Oil vs Acrylic: Which Paint is Best for Your Next Art Project?

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 11 min read

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Oil and Acrylic

Choosing the right paint for your next art project can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the decision between oil and acrylic paints. This blog will help you navigate the oil vs acrylic debate, exploring the history, drying time, blending capabilities, color vibrancy, suitable painting surfaces, cleanup, cost, and popular brands associated with each type of paint. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be well-equipped to make the best choice for your artistic endeavors.

Oil vs Acrylic: An Overview

Before diving into the specific aspects of oil and acrylic paints, let's take a brief look at the history and general properties of each type. Understanding their origins and characteristics will help provide a solid foundation for the rest of our discussion on oil vs acrylic paints.

History of Oil Paint

Oil paint has been a popular choice among artists for centuries, with evidence of its use dating back to as early as the 7th century. The Renaissance period saw a surge in the popularity of oil painting, as masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo used it to create their iconic works. Oil paint is made by suspending pigments in oil, typically linseed oil, allowing for a rich, deep color and a slow drying time.

History of Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to the art world, first developed in the 1940s. It quickly gained popularity due to its versatility and ease of use. Acrylic paint is made by suspending pigments in an acrylic polymer emulsion, resulting in a fast-drying, water-soluble paint that can be used for a wide range of artistic applications.

Drying Time

One of the most significant differences between oil and acrylic paints is their drying time. This factor can greatly impact your creative process and the final outcome of your artwork. Let's take a closer look at how the drying times of oil and acrylic paints differ and how this may affect your decision when choosing between them.

Oil Paint Drying Time

Oil paint is known for its slow drying time, which can range from days to even weeks, depending on the thickness of the paint and other environmental factors. This long drying time can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows for greater flexibility in blending and manipulating the paint, enabling you to create smooth transitions and achieve a high level of detail. On the other hand, it can be frustrating if you're eager to complete a project quickly, and it requires careful planning to avoid unintentionally smudging or disturbing the wet paint.

Acrylic Paint Drying Time

Acrylic paint, in contrast, dries much more quickly—often within minutes. This fast-drying property can be advantageous if you're working on a deadline or if you simply prefer to see your artwork come together more rapidly. However, the quick drying time can also be challenging, as it leaves less room for blending and making adjustments. To counter this, some artists use various mediums or techniques to extend the working time of acrylic paints, but it's still generally more limited than the working time offered by oil paints.

Blending and Workability

Another crucial aspect to consider when comparing oil and acrylic paints is their blending and workability properties. Each type of paint offers unique advantages and challenges when it comes to blending colors and achieving the desired effects on your canvas.

Blending with Oil Paint

Oil paint is renowned for its excellent blending capabilities. Thanks to its slow drying time, you can easily mix and blend colors directly on the canvas, creating smooth gradients and seamless transitions between shades. This is particularly helpful when painting realistic landscapes, portraits, or any subject that requires subtle color variations. Additionally, oil paint tends to maintain its consistency and not lose its vibrancy as it dries, which can further contribute to achieving a polished, professional look.

Blending with Acrylic Paint

While acrylic paint can be more challenging to blend due to its fast drying time, it's by no means impossible. With practice and the right techniques, you can still achieve beautiful blends and transitions in your acrylic paintings. One popular method is the "wet-on-wet" technique, which involves applying fresh acrylic paint onto an already wet surface. This can help extend the working time and facilitate smoother blending. Alternatively, you can use mediums or additives designed to slow down the drying time of acrylic paint, giving you more time to blend and manipulate the colors on your canvas.

Ultimately, the best choice between oil and acrylic paint when it comes to blending and workability depends on your personal preferences and painting style. If you value a longer working time and seamless blending, oil paint might be the better option for you. However, if you're willing to adapt your techniques and work with a faster-drying medium, acrylic paint can still provide satisfying results.

Color Vibrancy

Color vibrancy is a critical factor to consider when comparing oil and acrylic paints, as it can significantly impact the overall appearance of your artwork. Both types of paint offer distinct advantages and challenges when it comes to achieving vibrant, eye-catching colors.

Colors in Oil Paint

Oil paint is known for its rich, luminous colors that maintain their intensity and depth even after drying. This is partly due to the natural translucency of oil paint, which allows light to penetrate through the layers and reflect back, creating a glowing effect. Additionally, oil paint often contains a higher concentration of pigment, resulting in more saturated colors. However, it's worth noting that some oil colors may become slightly darker or more transparent as they dry, which is a phenomenon known as "sinking in."

Colors in Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint also offers vibrant colors, but it's essential to be aware of a few factors that can affect their appearance. Acrylic colors tend to darken as they dry, an effect known as "color shift." This occurs because the water content in acrylic paint evaporates during the drying process, leaving behind a slightly darker, more concentrated color. To account for this, you may need to mix your acrylics a shade lighter than your intended color. Additionally, acrylic paint has a plastic-like quality when dry, which can affect the overall vibrancy and translucency of your colors.

