Acrylic Painting techniques work with polymer-based acrylic paint. A fast-drying paint suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion, acrylic paint can be diluted with water. The unique characteristic of acrylic paint is that it is non-removable when dry. It eliminates the mixture of turpentine and gesso. Therefore, it can be apply directly on the canvas surface.
Acrylics were first introduced in 1950s. It was a mineral-based paint known as Magna. Water-based acrylic paint which is also known as “latex” house paint was sold at a later time. It is a mixture of binder, filler, water and pigment. Subsequently, water based acrylic binders and water soluble acrylic paints were introduced later.
As acrylic paint is non-removable, isopropyl alcohol is used to remove the fresh paint off. In preparing for painting with acrylic, avoid using non-stable or non-archival elements to gesso.
Painter often used acrylic as the paint dry faster on canvas compared to oil paints. The slow drying of oil can be seen as a pro and also con for painters depending on their preference. The duration it takes for the oil paint to dry delays the painters to work in a short span of time. For oil paint, painters have to abide by the technique “fat over lean” to prevent the final layer from cracking and peeling. However, due to the consistent drying time in acrylic paint, painters do not have to use “fat over lean”.
Also, acrylic paint is used as painter can modify the appearance and texture of a work. The paint can bond to many different surfaces. Acrylic paintings can last more than 50 years without cracking or peeling while oil paints will dry after some time. Acrylic paints are useful in mixed media. The paint lets the pastel, charcoal or pen to be applied on top of the dried acrylic surface.
Acrylic paint glazes are used to create depth in an image. The paint is bright when brushed onto canvas revealing the layers underneath to create a more realistic outcome. Light coloured glazes have the power to soften an effect when it is used on bright surfaces.
Golden Acrylic Glazes gives the painters more time to work with the paint without doubt as it comes in a ready to use bottle. Painters will usually wait till the layer dries before starting on a new layer from leaving smudges. After painting several layers, painters will now spray rubbing alcohol to reveal layers and colour underneath.
Acrylic Painting Tips
Acrylic is versatile and therefore, there are a few tips and guidance for beginners. Due to the fast-drying nature of acrylic paint, squeeze only little paint from the tube. To prevent water drops running down and leaving smudges on your painting, put paper towel or water jar and wipe it frequently after rinsing the brush.
A reminder for the beginners, acrylic paint can be opaque if it is applied once it was squeezed from the tube or even when it is mixed with white. The acrylic paint is permanent when it dries. Use thin layers if you want a transparent glaze as heavy layer produces a glossy surface.
Flow improver medium increases the colour with minimal loss of colour strength. An effective technique to blend colours is by working fast on your piece. Masking fluid can also be used together with acrylic washes. It is hard to remove the fluid once it is dried in a brush. An effective way to remove the masking fluid is by dipping it into washing-up liquid first.
To create a more fluid texture, add water to the paint. Allow air bubbles to rise to the surface after mixing the paint.
