Art Paints FAQs - Boston Printing On Canvas & Fine Art Prints, Custom Picture Framing, Plaque Mounting, Metal, Wood & Fabric Dye-sublimation

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1 : What are the different kinds of art paints?
There are many types of paint available on the market. Some of the more popular include:

Acrylic
Oil
Watercolor
Gouache
Tempera
Glass
Craft

For a more indepth look at the different kinds of paint, see our article on Types of Paint

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Q2 : What kind of paint is least expensive?
Most types of paint have different levels based on the ability of the artist (beginner to professional). But in general, water-based paints like acrylic and watercolor are less costly than oil paints.

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Q3 : I am just beginning to paint. What kind of paint should I use?
Acrylic paints are widely considered the best beginner paint. They are easy to use, dry quickly, can be applied to many different surfaces, and can be cleaned up with water. Other paints like oil and watercolor generally require a lot of practice or training to master the technique.

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Q4 : What type of paint is most popular with artists?
Today, acrylic paints are very popular, though the wide availability and general affordability of other paints has resulted in many artists dabbling in a variety of different media.

In the past, however, oil paint was the most common media, used by famous painters like van Gogh and Monet. Before that, prior to the 16th century, tempera paints were used by most artists.

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Q5 : Can I use art paints for home decor, and vice versa?
While some artists use non-traditional media like house paint for canvas and paper artworks (Jackson Pollock, for instance), the reverse is not ideal. Acrylic paints may be used to apply small decorative details to walls, but art paints are not created for extended wear and tear, and generally come in small amounts that are not feasible for large projects.

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Q6 : How fast do acrylic paints dry?
Acrylic paints are an excellent choice for beginner painters (and beyond) because they dry very quickly. Unlike oil paints, they dry by evaporation of the water of which they are made up. Thin layers of acrylic will dry in minutes. If very thick application is desired, experts suggest many thin layers left to cure between coats, instead of a large, thick daub all at once.

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Q7 : Can I mix acrylic paints with other paint?
Ideally, acrylic paint should be mixed only with other acrylic products. Varied results are found when acrylics are mixed with other water-based paints like watercolors or gouache, and a test should always be done before applying a new mix to the canvas. Mixing acrylics with oil- or wax-based paint is not recommended.

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Q8 : Why do some paints appear darker when dried?
The darkening of the paint during the drying time depends on the amount of pigment in the mixture. When wet, the water in the paint gives a "white" appearance due to the way light travels through water - this lightens the perceived color of the paint. When the water has evaporated, however, that whiteness is gone, leaving the "true" pigment color.

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Q9 : How long to acrylic paints last?
The life expectancy of acrylics depends on whether the paint has been opened. When sealed, the paint can last more than ten years if stored in proper conditions. Once it has been opened, the shelf life is determined by the individual environmental conditions and the quality of the paint. It is generally recommended that opened paints be used within six months.

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