Difference Between Craft Acrylic Paint And Artist Acrylic Paint
Introduction
Acrylic paint is a popular medium for artists and crafters. While both craft acrylic paint and artist acrylic paint are made from the same polymer, they have some differences that are worth noting. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of acrylic paint.
Craft Acrylic Paint
Craft acrylic paint is a water-based paint that is typically used for crafts and DIY projects. It is less expensive than artist acrylic paint and is available in a wide range of colors. Craft acrylic paint is generally not as high-quality as artist acrylic paint, but it is still a good choice for many applications.
One of the main differences between craft acrylic paint and artist acrylic paint is the pigment concentration. Craft acrylic paint has a lower pigment concentration, which means that the colors may not be as vibrant or intense as artist acrylic paint.
Craft acrylic paint is also more prone to cracking and fading over time. This is because it contains fillers and other additives that are not present in artist acrylic paint. Craft acrylic paint is best suited for projects that will not be exposed to sunlight or other environmental factors that can cause the paint to deteriorate.
Artist Acrylic Paint
Artist acrylic paint is a professional-grade paint that is designed for use by artists. It is more expensive than craft acrylic paint, but it is also of higher quality. Artist acrylic paint contains a higher pigment concentration, which means that the colors are more vibrant and intense.
Artist acrylic paint is also more durable than craft acrylic paint. It is less prone to cracking and fading over time, and it can withstand exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. Artist acrylic paint is ideal for use in fine art, where the quality and longevity of the paint are important.
Application
Both craft acrylic paint and artist acrylic paint can be applied in a variety of ways. They can be applied with a brush, a palette knife, or even sprayed on with an airbrush. However, artist acrylic paint is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of applications.
Artist acrylic paint can be thinned with water or acrylic medium to create a variety of effects. It can be used to create washes, glazes, and other techniques that are not possible with craft acrylic paint. Artist acrylic paint can also be used on a wider range of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and even fabric.
Drying Time
Another difference between craft acrylic paint and artist acrylic paint is the drying time. Craft acrylic paint dries more quickly than artist acrylic paint. This can be an advantage for crafters who want to complete their projects quickly, but it can also be a disadvantage for artists who need more time to work on their paintings.
Artist acrylic paint dries more slowly, which allows artists to blend colors and create more complex effects. It also gives artists more time to work on their paintings without the paint drying too quickly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both craft acrylic paint and artist acrylic paint are made from the same polymer, they have some differences that are worth noting. Craft acrylic paint is less expensive and more suitable for crafts and DIY projects, while artist acrylic paint is of higher quality and more suitable for fine art. Artist acrylic paint is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of applications, and it dries more slowly, which allows artists to create more complex effects.
It is important to choose the right type of acrylic paint for your project to achieve the best results. Consider the quality, durability, color intensity, application, and drying time when choosing between craft acrylic paint and artist acrylic paint.