The Best Surfaces For Acrylic Painting

Choosing which surface to paint on is as important as selecting the art medium. And for those who want to use acrylic as material, the painting surface should not be too greasy nor glossy. Here are some of the best ones to use:

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Canvas

The most common surface used by artists, canvas is also an ideal choice for acrylic painters because of the ease of working on it coupled with its affordability. Acrylic also does not degrade the fibers of canvas as time passes, which means that there is no more need to prime the canvas.

But because linen canvas has a smooth, stiff surface, it is not that recommendable for acrylic painting. It is better to opt for a raw cotton canvas.

Paper

Paper is another perfect painting surface for acrylic because of its texture. Take note, however, that acrylic contracts when it dries, rendering thin paper impractical. The paper’s edges can be secured by applying removable tape on the edges, preventing it from wrinkling or warping too much. A thicker type of paper can also be used.

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Board

Initially introduced to facilitate painting outdoors, artists have also started to prefer art boards even when indoors as it can be convenient for some. Examples of art boards that are ideal for acrylic painting are canvas boards, museum boards, fiber boards, and wooden boards.

Vijaya Boggala is a medical abstract writer who has an affinity for the arts. He enjoys oil and acrylic painting, and is currently developing his photography skills. Learn more about him by checking out this link.

Choosing The Right Paint: Acrylic Vs. Oil

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For beginners, choosing the right paint for their artwork can be a challenge. While a lot of people debate on which kind of paint is better, it really does not matter. But here are key differences between the two kinds. 

A noticeable difference between the two is that acrylic paints dry faster than oil. It can dry up completely after an hour, or even within 15 minutes. Oil paintings require longer drying time. It may take a few days or even weeks depending on how much paint was used and the current ground temperature.

Oil paints have more pigment compared to acrylics and are usually richer and more vivid in color. It can maintain its original color as it dries, unlike acrylic paint, which darkens slightly as it dries. 

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Acrylic paints are more versatile compared to oil, and can be expanded with water (they may give off a light watercolor effect). But painters can develop new color blends with oil, too, without compromising its pigment. If budget is a concern, acrylic is a better choice over oil as it is more affordable. 

Vijaya Prakash Boggala write medical abstracts and is fond of doing a lot of art and DIY projects. Learn more about his artistic journey by visiting this Facebook page.