they are typically mixed in a separate container than where you apply them onto your surface.
Acrylics contain an ether solvent that can be heated or melted down before use, allowing for easier access to their liquid form. These liquids also dry very quickly, which means faster painting!
However, using too many acrylics can lead to poor texture and coverage. You may also run into issues when removing the painted item from its surface. A thin layer of oil may remain, potentially washing off later.
Oil paintings are great if you like this kind of style! They are just as possible to achieve a professional look as any other medium.
Re-paint your room
Choosing an oil painting to re-do your wall is one of the most important things you can do as homeowners. Whether you are buying your first art piece, or you are a seasoned artist looking to refresh your look, choosing the right paint color can make a big difference.
Oil paints have many qualities that make them better than acrylics. For one, they are not water soluble, which means they will stay painted on your surface longer. Also, oils are much thicker so it takes more coats to achieve a smooth finish.
Acrylic paintings may be thinner but they seem to go on very quickly, making people forget there are still 8–10 additional layers needed to complete the project! This quick drying time is great if you are in a hurry to show off your new artwork, but also means that some extra work is required to take your time to enjoy the finished product.
If you are ever struggling how to mix your colors correctly, layering different colors onto each other can be a way to solve this. The thickness of the paint makes it easy to layer over each other and research helpful tools like Google Images for mixing tips.