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Do you need to add water to acrylic paint?
The answer is no, you do not need to add water to acrylic paint. In fact, you don’t “need” to any anything to acrylic paint. The only reason people add water or other mediums is to change the consistency of the paint or to alter the paint’s characteristics in some way.
When water is added to acrylic paint, the paint will become thinner and will flow and move around easier. Artist’s tend to overdo it though when it comes to adding water to acrylic paint. Your mixtures should be less than 30% water. If you add too much water to your paint, it will lose it’s ability to adhere to your surface. There is definitely much debate about this however. Some professionals and paint manufacturers agree while others say it perfectly fine to add as much water as desired. I tend to err on the side of caution and use less water in my mixtures. Whenever I want to thin my acrylic paints, I will use a medium that is specially made to thin acrylics (see below) and use water sparingly.
To thin your acrylic paints, it is advisable to purchase a thinning medium as these will not affect the adhesive qualities of your acrylic paint. I recommend a medium like GAC 100 by Golden which is ideal for diluting your acrylic paints without changing its properties. Below is a link to where you can purchase this product online from Dick Blick Art Materials at a discounted price. If you purchase via this link or the links below, I will receive a small commission. I thank you for your support of this site!
Use Golden’s GAC Mediums to achieve complete technical control over your acrylic paints and painting environment. GAC Mediums are the raw materials from which other acrylic mediums are created. Use them to modify the working characteristics and appearance of Golden Acrylics and other acrylic paints.
GAC 100: Universal Acrylic Polymer – useful for diluting and extending colors, as well as increasing flexibility and film integrity. Wets out solids more readily than other polymers, and is useful for artists making their own paints.
What Are Water-Based Acrylic Paints?
What is water-based acrylic paint, and what is it useful for? Water-based acrylic paints are non-toxic and safe without any smell or harmful fumes. They are considered one of the safest paint types and are often used in scale modeling due to their variety and availability of colors. You can find hundreds of colors, from pastels and basics to metallics and neon.
Water-based acrylics use water to thin out the paint and create a clean finish. Some manufacturers will also offer their own thinners better suited for various applications like hand painting or airbrushing. Using a brand-name thinner may offer paint improvements, making applying easier.
This type of acrylic paint performs well when used in modeling. Water-based acrylic has a great baseline but dries quickly. Keep its fast drying abilities in mind when airbrushing, as paint could dry on the tip of the airbrush, resulting in a poor application. However, you can use retarders, needle lubrication or flow improvers to reduce the acrylic’s drying time.
Due to their fast drying time, water-based acrylic paints may be challenging to weather or blend. It might falter when it comes to long-term durability. Water-based acrylics are better suited for beginner applications and uses, such as basic painting and detail work. While beginners can easily use water-based paints, advanced painters prefer them for many applications, meaning they fit all skill levels.
What Are Alcohol-Based Acrylic Paints?
Alcohol-based acrylic paints, also known as solvent-based paints or acrylic lacquers, use a mixture of alcohols acting as a solvent. These kinds of acrylic paints may behave very differently than water-based paints.
Alcohol-based acrylics also have a strong smell, and you must work in a ventilated area if you paint with them. Ensure you take the proper precautions to protect yourself, such as using a spray booth, buying a respirator and wearing thick gloves.
Many model painters use alcohol-based acrylics when airbrushing, as they can pair them with lacquer thinners for high performance and smooth application. These acrylics usually have a vibrant finish but still dry quickly, like water-based acrylics. This means brush-painting with alcohol-based acrylic paints may be more complex than other applications like detail work or basic painting.
What Are Lacquer Paints?
Besides acrylic paints, many model hobbyists use lacquer paints for various applications. Lacquer paints are a kind of paint that uses cellulose-based solvents. However, lacquer paints are not a safe material due to their base, meaning you’ll have to take several measures to protect yourself and others from the potent smell, toxic fumes or harmful chemicals.
Only use lacquer paints in a well-ventilated room or invest in a quality spray booth. You should always wear a respirator and thick nitrate gloves when using lacquer. Keep in mind that lacquer often eats through plastic, paint and decals. If you plan to paint with lacquer, it is best practice to use a thin coat or spray at all times. Slowly building up layers can help protect each coating as you paint.
Another thing to note about lacquer paints is their fast drying times, making it hard to do basic smoothing, blending or brush painting. This is why many hobbyists use lacquer paints for airbrushing, as they fit well with the application and perform well when sprayed in light increments. Unlike alcohol- or water-based acrylic, lacquer paint won’t build up on the airbrushing tip, meaning you can efficiently work for long periods.
Lacquer paints are known for their durable finish, making great primers for models you want to last a long time. You can find lacquer paints in a variety of metallic and basic colors.
Types of Water-Based Paints
Water-based paints are paints that use water as the primary solvent or carrier instead of traditional petroleum-based solvents, such as mineral spirits or turpentine to bond paint pigment.
Most known water-based paints are latex, acrylic paints, gouache, tempera paints, poster paint and watercolor.
An example of a solvent-based paint is oil paint.
