Acrylic paint facts for kids
Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint containing pigment in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic paints can be diluted with water, but are water-resistant when dry. Depending on how much the paint is diluted (with water) or modified with acrylic gels, media, or pastes, the finished acrylic painting can resemble a watercolor or an oil painting, or have its own unique appearance.
Acrylic paint can give a much brighter, more vivid colour than oil paints. It has been much used in modern art, and is cheaper than oil paint, which is rather an expensive material. When dry, acrylic paint usually cannot be removed from a solid surface.
History
Otto Röhm invented acrylic resin, which was quickly transformed into acrylic paint. As early as 1934, the first usable acrylic resin dispersion was developed by a German chemical company. It was first used in the 1940s.
Acrylics were commercially available as paint for artists in the 1950s. Later, many advances were made to acrylic paint as more and more people began using it.
Images for kids
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Example of acrylics applied over another color
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Experimental pictures with "floating" acrylic paint
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Detail of acrylic painting showing finishes that resemble both oil and watercolor
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Example of blending technique with acrylics. Painting on wooden panel.
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A demonstration of blending with acrylic paint. No retarders were used.
See also
In Spanish: Pintura acrílica para niños
