Comparing the types of paints available, there are 3 main advantages of acrylic paints to oil paints and watercolors. Acrylics is the most versatile of paints for fine art. There are many attributes of acrylic paints that make it my choice of paint.

1. Varied Viscosity and Textures

Acrylics can be purchased with different levels of viscosity. This allows the artist to apply color using infinite choice of different techniques. One can apply the impasto technique by slapping on thick globs of paint on the support, or choose to thin the paint with water and make color wash like watercolor.

Acrylics have strong molecular bonds. The material is tacky and stretchable. This makes is possible to be mixed with solid granular or fibrous material to create interesting textures.

2. Different supports

The molecular structure mentioned above allows the paint to stick well to any thickness of material, from paper to wood or even metal, as long as the surface is not totally smooth or oily.

To paint on smooth surface like plastic, polished wood or glass, it is still possible after applying a ground material like gesso or transparent gesso. The gesso creates a more porous surface of the paint to stick and not peel off.

3. Quick Drying

Quick drying paint is a boon to artists who paint layer on layer.

Layering is not easy with oils because they take long to dry between layers. Layering on paint that is not fully dry will result in the paint colors mixing with each other on the support.

Watercolors are not color-fast. So any paint on the paper will dissolve away even If the paint has dried. Layering with watercolors is hence tricky, and may lead to bleeding and smudging of the under layer if one is not patient or deft enough.

4. Durability

Acrylics are extremely durable. They are water-resistant and flexible. This means that the painting will be more lasting than oils and watercolor in most rooms, especially where the temperature fluctuates. Also, acrylic paintings on canvas will not need to be framed behind glass.

5. Odorless

The dried form of acrylic paint is inert. Hence it is not toxic, and does not emit a “solvent” smell as with oil paint.

For the artist, this presents a peace of mind, as one is not overtly exposed to solvent inhalation.

6. Availability of Acrylic Mediums

Since acrylics are so well used by artists, there are many brands of paint manufacturers that produce acrylic mediums. These mediums are acrylic paint, normally white or transparent, but have different textures. The aim of using this medium is to provide for an infinite possibilities for textures and artistic effects.

Some acrylic paints have special pigment, like neon and metallic colors.

I use only acrylics in most of my work. Sometimes with a gel medium so that the painting gets some structure like in oils. To add some glitz, sometimes gold leaf is added to make the portraits more ornate.

The best way to master acrylic painting is to use the paint. Experiment, and have fun!