Choosing a paint to use can be overwhelming at times due to the various types out there. Get the finish you want by using the right paint for your next project. Some paints are more durable than others or completely change the look of the piece. Depending on what you are creating, the right paint choice can be extremely significant to the final success of your masterpiece. These 5 paint types are different in style and properties but can make a big impact on your next art project.
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Acrylic
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Acrylic paints are extremely versatile, and ideal for fine brushwork, glazing, staining, water media techniques and many more. This smooth and light paint has excellent pigment quality, color strength, and durability. The acrylic paint can be applied to almost any stable surface like watercolor paper or canvas. It is quick-drying and can be purchased in a variety of forms, like a tube or small ink-bottle varying in viscosity.
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Acrylic paints are extremely versatile, and ideal for fine brushwork, glazing, staining, water media techniques and many more. This smooth and light paint has excellent pigment quality, color strength, and durability. The acrylic paint can be applied to almost any stable surface like watercolor paper or canvas. It is quick-drying and can be purchased in a variety of forms, like a tube or small ink-bottle varying in viscosity.
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Oil
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Oil-based paint is very durable and provides a glossy-looking finish. Brushstrokes fill themselves into a smooth, rich varnish. Oil-based paint has long-lasting coverage and blends well with others. This paint dries slowly which works in a painter’s advantage since the artist can develop the painting gradually, making changes to the work along the way. Don’t forget about water mixable oil paints. Water mixable oil paint is oil paint with an added emulsifier. This type of paint is water mixable, not water-based. This paint possesses elasticity and is diluted thinly when more water is added.
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Oil-based paint is very durable and provides a glossy-looking finish. Brushstrokes fill themselves into a smooth, rich varnish. Oil-based paint has long-lasting coverage and blends well with others. This paint dries slowly which works in a painter’s advantage since the artist can develop the painting gradually, making changes to the work along the way. Don’t forget about water mixable oil paints. Water mixable oil paint is oil paint with an added emulsifier. This type of paint is water mixable, not water-based. This paint possesses elasticity and is diluted thinly when more water is added.
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Watercolor
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Watercolor is a translucent paint containing pigment and a binder, typically gum-arabic. The gum-arabic holds the paint together and ensures the paint will not flake. The paint has color pigment suspended in water until the water dries and stains the surface. The paint brushes with fluidity and transparency and dries fairly quickly.
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Watercolor is a translucent paint containing pigment and a binder, typically gum-arabic. The gum-arabic holds the paint together and ensures the paint will not flake. The paint has color pigment suspended in water until the water dries and stains the surface. The paint brushes with fluidity and transparency and dries fairly quickly.
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Gouache
- Gouache is a water-soluble and opaque paint so the white of the paper surface does not show through. It is a tad chalkier than traditional watercolor and absorbs light rather than reflects it. The paint is diluted with water, but possesses a strong colored pigment. This unique paint dries darker and a little of it goes a long way and takes time to dry which means it can be workable for hours or even days after application.
- Gouache is a water-soluble and opaque paint so the white of the paper surface does not show through. It is a tad chalkier than traditional watercolor and absorbs light rather than reflects it. The paint is diluted with water, but possesses a strong colored pigment. This unique paint dries darker and a little of it goes a long way and takes time to dry which means it can be workable for hours or even days after application.
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Encaustic
- Encaustic is a wax-based paint with a strong color pigment. A versatile paint choice, encaustic has no solvents added and is impervious to moisture. It is highly durable and best used on a firm, absorbent surface. Artists can use a heat source and metal tools to begin working with this hot liquid wax known as encaustic.
- Encaustic is a wax-based paint with a strong color pigment. A versatile paint choice, encaustic has no solvents added and is impervious to moisture. It is highly durable and best used on a firm, absorbent surface. Artists can use a heat source and metal tools to begin working with this hot liquid wax known as encaustic.
When it comes to choosing paint, select a paint based on the style and finish. There are a variety of unique paint types to select from with varying methods of application and viscosities. These paint types are guaranteed to be a premier choice for your art project. With each paint supplying a unique look for you, the possibilities are endless. Try one of these 5 different paint types on your next project.