In Defense Of Acrylic Paint: Why It Deserves More Respect In The Art World
Acrylic paint often gets a bad rap in the art world.
It’s dismissed as a “student” medium, criticized for its plastic base, and deemed less prestigious than oil paint, which has been used for centuries. But is acrylic really the inferior option, or is it simply misunderstood?
As an artist who works with multiple mediums, including oils, acrylics, and even digital, I’ve developed a soft spot for acrylic paint. In my experience, the criticism against acrylic often stems from misconceptions. Yes, acrylic is newer, and yes, it’s plastic-based—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less powerful or archival than its oil-based counterparts.
Acrylic Paint Myths: Busted
One common myth is that acrylic isn’t archival because it hasn’t been around as long as oil paint. Yet, scientific testing shows that acrylic polymers are incredibly stable and durable. Early acrylic paintings from the 1950s have held up remarkably well, and unlike oil, which can crack and yellow over time, acrylic maintains its flexibility and color. The same plasticity that makes it easy to work with also ensures it lasts.
Another misconception is that acrylics lack the richness and depth of oil paints. While it’s true that oil has a natural gloss due to its linseed oil binder, once acrylics cure, the difference in light reflection can be almost imperceptible—especially when proper techniques and mediums are used. Many people who view my work can’t tell whether it’s done in acrylic or oil because both mediums, when used effectively, can achieve equally vibrant results.
Environmental Concerns: How Big is Acrylic’s Impact?
Then there’s the environmental argument—acrylic is plastic, and plastic is harmful to the environment, right? While it’s true that acrylic is made from plastic, the actual contribution of fine art acrylic paint to global plastic waste is miniscule. Paint as a whole accounts for less than 1% of the world’s plastic waste, and fine art paints are a mere fraction of that. The real culprits of plastic pollution are industries like packaging and textiles.
Single-use plastics and synthetic fabrics release far more microplastics into the environment than artists do with their acrylic paint practices. And with responsible disposal methods—such as the crash or evaporation method to separate paint solids from water—artists can minimize their environmental footprint even further.
At the end of the day, it’s not that acrylic is inherently better or worse than oil. They’re just different. But dismissing acrylic as “inferior” because of these myths overlooks the powerful, versatile nature of this medium. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, acrylic can do amazing things—if you’re willing to give it a chance.
Want to explore more about the beauty of acrylic and how it can transform your art practice? Check out my book Modern Still Life: From Fruit Bowls to Disco Balls, where I delve into contemporary approaches to traditional subjects, including the versatility of acrylic paint. You’ll learn how to elevate everyday objects into bold, vibrant works of art. And if you're ready to dive deeper into your painting journey, I invite you to join me at my online art school, Not Sorry Art School!
Whether you’re a beginner or transitioning from oils, my online courses will help you build confidence and skill in both acrylic and oil painting techniques. Learn how to handle your mediums with ease and bring your artistic vision to life. Visit www.notsorryart.com to get started :)