Acrylic paint is a common paint used by artists, made with pigments and acrylic polymers, and is used for painting on canvases, sculptures, and other items.
Latex paint is made with vinyl or acrylic as a binder and is commonly used by house painters, for painting ceilings and walls, but there are also types of latex artist paints.
Both acrylic and latex paints are water-based, but this is where the similarities end. There are many differences between acrylic and latex paints.
For instance, acrylic paint is commonly used for artwork. Latex paint is generally used for painting houses, but some artists do incorporate it into their work.
Today we will take a look at the differences between acrylic paint and latex paint. Let’s get started.
Acrylic Paint and Latex Paint Comparison
| Factors | Acrylic Paint | Latex Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Drying time | Dries quickly, about 10 minutes per layer | Dries even faster than acrylic paint |
| Toxicity | May contain toxic ingredient | Does not contain toxins |
| Price | Less expensive than oil paints | Less expensive than acrylic paint |
| Water-based | Yes | Yes |
| Good for beginners | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | Flexible and durable | May crack and chip over time |
What is Acrylic Paint?
Even if you have never painted before, you have probably heard of acrylic paint. This type of paint is water-based, and it has an acrylic polymer emulsion for a binder.
The pigments in acrylic paint are suspended in the acrylic polymer. This creates an adhesive bond that holds the pigments together so they will properly adhere to the surfaces you are painting on.
One of the great things about acrylic paint is that it dries quickly. This is because it is water-based. The only drawback is that once it is dry, the only way to fix a mistake is to paint over it.
Acrylic paint is a relatively inexpensive option for artists, and it tends to be among the most popular of all of the artist paints. It can be used for painting on canvases, as well as many other surfaces, including metal, plastic, glass, and wood.
The pigments used in acrylic paints are granular solids which are finely ground. They do not dissolve, but instead are suspended in the paint, and they can be organic, inorganic, natural, or synthetic.
Finally, the vehicle in acrylic paint is water. When mixed with a binder, the result is a polymer emulsion. The water evaporates and what you are left with are the colored pigments on the surface you have painted on.
I tend to prefer using acrylic paints because they dry quickly, even when I paint in layers. In most cases, paintings are dry to the touch within half an hour to an hour.
Once dry, acrylic paints are permanent. This type of paint can be used for many painting styles and techniques. You can even use it for impasto as long as you thicken it.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic Paint
Pros
- Acrylics are great for beginners
- Acrylic paints dry quickly
- Acrylic paints are flexible and durable
- Acrylics can be used on many surfaces, including canvas, wood, and glass
Cons
- Mistakes are impossible to fix after the paint has dried
- Some acrylic paints contain toxic ingredients
- Artist acrylics aren’t the best choice for children
- Difficult to blend on a canvas
What is Latex Paint?
Latex paint is another water-based paint that contains a water-based emulsion that acts as a binder. Originally, latex paint contained natural latex that came from rubber trees, but today most latex paints contain synthetic polymers.
The latex binder is what holds the pigments and other ingredients together. This type of paint is popular for projects that will be displayed outdoors. It is also used for painting walls due to its durability.
Latex paint is easy to apply, and you can get a lot of coverage without having to use a lot of layers or coats. It is less toxic than some acrylic paints, so there are no health risks to worry about.
One of the biggest drawbacks to using latex paint is that it doesn’t have the same adhesive qualities as acrylic paint. While it is great for some surfaces, it will peel right off other surfaces, such as concrete.
Paintings created with latex paint are durable and easy to clean. This is because once the paint has dried and cured, it has a hard shell that can be wiped down with soap and water.
This doesn’t mean that latex paint is more durable than acrylic paint. In fact, it can become quite brittle, causing it to crack or chip over time.
Like acrylic paint, latex paint is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Keep in mind that the glossier the finish, the longer it is going to take to dry.
Latex paint doesn’t have the greatest shelf life. Once a container of latex paint is opened and the air gets to it, it isn’t going to store well.
Pros and Cons of Latex Paint
Pros
- Latex paint dries quickly
- Latex paint is more durable than acrylic paint
- Latex paint is non-toxic
- Paintings created with latex paint are easier to clean
Cons
- Latex paint doesn’t have a long shelf life
- Latex paintings can become brittle, causing cracking and chipping
- Latex paint isn’t ideal for all surfaces
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best type of paint for your art projects, I recommend using acrylic paint instead of latex paint. While latex is great for creating base coats and underpaintings, the details should be created with acrylics.
Both types of paint are water-based, but as you can see, there are also several differences between the two. I suggest using acrylics for your art projects and save the latex paint for painting the walls in your home.
Sari Green is a semi-professional artist and professional writer. She has been hosting paint & sip parties for the past couple of years, and truly enjoys helping other people to create their very own masterpieces. She loves to create, and you never know what she’s going to come up with next!