When you walk down the paint aisle in the craft store, it’s easy to get intimidated by the wide variety of types available. Though, these are to help you find the paint which works best for you. Whether it be acrylics or watercolors, each option has its own benefits.
Here are the main paint types you’ll encounter at the store and what to expect from them.
1. Acrylics
Acrylics are often said to be the best paint to start with. They’re easy to blend, dry quickly, and are heavily pigmented. This can make them an excellent option at any stage in your painting career.
While this might make acrylics sound like the ideal, it can be difficult to blend larger spaces with them due to their quick dry time. Your window to make modifications to the paint is restricted and can make certain projects difficult to complete.
It comes in both higher-quality and lower-quality forms which gives you lots of wiggle room financially while developing the craft.
2. Watercolors
Watercolors are a great tool for playing with different tones while creating a distinctive look. The notable thing about this option is the effect water has on it. When added, the colors dilute and thin.
This can add different effects based on the amount of water you use. For instance, a lot of water will turn the color light and translucent. The difficulties of this medium come with the sensitivity to the amount of water.
Another downside to this medium is it requires special paper so the color will absorb and not smear as easily. This can make it harder for a beginner to tap into.
3. Oil Paints
Oil paint is considered the hardest of the three paint types listed. This is often attributed to the long drying time, expensive costs, and toxic fumes. Most people will enter painting through acrylics and end with oil paints, but it is possible to start with oil paints first.
These are mixed with another medium which can thin or thicken the paint and achieve other effects. Some people attribute toxic fumes to the oils, but it is actually the solvents added that can potentially be damaging to inhale in large doses. This, is only some additives, but it is a good idea to open the windows and close the caps.
The long drying time, which typically will run at a minimum of 24 hours, can be both a nuisance and benefit. Long dry time allows for tedious blending and detail work which wouldn’t be as accessible with acrylics.
Conclusion
When walking into an arts store, even beyond the types you’ll be exposed to tons of brands and colors. This means the best way to find your ideal paint is through trial and error. Additionally, when you develop skills in different types, you’ll be able to use them together in one painting for a mixed media work.
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