- Acrylic colors were invented by Liquitex in the
1950’s
- Acrylic colors dry as a
result of water evaporation
- Acrylic colors are water mixable when wet, and water resistant when
dry
- For traditional painting
techniques, acrylics should never be thinned with more than 50% water to
color.
- Acrylic colors can be
produced in different thicknesses (or
viscosities).
- Both viscosities
contains the same concentration of pigment.
- Acrylic colors dry very
rapidly
- Traditional painting
techniques are possible with acrylics.
- Acrylics are the most versatile of all colors.
- Acrylics can be used on
almost any surface.
- Acrylics
are perfectly suited for a wide variety of craft and decorative
applications
, and include pigment, acrylic resin (binder) and
water (vehicle). . As water leaves the mixture, the acrylic resin
links up into long polymer chains, locking the pigment in
place. Adding medium, rather than water, helps maintain color
brilliance, and ensures that the paint film will remain stable. When thinning with
water, add extra acrylic medium. Liquitex offers both a
heavy
body color, for thick applications, and soft
body, for more fluid application. The color
is made more (or less) fluid by altering the chemistry of the acrylic vehicle. NOT
by diluting the pigment strength. (remaining workable for 10 ;
40 minutes) making them well-suited for contemporary applications, like masking and
rapid layering. Mediums can be used to make the color suitable for glazing, impasto
and other applications. To lengthen the working time, add a small amount of Liquitex ‘Slo-Dry
Retarder.’ Through the use of additives and mediums, an astonishing range
of techniques are possible. Mediums can be added to alter the texture, the working
characteristics, and the optical properties of the color. The exceptions are oily or
shiny surfaces. Plastic surfaces should be sanded before painting; leather surfaces
should be degreased with rubbing
alcohol. The "92 Incredible Things to
Know About Art Materials" Guide was developed in cooperation with Winsor
& Newton and with Liquitex Artists' Acrylics. Reprinted with permission.
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