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Acrylic Painting

The qualities of acrylic are exceptional. It is certainly more versatile than most other paints. For, one thing, it can stimulate almost exactly what they can do, in many instances better. It is clean to handle and has only a slight, pleasant aroma. No cumbersome equipment is needed, no special chemical knowledge to make it function satisfactorily. This alone makes it ideal for those who find oil paint somewhat messy, its smell unpleasant, its use arduous and something of a performance.

One of the advantages of acrylic is its speed of working. It dries rapidly, in minutes if need be, and permanently. Alternatively, drying can be prolonged to suit individual working requirements. Acrylic dries throughout so thoroughly, it can be varnished immediately with either a matt (eggshell) or glossy finish.
Another advantage is that acrylic is both tough and flexible.

Acrylics clean to handle; flexible; water resistant; tough. Acrylics: can simulate other paints; smell good; need little special equipment; dry
fast; can be cleaned; can be repaired; adhere permanently. It does not peel, crack or split, and it is water-resistant. The surface of dried acrylic can be gently cleaned should the need arise, and can be repaired easily if damaged.
Perhaps the most advantageous characteristics of acrylic are its adhesive qualities. It can be applied, without difficulty, to almost anything, and remain, permanently, without flaking or rubbing off. Unlike oil paint, which can damage the surface of certain materials if applied without the appropriate priming, acrylic can be used without any special preparation if the situation demands.
Among other things, it will adhere satisfactorily to all kinds of wall surfaces, cloth, paper, card (cardboard), hardboard, wood, plastic -almost any object or surface suitable for painting or decoration.

Acrylic is a multipurpose paint; it can be used as a paste as well as a liquid, enabling a variety of surface changes to be carried out and explored. From the perfectly flat, or evenly gradated kind, to the highly modelled, textured surface that has sand, glass, wool fibre and tissue paper added to it. For among its many accomplishments, the acrylic medium is also a powerful glue.
It will especially suit those who delight in bold, bright, clear colours. Conversely it can be reduced to subtle tones and carefully gradated tints by the usual methods of mixing.
Acrylic's simplicity of handling is a major advantage, especially for beginners. The simple equipment needed means less initial expense, a further encouragement to those who have never painted before. Acrylic is uncomplicated to use, but it is important to learn how it behaves. Practice and experiment will teach you how to exploit the qualities of the paint. Experience with other mediums is not necessary; beginners are at no disadvantage to the more experienced painter in under- standing acrylics, and the beginner may be less prejudiced and more adventurous than the painter skilled in other mediums.