The main differences between acrylic and oil paints are their drying time and working properties.

Acrylic paint is fast-drying and made with pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Oil paint is slow-drying and consists of pigment suspended in a drying oil, such as linseed oil.

Oil paints stay wet for longer, so artists have more flexibility when painting over multiple sessions. Paint will remain wet and workable, and colours on the canvas can still be blended.

Acrylic paint usually dries within twenty to thirty minutes. However, some paints such as Golden Open Acrylic have a prolonged drying time, meaning they can be worked with for longer.

What is the Difference Between Heavy Body and Soft Body Acrylic Paint?

The difference comes from the formulation of the paint, not the amount of pigment in the paint.

The thickness of acrylic paint is referred to as ‘body’. The viscosity is not an indication of colour strength or quality. The best acrylic paint for you will be determined by the techniques and painting surfaces you plan on using.

What are the main types of acrylic paint?

Heavy Body paints are the thickest and the most popular. With a texture similar to soft butter, they’re the closest to oil paints in handling and retain brush marks and gestures well. They work well on rougher canvases.

Soft Body paints are smoother, resembling yoghurt in consistency. This makes them ideal for mixing with mediums, while retaining enough thickness to paint smoothly on their own.

Acrylic Ink is the most fluid of the acrylic paints. Acrylic Ink is intensely coloured and dries with a soft gloss finish. It can be applied using airbrush, pen, or brush.