With so many different types of paint to choose from, it can be difficult for beginning artists to know which paint they should start with. Two of the paints I like to use the most are acrylic paints and alkyd paints.
These are two completely different types of paint, but they do have similar features. I have often said that to me, alkyds are a combination of the best acrylic paints and oil paints.
With alkyd paints, you get an oil-based paint that works like oil paint. But, this type of paint dries much faster than oils (not as fast as acrylic paint, but not as slowly as oil paint).
All types of artist paint are made with three main components: thinner, binder, and pigment. Alkyd and acrylic paints use chemical thinners and binders.
Let’s take a look at alkyd paints and acrylic paints. By the end of this post, you will have enough information to be able to decide which type of paint you want for your art projects.
Acrylic Paint and Alkyd Paint Comparison
| Factors | Acrylic Paint | Alkyd Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Oil or water-based | Water | Oil, but contains no oil |
| Versatility | Can be used on most surfaces | Can be used on most surfaces |
| Durability | Durable and resistant to water and corrosion | Durable and resistant to water and corrosion |
| Drying time | A thin layer can be dry in as little as 15 minutes | Paint is dry to the touch in six to eight hours |
| Color intensity | Colors darken as the paint dries | Colors are bright and vivid |
| Use with other mediums | Can be used with many other mediums | Can be used with oil paints |
| Price | An inexpensive set of 12 colors will cost around $10 | A set of 12 colors can cost upwards of $30 |
What is Alkyd Paint?
Alkyd paints are among the oldest types of paint used by artists. Alkyd paint is oil-based, but it doesn’t actually contain any oil.
As I mentioned in the introduction, all paints are made with thinner, binder, and pigment. In the case of alkyd paint, the thinners and binders are usually made of chemicals, such as alcohol or mineral spirits.
The thinner controls how the paint behaves, including how fast it dries and how the paint flows. The binder controls the paint texture and adherence to surfaces. Alkyd paint usually contains a binder made of synthetic resin.
I like alkyd paints because they are so versatile. They can be used on most types of surfaces, and the colors are so bright and vivid.
Alkyd paints are resistant to corrosion, and they provide a beautiful shine to artwork that will last for many years to come. They are also resistant to water and humidity.
While alkyds are not made with oils, they are compatible with oil paints. These types of paint can be used together to make a piece of art really pop.
You can lay oil paints over alkyds, but you shouldn’t lay alkyds over oils. The latter can cause cracking because alkyds are not as flexible as oil paints.
One of the great things about working with alkyd paints is that you don’t necessarily need to prime surfaces before painting on them. Alkyds can be used on many surfaces, including unfinished wood and items that are already painted with latex paint.
There is one major drawback to using alkyd paints: they tend to be more toxic than other types of paint, including oils. It is important to be careful when working with alkyds.
Pros and Cons of Alkyd Paints
Pros
- Dry faster than oils
- Can be used in combination with oil paints
- Bright, vivid colors
- Paint on most types of surfaces
- Less surface prep for most surfaces
Cons
- Dry slower than acrylics
- Can be toxic
- More expensive than acrylics
What is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paints are among the most versatile paints you can use, and they are great for beginners. They are also the least toxic of paints, making them healthier to use for people and for the environment.
This type of paint contains a plastic polymer binder, which allows them to dry quickly. The other components are pigments and a vehicle, which is usually water.
One of the best things about acrylic paints is that they have a lot of water resistance once they have dried. Also, they are flexible and durable at the same time.
One thing I love about using acrylic paints is the fact that I can paint in layers without having to spend several hours or days waiting for each layer to dry. A thin layer of acrylic paint can be dry in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.
On the downside of this, sometimes the paint dries too quickly to allow for color blending. You may find that you have to mix your colors on a palette rather than on a canvas.
Acrylic paints can be used on most types of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, fabric, masonite, and even concrete and brick. As long as the surface is clean and not greasy or glossy, you can probably use acrylic paint on it.
Acrylics can be used for many different types of projects. In addition to painting on canvas, they can be used for collages, crafting, and even mixed media projects.
One thing to keep in mind when using acrylic paints is that the colors become much darker as the paint dries. You may need to adjust your colors when blending to allow for this.
Also, because acrylic paints dry quickly, you will have to work quickly. They even dry fast while on the palette!
Pros and Cons of Acrylic Paints
Pros
- Acrylic paints dry quickly
- Can be used on most types of surfaces
- Ideal for many different types of art projects
- Can be used with other mediums
- Can be mixed with mediums to change viscosity, texture, etc.
- Inexpensive, with a student set of 12 colors costing around $10
Cons
- Quick drying makes it difficult to blend colors on a canvas
- Can contain toxins
- Colors darken when the paint is dry
Conclusion
So, which type of paint should you choose for your artwork? Both acrylic paints and alkyd paints are ideal for painting on most types of surfaces.
Acrylic paints dry faster than alkyds, which is a blessing in some cases but also not so great in other cases. Alkyds dry faster than oils, but they still take a while to dry.
Both alkyds and acrylics are resistant to moisture, so they can be used for projects that are going to be left outdoors.
Acrylic paints are water-based, whereas alkyd paints are oil-based. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but both can be loads of fun to work with.
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!