Q: What are Acrylic paints?
A: Acrylic paint technology can be traced back to as early as 1901 but did not become commercially available until the 1950’s. Acrylics are pigment suspended in a polymer emulsion and are used by many artists because they embrace the pros and remove many of the cons of watercolors and oils. They can be used transparently or with texture. The drying time is minimized and they create their own finish with their permanence and strength.
Q: What are Textural Acrylics?
A: There are many Gels and Pastes that can be added to Heavy Body acrylics in order to create “come off the canvas” textures. The use of palette knives and brushes can achieve the look by heavy application of pigments. The artist can also layer paints either Impasto (wet into wet) or allow layers to dry to create more color and depth.
Q: What types of consistency do Acrylic Paints come in?
A: There are 3 basic types of acrylics.
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- Fluid: can be used for soft washes and overlays as well as general painting.
- Soft Body: probably used the more often and can be applied to most surfaces.
- Heavy Body: creates a thicker application, (especially with the addition of gels and pastes), although it can also be used more transparently.
Q: What types of surfaces can be used with Acrylic Paints?
A: Acrylics can be used on a multitude of surfaces including but not limited to canvas, wood, furniture and paper. If you are painting a project that will be used outdoors, a protective coat may be used.