In conclusion, both oil and acrylic paints can produce stunning, vibrant colors in your artwork. Oil paint may have the edge in terms of depth and luminosity, but with practice and some adjustments, you can achieve equally vibrant results with acrylic paint. As with blending and workability, the choice between oil and acrylic for color vibrancy largely comes down to personal preference and artistic goals.

Painting Surfaces

Selecting the right painting surface is crucial for the success of your art project. Different surfaces can have a significant impact on how your oil or acrylic paints perform, so it's essential to understand the unique characteristics of each type of paint when choosing a surface.

Surfaces for Oil Paint

Oil paint works well on a variety of surfaces, but some popular choices include:

Canvas: Canvas is the most traditional surface for oil painting and offers a textured surface that grips the paint well. It's typically primed with gesso, which prevents the paint from soaking into the fabric and strengthens the fibers to resist deterioration from the oil.
Wood Panels: Wood panels provide a smooth, rigid surface for oil painting. Ensure the wood is properly sealed with a primer or gesso to protect it from the paint's acidity.
Metal Panels: Metal panels, such as aluminum, offer a durable, non-absorbent surface for oil painting. It's important to clean and prime the metal surface to ensure proper paint adhesion.

It's important to note that oil paint requires a non-absorbent, primed surface to prevent the oil from seeping into the substrate, which can cause discoloration and eventual degradation of the artwork.

Surfaces for Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is highly versatile and can adhere to a wide range of surfaces, including:

Canvas: Like oil paint, acrylics work well on canvas. You can use either pre-primed or unprimed canvas, as acrylic paint won't harm the fabric fibers.
Wood Panels: Acrylic paint can also be applied to wood panels, but it's important to seal the wood with a primer or gesso to prevent warping or paint absorption.
Paper: Acrylic paint can be used on heavy-weight paper, such as watercolor paper or illustration board. It's best to choose acid-free paper to prevent yellowing over time.
Other Surfaces: Acrylic paint can adhere to many other surfaces, including fabric, glass, and ceramics. Keep in mind that some surfaces may require special preparation or a specific type of acrylic paint formulated for that material.

When deciding between oil and acrylic paint for your next art project, consider the surfaces you're most interested in working with and how each type of paint will perform on those surfaces. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your artistic preferences and the goals of your project.

Cleanup and Safety

When it comes to cleanup and safety, there are some differences between oil and acrylic paints that you should be aware of. Knowing the proper methods for disposing of used materials and understanding potential safety concerns can help you make an informed decision when choosing between oil and acrylic paints for your next art project.

Cleanup for Oil Paint

Oil paint cleanup can be a bit more involved than acrylic paint. Here are some key points to remember:

Solvents: To clean brushes, palette knives, and other tools used with oil paint, you'll need a solvent, such as turpentine or mineral spirits. These solvents can be toxic and flammable, so make sure to use them in a well-ventilated area and dispose of them according to local regulations.
Rags and Paper Towels: When wiping off excess paint or cleaning your tools, use rags or paper towels. Be aware that oil-soaked rags can spontaneously combust if not stored or disposed of properly. Store them in a covered, water-filled container to minimize fire risk.
Paint Waste: When disposing of leftover oil paint, avoid pouring it down the drain. Instead, let the paint dry and then discard it in the trash, adhering to local waste disposal guidelines.

Cleanup for Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint cleanup is generally easier and safer than oil paint. Here are some tips for cleaning up after working with acrylics:

Water: Since acrylic paint is water-soluble, you can clean your brushes, palette knives, and other tools with warm, soapy water. No toxic solvents are required.
Rags and Paper Towels: Like with oil paint, use rags or paper towels to wipe off excess paint or clean your tools. However, there's no risk of spontaneous combustion with acrylic-soaked materials, making disposal easier and safer.
Paint Waste: When disposing of leftover acrylic paint, avoid pouring it down the drain, as it can harden in your pipes. Instead, let the paint dry and then discard it in the trash, following local waste disposal guidelines.

When comparing oil vs acrylic paints in terms of cleanup and safety, acrylic paints generally require less effort and pose fewer risks. However, it's still essential to follow good studio practices and adhere to local regulations when disposing of any art materials.

Cost Comparison

One of the factors to consider when deciding between oil and acrylic paints for your art project is the cost. Let's look at the differences in price for these two types of paint so you can make an informed decision based on your budget.

