Oil Paint vs. Acrylic: A Comparison of Quality and Process - Day 11 of Writing everyday
Oil paint simply surpasses acrylic paint in terms of quality, without a doubt.
It requires more care and attention, and has a more intricate process. It spreads easily and can be messy, making it crucial to learn how to handle it properly in the studio and maintain a clean environment. Additionally, it involves the use of solvents and additives to achieve different flow and thickness levels. In contrast, acrylic paint is more straightforward and lacks the same artistry involved in oil painting. Acrylic paint can seem plastic and unappealing, and once you have tried oil paint, it's hard to return to using acrylic. Oil paint has a pleasing scent and a unique quality that is hard to replicate.
While there are some benefits to using acrylic paint, such as its quick drying time and suitability for quick studies or underpainting, it does not compare to the beauty and finish of oil paint. In sculpture, I have used acrylic paint to achieve a specific plastic-like appearance on ceramics. However, it is important not to apply too much paint when using acrylics, as the finish can be satin, tacky, and plastic-like, detracting from the overall work. If you prefer thick, textured paintings, oil paint is the way to go. While it does take a couple of weeks to dry completely, the finished product is well worth the wait.
Lastly, while acrylic paint can be useful for works on paper, using proper oil painting paper, such as Archers oil paper, yields even better results. It's clear that using proper paint is crucial for achieving a high-quality finish, so I urge artists to use oil paint whenever possible. You know unless you’re just a wrong’un.