Acrylic paintings are relatively new as acrylic paint for painting was first introduced around 1950. Acrylic paint has now become an essential element of the arts and craft market. Many artists consider acrylic paint as a viable option for oil paints. Acrylic paints differ from the conventional oil paints in terms of their physical and chemical properties and thus necessitates special care of acrylic paintings.
Typically, acrylic paints are of two types, namely water-based and solvent-based. However, water-based acrylics are more popular among painters. Acrylic paints dry quickly as compared to oil paints and may hardly require half an hour for the entire painting to dry. Acrylic films are not very hard and may easily gather dust and grime.
Various types of additives, such as stabilizers, defoamers, coalescing solvents, thickeners, and preservatives, are added to the acrylic paint to produce the desired results.
The chances of acrylic paintings cracking are relatively low as the paint is flexible and can withstand pressure. However, acrylic paintings may become very brittle and crack in freezing temperatures. Sometimes acrylic paintings may develop a gray veil on the surface or form a yellow discoloration over a long period of time.
Since acrylic films are soft at room temperature, dust particles can settle on the surface and become mixed with the paint, resulting in stained paintings. Protective framing can combat this problem up to a certain extent. Varnishes can protect the paintings considerably from scratches and dust. Many artists do not like to varnish their paintings. Another major problem faced by acrylic painters is that of mold growth and as of now, no perfect solution has been devised for this problem.
There is a wide range of acrylic paints available in the market. It is imperative for acrylic painters to purchased superior quality products as poor quality paints fade easily when exposed to ultra violet light.
Regardless of high standards of care and maintenance, many artists continue to use acrylic paints because of their fast-drying quality and versatility.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Flower Paintings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Painting is an expression of an artist’s imagination and reflects his perception of the world around him. Painters are usually inspired by scenery, landscapes, and other elements of nature. Most painters are captivated by the beauty and aesthetic appeal of various types of flowers. It...
-
Impressionist Paintings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
‘Impressionism’ was one of the most important art movements in the 19th century that began when a certain section of artists from Paris began a public display of their art. This name was coined after the famous painting of Claude Monet. In the late mid-19th...
-
Oil Paintings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Oil paintings come in all shapes and sizes, and may be based on a variety of themes to appeal to all tastes. They may be painted on different types of material, such as canvas or cardboard. Original classic oil paintings are among the most valuable...
-
Native American Paintings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Native American paintings painted by American Indians are highly popular in the United States and other countries. Many tourists purchase them as a souvenir or a gift for their loved ones. Native American paintings are contemporary and unique. Traditional native paintings were less prominent and...
-
Chinese Paintings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Chinese paintings are famous all over the world for their unusual combination of materials and different techniques. Chinese painting is a traditional form of painting and has been in existence since a very long time. A large number of exquisite wall paintings were produced in...
-
Oil Paintings For Sale
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Depending on one’s budget and tastes, there are many choices available in today’s oil painting market. Fine art auction houses exist in most American cities, and may be a good starting point for serious collectors and people buying art as an investment. For the buyer...
-
An Introduction To Oil Paintings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Flemish painter Jan van Eyck (1390-1441) is credited as being the first painter to use the technique of oil painting in his work. His 1434 wedding portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his wife, which is now in the National Gallery in London, is accepted by...
-
Japanese Paintings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Painting is one of the most popular forms of art in Japan. Japanese paintings, which were highly influenced by Chinese style of painting, are exquisite and at times can be very intricate. In the Muromachi period (1338-1573), Chinese paintings were introduced in Japan, owing to...
-
Abstract Paintings
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
If you think abstract paintings are a phenomenon of the 20th century, you can’t be further from the truth. Islamic and Jewish religions have from their very beginnings prohibited the depiction of human forms. As a result, these religions developed a high skill in decorative...
-
Art Paintings For Sale
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Art is an extension of man’s imagination, which can be expressed in various forms such as paintings and sculptures. The type of painting will greatly depend on the way artists perceive the world. Some people purchase paintings of eminent artists to adorn their houses, while...