Acrylic paint is a versatile, fast-drying medium used by artists and in many practical applications. This lesson introduces its composition, behavior, and development from an innovative synthetic resin to a widely used artists’ paint.
Acrylic paint consists of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion, along with ingredients such as plasticizers, stabilizers, defoamers, silicone oils, or metal soaps. The emulsion is a suspension of tiny polymer particles in water. In most artists’ acrylics, water is the vehicle that carries the paint during application, while the acrylic polymer acts as the binder that holds pigment to a surface.
All flashcards
What is acrylic polymer emulsion?
It is a suspension of acrylic polymer particles in water. As the water evaporates, the polymer forms a film that binds pigment to the surface.
Why is dried acrylic paint generally water-resistant?
During drying, water evaporates and the acrylic polymer particles form a continuous film. The dry film does not normally dissolve when rewetted.
What does latex mean in water-based house paint?
It refers to polymer microparticles suspended in water, rather than necessarily meaning that the paint contains natural rubber.
Who developed Magna paint, and what was distinctive about it?
Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden developed Magna between 1946 and 1949. It was a solution acrylic paint based on mineral spirits.
Name two early artists’ acrylic product lines and their significance.
Politec Acrylic Artists’ Colors and Liquitex colors were among the first acrylic emulsion paints designed for artists; they appeared in the 1950s.
Quiz questions
How do open acrylics generally differ from regular acrylics?Answer: They are formulated to dry much more slowly.
What is a typical difference between artist-grade and student-grade acrylic paints?Answer: Artist-grade paints generally contain more pigment.
What is the intended role of removable varnish applied over an isolation coat?Answer: To protect the painting from dust, ultraviolet light, and scratches.
Which property is characteristic of watercolor compared with acrylic paint?Answer: Watercolor is translucent by nature.
What is a typical benefit of exterior acrylic paint made with 100% acrylic resin?Answer: It offers elasticity and durability for outdoor conditions.
Based on the Wikipedia article Acrylic paint, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.