Acrylic vs. Oil Paint | LittleArtTalks

Which type of paint is perfect for you?

Oh autofocus, how you fail me. Next time will be better :)

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Thanks so much for watching! Here at Little Art Talks, I make free educational videos on art history and all things art related. From ancient Japanese paintings to Duchamp’s readymades, we want to talk about what makes these objects art, and attempt to better understand them. Come join us in the discussion :)

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[Stevythepostie]

A lot of artists aren't really sure about how acrylic will last, mostly because it's only been around for the past 50 years. We know that oil paint breaks down (well the varnish is usually what yellows and cracks) because we have the history of it to know, we don't have that with acrylic. Also, acrylic uses petroleum as the binder, which isn't a steady resource we have. So even though acrylic may be easier to use, you're doing the best for your work and the environment by using oil paint.

[supernovaquarius]

Thank you for the information.  My friend has suggested that I use a glaze as an extender for acrylic paint, but you have definitely answered other questions I had as far as which is better for me.  I think I will stink to acrylics.  Keep up the good work!

[wallboi]

Thanks for the information, good to hear the ups and downs of both. I'm probably moving from acrylic to oil soon, making sure I know what to expect

[srpskihayk]

Thank you for the video. Oils do not necessarily required super dangerous agents to use. Linseed is great for thinning the paint and there are mediums that help increase the drying times. Also, at least one commenter mentions using walnut oil to clean the paints, I use mineral oil. Basically because good quality turps are not available where I live.

[valedro]

Thank you for this video. I just watched several oil vs acrylics videos and they were all really biased and basically said that oil rules and acrylics suck. Your video was actually informative and unbiased. Thank you!

[ARTiculations]

This is wonderful! Would love to also learn about the benefits and drawbacks of other paints like tempera and gouache! Perhaps a future video? :)

[fahimh]

this was pretty useful.

how small of an enclosed area is 'bad' for oil paints? If I'm in a regular sized bedroom and I open the window, should i be ok?

[mdhddr]

Can you do a comparison for artist quality oil paint brands that will show their high or low pigment load? I am trying to decide which brand of artist oils to invest in: Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Gamblin (Oregon), Graumbacher, Rembrant, Williamsburg (Golden), Old Holland, Vasari, or Blocx. 
Or if you don't have time to do a video. Could you recommend your favorite oil paints based on your expereince?

[mangokamiii]

Yes please do a video on gouache and other paints!

[jashdiaz]

Hi there great video but I have a question as far as Acrylic paint brands which would you recommend? New to canvas painting I have a small set of tubes but I know there has to be a better brand than what I have right now. Thanks!

[vipulyaduvanshi]

I am using senailer abstract acrylics, but I've got a mighty problem with white color keeps on changing color even after a month & finally it turns into a gray or beige color .Need a solution for that. Is there any substitute brand that you can suggest ??

[pvvolts]

I like your videos, you are very articulate.

[artifex_x]

Few things are incorrect about oils.

1)You don't need toxic solvents with oils - you can use just oil medium to thin your paints. Also two non-toxic solvents are Spike of Lavender Oil and citrus solvent.

2)PVA and rabbit skin glue are not primers but "sizing" agents that protects your support from coming in contact with the acidic oil paint. Still need to prime over the size agent. And rabbit skin glue is rubbish and should never be used.

3) Pigments in both oils and acrylics will fade equally but oil paints will yellow earlier than acrylics.

Also you missed a benefit of acrylics over oils is - acrylics remain flexible and do not harden over time the way oils do. So in theory they acrylics should last longer.

[amyzliu]

i am wondering you just know this perhaps but like my guidelines say
Oil: Pastels/Acrylic
so what does OIL: ACRYLIC part mean like the acrylic part. does that mean i can use oils and acrylics in my piece and oil pastels?

[ketysmile]

just discovered your channel! Love it! And thanks a lot! :D

[adrianak.]

oil paint doesn't break down any more than acrylic, the only thing that happens is that linseed or walnut oil yellows over time, but most brands bind their light colors in safflower nowadays, that barely yellow

besides, acrylic binder yellows too over time

[catllionare]

I love acrylics for not being toxic but it dries do fast. By time i go back to blend some areas the paint already dried up. :-(

[mdhddr]

What are your top 3 favorite brands of artist oil paints? And which one is your favorite?

[chrisvilla]

"Acrylic paints will preserve their color for a really long time while oil paint will eventually break down...Acrylic dries darker, oil, true to color". Which one is it? Which will preserve color longest?

[RenRenRan]

Acrylics seem so much easier and cost-effective in almost all ways. Can any artist tell me why oils would be preferred over acrylics? :?