When it comes to painting, there are many different mediums to choose from. Two popular options are tempera paint and acrylic paint. While both are water-based, they have distinct differences that can affect the outcome of a painting.
Tempera paint is a traditional medium that has been used for centuries. It is made from a mixture of powdered pigments, egg yolks, and water. It is known for its opaque and matte finish, and it dries quickly. On the other hand, acrylic paint is a newer medium that was first introduced in the 1950s. It is made from a mixture of pigments and a polymer emulsion, and it dries to a glossy or matte finish.
One of the main differences between tempera paint and acrylic paint is their permanence. Tempera paint is not permanent and can be easily washed off, while acrylic paint is known for its permanence and durability. Another difference is their texture. Tempera paint has a more matte and chalky finish, while acrylic paint has a more plastic and glossy finish. Additionally, tempera paint is more commonly used for children’s crafts and art projects, while acrylic paint is used for a wide variety of artistic undertakings.
What is Tempera Paint?
Tempera paint is a water-based paint that has been used for centuries. It is made by mixing dry pigments with a binder, usually egg yolk or another type of emulsion. The word “tempera” comes from the Italian word “temperare,” which means “to mix in proportion.”
Tempera paint has been used in art for centuries, particularly in religious paintings during the Renaissance. It is known for its opaque, matte finish and its ability to create fine details. It is also easy to work with and dries quickly, making it a popular choice for artists.
One of the benefits of tempera paint is that it is non-toxic and easy to clean up with soap and water. It is also less expensive than other types of paint and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, wood, and canvas.
However, tempera paint does have some limitations. It is not as durable as other types of paint and can crack or peel over time. It also has a limited color range and can be difficult to mix colors to achieve the desired shade. Overall, tempera paint is a versatile and accessible medium that has been used by artists for centuries.
What is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is a water-soluble, quick-drying, and versatile medium that has become a popular choice for artists of all skill levels. It is made by suspending pigment particles in an acrylic polymer emulsion, which gives the paint its characteristic thick and creamy consistency.
One of the main advantages of acrylic paint is its fast drying time, which allows artists to work quickly and make changes without having to wait for the paint to dry. Once dry, acrylic paint is water-resistant and flexible, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from painting on canvas to decorating walls and furniture.
Acrylic paint is available in a wide range of colors, from bright and bold to subtle and muted. It can be thinned with water to create a translucent wash or used straight from the tube for a more opaque effect. Acrylic paint can also be mixed with other mediums, such as gels and pastes, to create a variety of textures and effects.
Another advantage of acrylic paint is its durability. Once dry, it forms a tough, flexible, and water-resistant film that is resistant to fading, cracking, and yellowing over time. This makes it a popular choice for outdoor murals and other projects that require a long-lasting and weather-resistant finish.
Overall, acrylic paint is a versatile and durable medium that offers artists a wide range of creative possibilities. Its fast drying time, water-resistant properties, and ability to be mixed with other mediums make it a popular choice for artists of all skill levels.
Differences Between Tempera Paint and Acrylic Paint
Composition
Tempera paint is made from a mixture of water, egg yolk, and pigments. Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is made from a mixture of water, acrylic polymer emulsion, and pigments. The egg yolk in tempera paint makes it more susceptible to damage from moisture, whereas the acrylic polymer emulsion in acrylic paint makes it more resistant to water damage.
Drying Time
Tempera paint dries relatively quickly, typically within 30 minutes to an hour. However, it remains somewhat reactivatable with water, which means that it can be smudged or blended even after it has dried. Acrylic paint dries much faster, often within 10 to 20 minutes, and once it has dried, it is much less likely to be reactivated with water.
Opacity
Acrylic paint tends to be more opaque than tempera paint. This means that it can cover up underlying layers more effectively and can create more vibrant colors. Tempera paint, while still capable of producing bright colors, is more translucent and may require more layers to achieve the desired effect.
Permanence
Acrylic paint is more permanent and durable than tempera paint. Once it has dried, it is much less likely to fade or crack over time. Tempera paint, while still relatively long-lasting, is more susceptible to damage from moisture and may begin to deteriorate over time.
Application
Tempera paint is often used for art projects that require a more traditional, classic look. It is commonly used for painting on paper or cardboard, and it can be applied with brushes or sponges. Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood, and metal. It can be applied with brushes, sponges, or even sprayed on with an airbrush.
Clean Up
Tempera paint is easy to clean up with soap and water, and it can be easily removed from skin and clothing. Acrylic paint, once it has dried, is much more difficult to remove from clothing and surfaces. It requires solvents such as rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tempera Paint
Advantages
Tempera paint has several advantages that make it a popular choice for artists, especially those working with children or in educational settings:
- Quick drying: Tempera paint dries quickly, making it easy to layer colors and create textured effects.
