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Acrylicos Vallejo: Pioneers of Acrylic-Based Colors and Mediums

Acrylicos Vallejo has been at the forefront of acrylic development since the 1960s, becoming a benchmark for artists seeking reliable, vibrant acrylic-based colors and mediums.

Vallejo has a rich history that began in 1965. The Vallejo company was first registered in New Jersey, USA, in 1965 by Amadeo and Eugenie Vallejo. Production began in 1969, near Barcelona, Spain.

Initially, Vallejo focused on formulating acrylic paint for animated films, an innovation at a time when most paints were still oil-based. Their early work in the animation industry helped set the stage for Vallejo’s future success in fine art and modeling.

In the 1970s, Vallejo transitioned to producing artist acrylic colors for traditional painters, becoming one of the first companies in Europe to offer water-based acrylics. Vallejo developed the first acrylic tube paint in Spain and only the second in Europe.

This was a significant shift in the art materials industry, as it provided artists with a safer, less toxic alternative to solvent-based paints, while still delivering the vibrancy and durability artists needed. Their Acrylic Studio range was created in 1981 when professors from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Barcelona asked Vallejo to develop a specific range of colors for their students.

AV's extensive range is formulated using a selection of artist-grade pigments, ensuring a rich, intense finish that remains consistent across their entire product line. With a dedication to excellence, Vallejo’s colors are known for their excellent lightfastness, durability, and smooth application, making them a favorite among professional and beginner artists alike.

Vallejo’s ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that its formulations adapt to the evolving needs of contemporary artists, without sacrificing the quality for which they are known.

‘From a technical standpoint they’re incredibly versatile, and what especially excites me about using them is the fact that the Old Master’s techniques that I love can be achieved with acrylics, such as glazing, scumbling, semi-glazing, and with a little slow drying medium, using the wipe out method or creating soft edges.’

UK-based acrylic painter Jarvis Brookfield shares his Review of Vallejo Fluid Acrylic Paints on Jackson’s Art Blog.