Water-based paints are typically made up of pigments, binders, and additives that are suspended in water.
Water-based paints have several advantages over traditional solvent-based paints. They are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which makes them better for the environment and for human health.
They also dry more quickly, are easier to clean up with soap and water, and have less odor than solvent-based paints.
Water-based paints are commonly used for interior and some exterior surfaces on walls, furniture, and crafts.
They come in a wide range of colors and finishes, including flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.
While gouache and watercolor are more matte, acrylics are satin to semi-gloss but you can always change the appearance with a medium or a varnish.
History of Water-Based Paints
The history of water-based paints dates back to ancient times, when natural pigments were mixed with water and used to decorate cave walls, body and other surfaces.
However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that water-based paints became widely available and popular.
In the early 1900s, chemists began experimenting with new types of synthetic polymers that could be used as binders in paints.
One of these polymers was acrylic resin, which was first developed in the 1920s by German chemist Otto Rohm.
Rohm’s discovery eventually led to the development of acrylic paints, which are water-based and have many of the same properties as oil-based paints but are…better in some ways.
In the 1940s, latex paints were introduced, which used synthetic rubber as a binder instead of acrylic resin.
Latex paints were initially used for industrial applications, but they soon became popular for residential use due to their ease of application, quick drying time, and low odor.
Modern latex paints no longer contain rubber but are still popular for home improvement.
Today, water-based paints are widely used for a variety of applications, including interior and exterior walls, furniture, crafts, and art.
They are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and are known for their low VOC content, environmental friendliness, and ease of use.
Water-Based Paint Advantages
- Low VOC content and non-toxicity. Gouache, tempera and watercolor are more environmentally friendly.
- Easy cleanup: Water-based paints can be cleaned up with soap and water.
- Quick drying time (5 to 30 min).
- Lower odor than oil-based paints.
- Versatility: Water-based paints can be used on almost any surface, including walls, furniture, and crafts. They are available in a variety of colors and finishes, and can be used for both interior and exterior applications.
- Adheres extremely well to porous surfaces.
- Durability: Acrylic paints are known for their durability and resistance to fading, mold, cracking, and peeling.
- Mastering acrylic painting is easier than oil painting.
- Non-flammable.
Water-Based Paint Disadvantages
- Poorer adhesion to non-porous: Water-based paints may not adhere as well to certain surfaces, such as metal or glossy surfaces, without proper surface preparation.
- Most water-based paints are not permanent, except for acrylics.
- Most water-based paints are less durable: gouache, tempera or watercolor can fade, can’t be used on walls or exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.
- Sensitivity to freezing: Water-based paints can freeze at low temperatures, which can cause them to become unusable.
FAQ
Is acrylic paint the same as water based paint?
Acrylic paint is a type of water-based paint, but not all water-based paints are acrylic. Acrylic paint is made up of pigment particles suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion that that are transported by water.
This makes it easy to work with and clean up, and it dries quickly to a water-resistant, flexible, and durable finish.
Other types of water-based paints include latex paints, watercolor, gouache and tempera paints. These paints have different properties and are used for different applications.
Do acrylic paints mix with water?
Yes, acrylic paints mix with water. Acrylic paint is water-soluble.
The amount of water needed to thin the paint will depend on the desired consistency and the intensity of the color.
It’s important to note that adding too much water to acrylic paint can cause the paint to become too thin and lose its vibrancy.
It can also affect the adhesion of the paint to the surface. It’s best to add water to acrylic paint gradually and test the consistency on a separate surface before applying it to your project.
Is acrylic paint oil-based paint?
No, acrylic paint is not oil-based paint.
Oil-based paint is made up of pigment particles suspended in an oil-based solution, such as linseed oil or mineral spirits. It dries more slowly than acrylic and latex paint and has a strong odor.
While acrylics use 100% acrylic polymer as a binder instead of solvents or oils.
While both the acrylics and oil-based paints have their advantages and disadvantages, they are not the same and should not be used interchangeably.
Are most acrylic paints water based?
Yes, most acrylic paints are water-based. A
While some acrylic paints may contain small amounts of solvents or other chemicals, the vast majority of acrylic paints are primarily water-based.
Some acrylic paints can contain solvents if they are for automotive industry for example.
is acrylic latex paint water based?
Yes, acrylic latex paint is a type of water-based paint.
The term “latex” in acrylic latex paint refers to the use of synthetic polymers, such as styrene acrylic or vinyl acrylic, as binders in the paint.
Acrylic latex paint is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling.
It is commonly used for interior and exterior walls, furniture, and rarely – crafts.
I hope it is clear now that it is not completely correct to call acrylic paints chemical or solvent based while up to 40% of their composition is usually water.
While being as easy to use as other water-based paints, acrylic definitely stands out with its unparalleled versatility and durability.
Acrylic paints are of my favorite! Along with gouache to be honest.
Choice between acrylic vs water based paint for your next painting project now must be easy-peasy! Happy painting!
Masha Eretnova is a certified teacher. She started painting and drawing 20+ years ago and now is an international abstract artist and educator passionate about acrylic painting, gouache and crafts.
