Tempera Vs. Acrylic Paint: Choosing The Best For Your Art

Tempera Vs. Acrylic Paint: Choosing The Best For Your Art

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The paint an artist decides to use and for what reason can significantly impact their artwork. Many artists want to know if they should choose tempera or acrylic paints.

Some of the most common paints are tempera and acrylic paint. Both types have their pros and cons, and choosing the best one for your art will depend on several factors, including your style, preference, and the effect you want to achieve.

Read on as we explore the differences between tempera and acrylic paint and explain why acrylic paint is the better choice for artists looking for more permanent results.

Table of Contents

Discover The Vibrant World Of Colors Of Tempera Paints

Tempera paint is a water-soluble medium made from egg yolk and pigment. It has been used for centuries and was the primary painting medium before oil paint was introduced in the 15th century. Tempera paint is known for its vibrant and bright colors, and it dries quickly, making it a popular choice for artists working on a tight deadline.

Qualities Of Tempera Paint

Tempera Paint Is Easy To Work With

Tempera paint is easy to work with, especially for beginners. It has a smooth consistency that makes it easy to apply and blend, and it dries quickly, allowing artists to layer colors without waiting for the paint to dry.

Tempera Paint Has Vibrant Colors

Tempera paint produces bright, vibrant colors perfect for creating bold, striking artwork. The colors also have a matte finish, which gives the artwork a unique texture and depth.

Tempera Paint Is Water-soluble

One of the most significant advantages of tempera paint is that it is water-soluble. This means that artists can easily clean their brushes and tools with water, making it an excellent option for those who prefer to work in a clean and mess-free environment.

Tempera Paint Is A Non-toxic Paint

Tempera paint is non-toxic and safe for artists of all ages to use. It is made from natural ingredients and contains no harmful chemicals or fumes.

Discover The Colorfast World Of Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a water-based medium made from synthetic polymer emulsion. It was first introduced in the 1950s and quickly became popular among artists due to its versatility and durability. Acrylic paint is now one of the world’s most widely used painting mediums.

Qualities Of Acrylic Paint

Acrylic Paint Is Durable

One of the most significant advantages of acrylic paint is its durability. Once dry, acrylic paint forms a tough, water-resistant layer resistant to fading and cracking, making it an ideal option for artists who want their artwork to last for a long time.

Acrylic Paint Is Quick-drying

Acrylic paint dries quickly, making it a popular choice for artists working on a tight deadline. It also allows artists to layer colors without waiting for the paint to dry, which is especially useful when working on large pieces of artwork.

Acrylic Paint Is Versatile

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium used on various surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and fabric. It can also be mixed with various mediums, such as gel medium, to create different effects and textures.

Acrylic Paint Is Colorfast

Acrylic paint is colorfast, meaning the colors will not fade or change over time. This makes it an ideal choice for artists who want their artwork to retain its vibrancy and brightness for years.

Why Is Acrylic Paint More Permanent Than Tempera Paint?

While tempera paint has advantages, it is not as permanent as acrylic paint. Here are some reasons why acrylic paint is a more permanent option for artists:

Acrylic Paint Forms A Tough, Water-resistant Layer

As mentioned, acrylic paint forms a tough, water-resistant layer once it dries. This means that the paint is less likely to crack, fade, or turn yellow over time, making it a more permanent option for artists who want their artwork to last for a long time. On the other hand, tempera paint does not form a durable layer and can easily crack, peel, or flake off over time.

Acrylic Paint Is More Flexible

Acrylic paint is more flexible than tempera paint, which means it can bend and move with the canvas or surface it is applied to. This flexibility helps prevent the paint from cracking or flaking off over time, making it a more permanent option for artists.

Acrylic Paint Is More Resistant To Light

Acrylic paint is more resistant to light than tempera paint, which means that the colors are less likely to fade or change over time due to exposure to light. This makes acrylic paint a more permanent option for artists who want their artwork to retain its vibrancy and brightness for years.

Acrylic Paint Has More Binding Power

Acrylic paint has a higher binding power than tempera paint, meaning the pigments bind more strongly to the surface when applied. This helps prevent the paint from flaking or peeling off over time, making it a more permanent option for artists.

While tempera paint has advantages, acrylic paint is better for artists who want their artwork to be more permanent. Acrylic paint forms a tough, water-resistant layer that is more durable and flexible than tempera paint, making it less likely to crack, fade or peel off over time.

Acrylic paint is also more light-resistant and has a higher binding power, which helps ensure the colors remain vibrant and bright for years.

Ultimately, the choice between tempera and acrylic paint will depend on the artist’s personal preference, style, and the effect they want to achieve. However, for artists who prioritize the longevity and permanence of their artwork, acrylic paint is a clear choice.

Anita Louise Art is dedicated to art education, great artists, and inspiring others to find and create their art. We love art that uplifts and inspires. #ArtToMakeYouSmile! #ArtToMakeYouHappy!

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What Is The Difference Between Fine Arts And Visual Arts?

Fine art is a broad term used to describe many different types of art; one of the arts under the umbrella of fine art is visual arts. Fine arts can include arts such as music, theatre, dance, literature, and art forms. In contrast, Visual art is about only visual arts such as painting, sculpture, or filmmaking.

By clicking here, you can discover more by reading What Is The Difference Between Fine Arts and Visual Arts?

Is Procreate Easier Than Photoshop? What One Should An Artist Learn?

Procreate is a much easier computer program to learn than Photoshop, especially if you are new to the Adobe program. The Procreate program is a great computer program to lay out your artwork before painting on the canvas. Photoshop can also design your artwork, but as it is a more robust program than Procreate, it will take much longer to master.

You can discover more by reading Is Procreate Easier Than Photoshop? What One Should An Artist Learn? by clicking here.

Where Did Art Come From?

Many historians believe art started first in Africa; many ancient forms of art have been found worldwide. Cavemen art is some of the earliest forms of art. Many cultures put art on their bodies through tattooing and other art forms.

By clicking here, you can discover more by reading Where Did Art Come From?

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