Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is surrounded by long-standing misconceptions that cause some artists to avoid the medium altogether. This video addresses common beliefs about acrylic drying time, permanence, surface preparation, varnishing, and visual depth. Acrylics do dry faster than oils but working time can be extended with water and retarder mediums. Professional-grade acrylic paints form durable, flexible paint films that resist yellowing, cracking, and fading. While acrylics will adhere to many surfaces, gesso improves coverage, paint economy, and surface quality. The differences between artists’ acrylics and house paint come down to pigment quality and binder formulation, with artists’ paints designed for longevity and flexibility. Although varnishing is optional, acrylic paint remains porous, making varnish useful for protection and unifying surface gloss. Through layering, glazing, and texture, acrylics are capable of depth and richness comparable to other painting mediums. Re-examining these assumptions can expand how acrylics fit into a contemporary painting practice. Shop for Acrylic Paints at Blick Art Materials here: https://www.dickblick.com/categories/painting/acrylic-paint/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=AtE&utm_content=Acylic_Paint_Myths 🧑‍🎨 Presentation by Morgan from our Merchandising Team 🫶🏽 Special thanks to artists Katie Over, Chris Firger, Frank Ordaz Jr., Will Hawk, and Shiri Phillips whose work we included here 🎥 Filmed at Blick Studios in Chicago, Illinois #AcrylicPainting #PaintingMaterials #ArtistEducation #PaintingTechniques #AcrylicPaint