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Difference Between Acrylic and Watercolor

SHORT INFO. & HISTORY
Acrylic is a fast drying water based paint used by most artists. Acrylic paint is also known as acrylic resin, acrylate resin, polymethyl methacrylate, Acrilan, synthetic resin etc.
The acrylic painting was invented by Otto Rohm and introduced around 1934 by Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden. Later it was used by most famous artists like Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Robert Motherwell.

On the other hand, Watercolor is also a fast drying water soluble color, but its drying time is comparatively lower than the acrylic painting. Watercolors painted with water-soluble color inks instead of modern watercolors are called aquarellum atramento.
Watercolor paintings are very ancient, probably originating from Europe's Paleolithic Age. Its history as an artistic medium, on the other hand, stretches back to the Renaissance, almost at 15th century. Albrecht Dürer, a Northern German Renaissance painter known for his stunning watercolors of flowers, animals, and landscapes, is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of watercolor painting. Hans Bol founded an influential watercolor painting school in Germany during the Dürer Renaissance.
COMPOSITION
Acrylic paint is a type of synthetic polymer extracts from Petroleum and Natural gaes. The acrylic paints are made by suspending pigments in water soluble acrylic resins or acrylic polymer emulsion and plasticizers, silicon oils, defoamers, stabilizers, or metal soaps.

On the contrary, watercolor paints are made up of four major ingredients such as glycerin, bovine bile, honey, and preservatives to vary the viscosity, concealing power, stability, or color of the pigment carrier mixture; and evaporating water as a solvent used to reduce thickness of the paint before to application.
SPECIFIC PROPERTIES
The acrylic paint is soluble in water but it becomes water-resistant, when dried. Moreover, The acrylic paint can resist heat better than other types of paints. The beauty of using acrylic paint lies in its ability to give both transparencies of watercolor and texture of oil paint. Choosing this painting style will give you the benefit of versatility in terms of making art.

But, Watercolors are made up of pigments and binders that are water soluble, therefore if it comes in contact with water the paint mixture will expand and creates a blurred out or fuzzy effect. One of the most appealing features of watercolor is the ability to achieve transparency and shine in the painting by just adding layers. Watercolors can be used by artists to produce one-of-a-kind paintings that creatively express your imagination.
KEY FEATURES
Depending on the amount of diluted paints with water, or depending on the acrylic gels or paste density, the same completed acrylic painting might resemble a watercolor, gouache, or oil painting, or have its own distinct features not achievable with other media.

In opposition, The saturation of the watercolor painting can be improved just by applying multiple layers, or by using watercolor stainers, like prussian blue and watercolor binders.
SURFACE OR MEDIA
Acrylic Paint have the ability to bond to many different surfaces, and mediums can be used to modify their binding characteristics. Acrylics can be used on paper, canvas, and a range of other materials. Acrylic painting on canvas are the most popular painting ideas for most artists.

Although, Watercolor paper is the most common and traditional carrier medium (the surface on which the paint is applied) for watercolors. Papyrus, bark, plastic, parchment, leather, fabric, wood, and watercolor canvas (coated with gesso specially developed for watercolors) are some of the other supportive mediums for watercolor paintings.
OTHER SPECIFIALITIES
Acrylics may be used to create effects that imitate watercolors and other water-based mediums when applied in thin layers or washes. Gel and moulding paste are occasionally used to produce paintings with relief elements, and they can also be used to construct thick layers of paint.
Acrylic colors used by professional artists are created and designed to resist chemical reactions from exposure to water, ultraviolet light and oxidization. Although acrylic paints are non-toxic, it is not recommended that they be applied directly to the skin because some of the pigments can be toxic. If the acrylic paint gets on your skin, it could irritate it. Acrylic paints are not meant for this purpose; instead, use special face paints.

Instead, Tube and pan watercolors are the two types of commercial watercolors available today. Because they are already blended with specific water elements, most paints offered now come in typical, collapsible metal tubes and have a viscosity comparable to toothpaste. This paste must be diluted with water before use. Pan paint comes in two sizes: entire pans and half pans.
When watercolor paint comes into contact with skin, it is generally considered safe. But, if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to certain chemicals, you may experience irritation or rashes. If this is the case, always read the ingredients before purchasing any watercolor paints.
TOXICITY AND VEGAN FRIENDLY
When used properly, acrylics are generally quite safe to use. They can be easily cleaned with soap and water since they are water-based and don't require any hazardous cleaning agents. But some acrylic paint is not environment friendly, because it contains ingredients like propylene glycol which are harmful to the environment but not to people. Similarly Because acrylics are made with pigment and acrylic polymer resin, they are suitable for vegans (except that contains ivory black PBk9).

Yet, Watercolor is absolutely safe because it is often made of non-toxic pigments and binders. However, some of the binders used in painting are derived from the proteins and fats of animals, making some of them non vegan.
LIVE ARTWORK/PAINTING EXAMPLES
Origin of Acrylic Paint, more on acrylic paint and acrylic painting.Credit to @ratumoni
Acrylic Painting
Watercolor Painting, Origin and Ideas for ArtistsCredit to @pinakdey
Watercolor Painting

Article Details

Publish Date: 12/12/2021
Related Tags: acrylic acrylic color acrylic painting ideas acrylic for beginner acrylic painting ideas watercolor latex painting watercolor painting idea latex color painting

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Most Asked Questions:

  • Q. How history is influenced by Acrylic Painting ?
  • Answer: Acrylic Painting is a fast drying water based painting used by most artists. The acrylic painting was invented by @Otto Rohm@ and introduced around ....Read More

  • Q. What is used to make Acrylic Painting?
  • Answer: The acrylic paints are made by suspending pigments in water soluble acrylic resins or acrylic polymer emulsion and plasticizers, silicon oils, defoame...Read More

  • Q. How is the popularity of Acrylic Painting among Artists ?
  • Answer: Moreover, The acrylic paint can resist heat better than other types of paints. The beauty of using acrylic paint lies in its ability to give both tran...Learn More

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  • Answer: If you are looking for best Acrylic Painting for commission free purchase, you can check here.

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