- Washable and easy to tidy up: Tempera paint is water-soluble, making it easy to clean up spills and accidents.
- Safe to be used on the skin: Tempera paint is non-toxic and can be used for face painting or other skin applications.
- Mixes well: Tempera paint can be mixed with other colors to create new shades and hues.
Disadvantages
Despite its many advantages, there are some drawbacks to using tempera paint:
- Cannot achieve intense color saturation: Tempera paint is not as pigmented as other types of paint, such as acrylics, and cannot achieve the same level of color saturation.
- Chalky texture: The production practice of using fillers in tempera paint results in a high degree of chalky texture, which can be undesirable for some artists.
- Not as long-lasting: Tempera paint is not as durable as other types of paint, such as acrylics, and may not hold up as well over time.
Despite these disadvantages, tempera paint remains a popular choice for artists, especially those working with children or in educational settings. Its quick-drying, washable, and non-toxic properties make it a safe and easy choice for many applications.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Paint
Advantages
Acrylic paint has several advantages over tempera paint:
- Acrylic paint is more durable and long-lasting than tempera paint. It can withstand exposure to light, heat, and moisture without fading, cracking or peeling.
- Acrylic paint dries faster than tempera paint. It can be dry to the touch within minutes, allowing artists to complete their work quickly.
- Acrylic paint is more versatile than tempera paint. It can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and fabric.
- Acrylic paint is water-resistant when dry, which means it won’t smudge or smear if it gets wet. This makes it ideal for outdoor murals, signs, and other projects that will be exposed to the elements.
- Acrylic paint can be mixed with a variety of mediums, such as gels, pastes, and varnishes, to create different effects and textures.
Disadvantages
Despite its many advantages, acrylic paint also has some drawbacks:
- Acrylic paint can be more expensive than tempera paint, especially if you buy high-quality brands.
- Acrylic paint can be more difficult to clean up than tempera paint. Once it dries, it can be difficult to remove from brushes, palettes, and other surfaces.
- Acrylic paint can dry out quickly if not used properly. It’s important to keep the paint covered when not in use and to keep it moist by adding water or a medium.
- Acrylic paint can be more difficult to work with than tempera paint. It dries quickly, which means artists need to work fast to blend colors and create the desired effects.
- Acrylic paint can be less forgiving than tempera paint. Mistakes are harder to correct, and once the paint is dry, it’s difficult to make changes without starting over.
Which Paint Should You Use?
When deciding between tempera and acrylic paint, it is important to consider the project at hand and the desired outcome. Here are some factors to consider:
Surface
Acrylic paint is more versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, wood, metal, and fabric. Tempera paint, on the other hand, is best suited for paper-based projects and can be used on cardboard, newspaper print, and poster boards.
Drying Time
Acrylic paint dries much faster than tempera paint, which can take up to several hours to dry completely. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the project. If you need a quick turnaround time, acrylic paint is the better choice. If you have more time and want to work with the paint longer, tempera paint may be a better option.
Color
Acrylic paint is known for its vibrant, bold colors that retain their intensity even after drying. Tempera paint, on the other hand, may appear more muted and pastel-like. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the desired outcome.
Clean Up
Tempera paint is water-soluble and can easily be cleaned up with soap and water, making it a great option for kids’ crafts and classroom projects. Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is more difficult to clean up and requires solvents or special cleaners.
Cost
Tempera paint is generally less expensive than acrylic paint, making it a great option for large-scale projects or for those on a budget. However, the cost of acrylic paint can vary depending on the quality and brand.
Ultimately, the choice between tempera and acrylic paint comes down to the project at hand and personal preference. Both paints have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider all factors before making a decision.
Conclusion
Both tempera and acrylic paints have their unique properties and advantages. Tempera paint is great for children’s art projects and washes off easily with water, while acrylic paint is more versatile and can be used for a wide variety of artistic undertakings.
When it comes to drying time, tempera paint dries faster than acrylic paint, but the latter is more durable and long-lasting. Acrylic paint is also more resistant to fading and weathering, making it a better choice for outdoor projects.
Another factor to consider is toxicity. Most tempera paints are non-toxic, but some made of egg yolks might be toxic. On the other hand, some acrylic paints can be toxic if used for sanding.
Ultimately, the choice between tempera and acrylic paint depends on the specific needs and preferences of the artist. Both paints have their strengths and weaknesses, and the decision should be based on the desired outcome of the project.