Oil Paint Cost

Oil paint tends to be more expensive than acrylic paint for several reasons:

Ingredients: The pigments used in oil paints are often more expensive than those used in acrylics. Additionally, the oil binder itself can be pricier than acrylic binders.
Production: The process of manufacturing oil paint is generally more time-consuming and labor-intensive, which can contribute to higher costs.
Shelf Life: Oil paint has a longer shelf life compared to acrylic paint, which can add to its perceived value and lead to higher prices.

Acrylic Paint Cost

Acrylic paint is generally more affordable than oil paint for the following reasons:

Ingredients: The pigments and binders used in acrylic paints are typically less expensive than those in oil paints, which helps keep costs down.
Production: Acrylic paint production is usually faster and more efficient than oil paint production, resulting in lower costs.
Shelf Life: While acrylic paint has a shorter shelf life than oil paint, this can sometimes lead to discounted prices as manufacturers seek to sell their inventory before it expires.

In the battle of oil vs acrylic paint costs, acrylics generally come out on top as the more budget-friendly option. However, it's important to note that the quality of the paint you choose can also impact the price. High-quality artist-grade paints will typically be more expensive than student-grade paints, regardless of whether they are oil or acrylic.

Popular Brands

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between oil and acrylic paints, let's explore some popular brands that offer both types of paint. This way, you can choose the best option for your art project based on quality and reputation.

Winsor & Newton

Winsor & Newton is a well-known and respected brand in the art world. They offer both oil and acrylic paints in a wide range of colors and quality levels.

Oil: Their oil paint line includes the professional-grade Artists' Oil Colour and the more affordable Winton Oil Colour, which is perfect for students and beginners.
Acrylic: Winsor & Newton offers two acrylic paint lines: the professional-grade Professional Acrylic and the student-grade Galeria Acrylic.

Golden Acrylics

Golden Acrylics is another popular brand among artists, known for their high-quality acrylic paints. They offer a variety of acrylic paint lines, including:

Heavy Body Acrylics: These paints have a thick, buttery consistency that is great for impasto techniques and maintaining brushstrokes.
Fluid Acrylics: These paints have a thinner consistency, making them ideal for watercolor-like effects and smooth blending.
High Flow Acrylics: These ultra-thin paints are perfect for airbrushing, calligraphy, and other detail work.

Although Golden Acrylics does not offer oil paints, their extensive acrylic paint lines provide a wealth of options for artists who prefer acrylics.

Gamblin

Gamblin is a renowned brand in the world of oil paint, offering a range of high-quality oil paints for artists. Their product lines include:

Artist's Oil Colors: These professional-grade oil paints are known for their rich pigmentation and excellent working properties.
1980 Oil Colors: This more affordable line of oil paints is designed for students and budget-conscious artists, without sacrificing quality.

While Gamblin does not offer acrylic paints, their oil paint lines are an excellent choice for artists who prefer working with oils.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Oil and Acrylic

Ultimately, the choice between oil and acrylic paint for your next art project comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your project. Consider factors such as drying time, blending and workability, color vibrancy, painting surfaces, cleanup and safety, and cost when making your decision. Remember, there is no right or wrong choice—both oil and acrylic paints can create beautiful artwork. It's all about what works best for you and your creative vision.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Oil and Acrylic

When it comes to the oil vs acrylic debate, the right choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences, project requirements, and artistic style. To make the best decision, consider the following factors:

Drying time: If you prefer to work on your art piece over a longer period, oil paints offer the advantage of a slower drying time. On the other hand, if you need your artwork to dry quickly, acrylics will be the better option.
Blending and workability: Oil paints are known for their smooth blending capabilities, allowing artists to create subtle transitions between colors. Acrylics can be more challenging to blend, but with practice and the right techniques, you can still achieve beautiful results.
Color vibrancy: Both oil and acrylic paints offer a wide range of vibrant colors. However, keep in mind that some acrylic colors may darken slightly as they dry, while oil colors tend to remain more consistent.
Painting surfaces: While both oil and acrylic paints can be used on various surfaces, oils require a more specific preparation of the surface to avoid issues like paint cracking or rotting. Acrylics are more versatile and can be used on a greater variety of surfaces with minimal preparation.
Cleanup and safety: Acrylic paints are water-soluble, making cleanup quick and easy with just soap and water. Oil paints require solvents for cleanup, which may be more hazardous and require proper ventilation and disposal.
Cost: Generally, oil paints tend to be more expensive than acrylics. However, there are high-quality options available in both types of paint at various price points.

Experimenting with both oil and acrylic paints can help you determine which medium best suits your artistic style and project requirements. There's no right or wrong choice—both have their unique qualities and can produce stunning artwork. The most important thing is to enjoy the creative process and let your artistic vision guide you in your decision.

If you're looking to enhance your acrylic painting abilities, don't miss out on the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop will provide you with expert tips and techniques to take your acrylic painting skills to new heights. Dive in and unlock your full artistic potential!