Still Confused between oil paintings vs acrylic paintings? For your next home décor artwork. While both types of paint can be used to create beautiful artworks, there are some key differences in terms of brushstrokes, texture, and the overall vibe exuded by the colors in the painting.
From drying time and the level of ease in clean-up to the cost of materials, there are some key differences between the two.
Let us explore the key areas of contrast between oil painting and acrylic painting.
Oil Paintings Vs Acrylic Paintings: Compared
| Point | Oil Painting | Acrylic Painting |
| 1. What it’s made of | Made with oil, so it’s not mixable with water | Made with plastic and water, so mixes with water |
| 2. Drying time | Dries really slowly (can take days) | Dries really fast (in minutes) |
| 3. Texture | Feels thick and gives a layered look | Can feel smooth or thick, depending on type |
| 4. Smell | Has a strong smell | Hardly any smell |
| 5. Clean-up | Needs special liquids to clean | Just water is enough |
| 6. Cracking | Might crack if not used carefully | Stays flexible and doesn’t crack easily |
Image Comparison
Now, let us learn everything in more detail.
1. Which paint has the thicker consistency?
As already stated, acrylic paints are water-based in composition, so they dry quicker than oil paints. An oil painting, on the other hand, is thicker in composition, consisting of different solvents, driers, and fillers. Oil paints use drying oils like linseed oil to bind the pigment. This gives them a richer and buttery texture. Acrylic paints use acrylic polymers as a binder, which are less viscous.
2. Which takes more time to dry?
If you are looking for artwork that can dry quickly so you can put it up to decorate your home faster, acrylic paintings may be a smarter choice for you. However, if you wish to invest in a large-scale painting that can light up the vibe of your entire room, then you may want to give some more time for the drying process. In that case, an oil painting may be a good idea, as it will already take some more time to dry than an acrylic painting. You may also use different types of materials for both types of painting to dry them faster or slower, as you wish.
3. Which paint is easier to blend or mix?
Each type of paint can be mixed or blended to make interesting hues and effects, so it depends on the process through which the artwork is created. If a large piece of art is in question, and the artist wishes to blend multiple paints, then oil is the more flexible option. This is because it retains moisture for a longer time than acrylic paints. Oil paints will ensure a smooth and easy-to-guide texture for a long time.
4. Which paint is easier to clean up?
Cleanup is the hard part after the completion of an artwork, and overall, acrylic paint is easier to clean up than oil paint. Oil paint is naturally repellent to water, and painters may need to clean with solvents like turpentine. If there are strong substances mixed with oil paint to create a shiny, matte finish in the artwork, then linseed oil, artist’s soap, and other products may be needed to ensure a thorough cleanup process. On the other hand, cleaning up acrylic paint is easier. Usually, only warm water and soap can do the trick.
5. Which paint is more toxic?
Acrylic and oil-based paints are both safe and non-toxic when not mixed with other substances. Oil paints are made of two things: pigment, or the color, and a type of vegetable oil. Some pigments, like lead white, barium yellow, and chrome green, can be more toxic. Acrylic paints, on the other hand, are not toxic, as they contain a chemical called propylene glycol to suspend the pigments.
6. What kind of finish does each give?
Acrylic paints will provide a flatter and matte finish to the artwork. These colors have a dense and dark finish. Oil paint, on the other hand, provides a natural, high-gloss, and smooth finish. If you want to create greater depth and texture, oil paint is the smarter choice.
Conclusion
Oil paintings and acrylic paintings differ mostly based on the materials that distinguish oil paint and acrylic paint, and the kind of texture and finish that they give to paintings. While acrylic paints give a thinner, smoother finish, oil paintings add more depth, layers, and texture to the painting. If you are looking to decorate your home with a beautiful oil portrait painting that matches your vibe, then Oil Pixel can be your go-to solution. Their original and unique range of paintings has something for every art enthusiast to cherish.