There are several different options you can use when it comes to the paint used for your artwork. Two of the most popular options are tempera paint and acrylic paint.
Since both of these paints are water-based, are there any differences between the two? The answer is yes, there are a lot of differences between tempera paint and acrylic paint.
Today I am going to talk about these differences and the best applications for both types of artist paint. You will learn about what each type of paint is made with, the drying times, the pros and cons of each, and more.
If you are interested in finding out how acrylic paint and tempera paint compare, continue reading.
Acrylic Paint and Tempera Paint Comparison
| Factors | Acrylic Paint | Tempera Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Colored pigments with a water-resistant polymer binder | Colored pigments with a water-soluble binder |
| Consistency | Thick | Creamy |
| Thinning | Should be done with mediums, although water can be used | Can be thinned with water |
| Drying Time | Dry to the touch in 15 minute | Dry to touch in 30 minutes |
| Finish | Matte or semi-gloss | matte |
| Durability | Paintings will last for many years | Washes away with water, not very durable |
| Best Used By | Adults and kidsq | Kids |
| Price | More than $1 per fluid ounce | Pennies per fluid ounce |
What is Tempera Paint?
Tempera paint is a water-based medium that has been around since the 1600s. It was widely used by artists during this period, but today it is mainly used by children for their temporary art projects.
There are two main ingredients in tempera paint: colored pigments and a water-soluble binding agent. This agent is generally starch, cellulose, casein, or egg. In some cases, tempera paint is also blended with gum or oil, such as poppy or linseed oil.
You can make your own tempera paint with egg, but you won’t be too likely to find it in stores because it can be toxic (you know how bad eggs smell once they go bad).
Tempera paint has a smooth and creamy texture. It can be liquid, or even semi-opaque. Kids like using it because they can open the package and begin painting without having to add water or mediums.
You can also get tempera paint in powdered form, but it must be mixed with water before it can be used.
It usually isn’t necessary to thin out tempera paint. It is already nice and creamy, and it is thin. It also has plenty of viscosity. Adding water could actually cause the pigments to become diluted and the colors will be less vibrant.
One thing that is nice about tempera paint is the way it flows. It flows much easier than acrylic paint. I often wish that tempera paint could be used for permanent painting projects for this reason.
If you think acrylic paint dries quickly, you should see just how quickly tempera paint dries. A painting made with tempera paint can be dry to the touch within 15 minutes.
The only major drawback is that because it is only semi-permanent, this paint can be reactivated with water. If you are painting projects that will be left outdoors, tempera paint is not the paint for you. It can’t be used for layering or building paint.
But, for the same reason, this paint is ideal for kids. It can easily be washed off hands and clothing with soapy water.
Tempera paint has a matte finish after it dries. It also has a finish that is hard and smooth, unlike acrylic paint, which has a stiffer finish that is more like plastic.
Pros and Cons of Tempera Paint
Pros
- Easy to wash off skin and clothing
- Non-toxic
- Can usually be used right out of the package
- Dries quickly
- Doesn’t cost a lot and is available in most craft stores
Cons
- Not suitable for layering
- Not durable as water will ruin a tempera painting
- Not very lightfast
- Not great for use on canvas, fabric, wood, metal, and ceramic
- Short shelf life
What is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is another water-based paint, but it has many advantages over tempera paint when it comes to creating paintings that are meant to last for many years.
Acrylic paint is made with colored pigments and a water-resistant binder. Water is the vehicle used in the composition of acrylic paint.
This is a thick paint, and it is available in heavy-body and soft body forms. The heavy-bodied paint dries quickly and you can get more brush strokes.
If your acrylic paint is too thick, you can thin it out with mediums that are specifically designed for this purpose. You can also use water if you are in a pinch, but I don’t recommend doing this any more than necessary. Thinning acrylic paint will not change its viscosity, or make it too runny.
Acrylic paint doesn’t flow as nicely as tempera paint, but it has so many more advantages for most artists. It dries rather quickly, with most paintings being dry to the touch within approximately 30 minutes.
Acrylic paint cannot be reactivated. Once it is on the canvas, it is there to stay. Of course, there are ways to remove the paint if you make mistakes, but otherwise, your acrylic paintings will last for many years.
Acrylic paint can have a matte or semi-gloss finish, depending on the type of paint and the mediums you use with it. It tends to dry darker, so keep this in mind when painting with acrylics.
This paint can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects. It is highly durable and has plenty of lightfastness.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic Paint
Pros
- Paint in layers
- Durability
- Lightfast
- Can be used on most surfaces, including canvas, fabric, wood, metal, and ceramic
- Long shelf life
Cons
- Difficult to wash off, especially from clothing
- Often needs to be thinned
- Takes longer to dry than tempera paint
- Costs more than tempera paint (but less than oil paint)
Conclusion
If you are serious about painting, I suggest using acrylic paints instead of tempera paints. You work hard on your paintings, and you want them to last for many years to come.
On the other hand, if you are looking for the ideal paint for kids to play with, tempera is an excellent choice. It is easy to work with, and it cleans up easily.
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!