20 Acrylic Painting Myths Busted: What Every Artist Should Know

Acrylic painting is a wonderfully versatile medium, but misconceptions and myths surrounding it can often discourage artists from fully embracing it. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned painter, debunking these common myths can help you unlock the true potential of acrylics.

Here’s a list of 15 common myths about acrylic painting—and the truth behind them!

Myth 1: Acrylic Paints Dry Too Quickly to Blend

This is one of the most common misconceptions about acrylics. While it’s true that acrylics dry faster than oils, there are plenty of ways to extend the drying time to allow for smoother blending.

Truth:
By using slow-drying mediums or acrylic retarders, you can significantly extend the working time. Another method is to lightly mist your palette with water to keep the paint moist, allowing for better blending.

Myth 2: Acrylic Paints Are Inferior to Oil Paints

Many artists believe that acrylics are a “lesser” medium compared to oils because they are newer or more affordable. This myth overlooks the flexibility and versatility that acrylics offer.

Truth:
Acrylics are just as capable of producing fine art as oils, and they offer unique advantages like faster drying times, ease of layering, and less toxicity. Acrylic paintings can also be just as durable and vibrant as oil paintings.

Myth 3: You Can’t Achieve Texture with Acrylics

Some artists think acrylics can’t provide the same level of texture as oil paints, but this simply isn’t true. Acrylics can be used to create rich textures and even impasto effects with the right mediums.

Truth:
Acrylic gel mediums and pastes allow you to build up thick layers of paint, giving you the ability to create textured surfaces that rival oil impasto techniques.

Myth 4: You Can Only Paint on Canvas

This myth limits artists to traditional supports like canvas or paper when, in reality, acrylics can be used on a wide variety of surfaces.

Truth:
Acrylics can be applied to a range of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, fabric, and even walls. The key is to prepare the surface properly with a suitable primer like gesso.

Myth 5: You Can’t Fix Mistakes with Acrylics

Many believe that once acrylic paint is down and dry, it’s impossible to correct mistakes. However, acrylics are highly forgiving, and there are several ways to fix errors.

Truth:
You can easily paint over dried acrylics by adding new layers, or you can wipe away wet paint with a damp cloth. If the mistake has dried, sanding or scraping the area can also help before repainting.

Myth 6: Acrylic Paint Colors Fade Over Time

There’s a common concern that acrylic paints fade more quickly than oils, especially if they’re cheaper brands. While lightfastness can vary by brand, most professional acrylics are highly durable and resistant to fading.

Truth:
High-quality acrylics are formulated to be lightfast, meaning they resist fading when exposed to light. Properly sealing and varnishing your painting can also help protect it over time.

Myth 7: Acrylic Paintings Look Flat Compared to Oil Paintings

Some artists think that acrylic paintings lack the richness and depth of oils. This myth likely stems from the fast-drying nature of acrylics, which can cause them to look matte if not layered properly.

Truth:
By using glazing techniques, layering, or acrylic gloss mediums, you can create a similar depth and richness to oil paintings. The layering potential of acrylics also allows for vibrant, multi-dimensional effects.

Myth 8: Acrylics Aren’t Suitable for Realism

Acrylics are often associated with abstract or modern art, leading to the myth that they aren’t suitable for highly realistic styles.

Truth:
Many realist painters use acrylics to create incredibly detailed work. Acrylics can be layered and glazed to create fine details, smooth transitions, and realistic textures.

Myth 9: Acrylics Dry Darker Than They Appear on the Palette

It’s true that acrylics can sometimes dry a shade darker than when wet, but this doesn’t mean you can’t adjust for it.

Truth:
Understanding how your paints behave will allow you to compensate. By mixing slightly lighter hues or using a varnish to restore the vibrancy, you can achieve the desired colour despite the drying shift.

Myth 10: Acrylics Are Only for Beginners

Acrylics are often seen as a beginner’s medium, but this myth overlooks the complexity and versatility that acrylics offer to advanced artists.

Truth:
Acrylics are a professional-grade medium used by many advanced and renowned artists. The flexibility of acrylics—from glazing to impasto—makes them suitable for all skill levels.

Myth 11: Acrylic Paints Aren’t Waterproof

Some artists believe that acrylics aren’t waterproof once dry and can be easily damaged by water exposure.

Truth:
Acrylics are water-resistant once fully cured, making them a durable choice for both indoor and outdoor works. However, sealing your painting with a varnish adds an extra layer of protection.

Myth 12: You Can’t Glaze with Acrylics

Glazing is often associated with oil painting, but acrylics are just as capable of producing stunning glazed effects.

Truth:
Acrylic glazing mediums allow you to apply transparent layers of colour to build depth and luminosity in your painting. You can glaze in thin layers just as you would with oils.

Myth 13: You Can Only Use Brushes with Acrylics

Many artists think that brushes are the only tool you can use with acrylics, limiting the range of textures and effects that can be achieved.

Truth:
Acrylics are incredibly versatile and can be applied with palette knives, sponges, rags, and even fingers. Experimenting with different tools allows you to create unique textures and effects.

Myth 14: You Must Use a Lot of Water to Thin Acrylics

While water can be used to thin acrylics, over-thinning with water can weaken the paint’s adhesion and affect the overall finish.

Truth:
It’s best to use acrylic mediums for thinning your paint while maintaining the pigment’s strength and integrity. Mediums allow for thinning without compromising the quality of the paint.

Myth 15: Acrylics Can’t Be Used for Large-Scale Paintings

Because acrylics dry quickly, some artists assume they’re not suited for large-scale works, where oils are often preferred for their longer working time.

Truth:
Acrylics can be used for large-scale paintings with the help of slow-drying mediums and working in sections. The quick drying time can actually be an advantage when layering large areas efficiently.

Myth 16: Acrylic Paint Can’t Be Thinned with Water

Some artists believe that acrylic paint cannot be thinned with water, fearing that it will weaken the paint or cause it to break down.

Truth:
Acrylic paint can be thinned with water in moderation. However, excessive water (more than 30% of the mixture) may affect the paint’s adhesive qualities. For a controlled and even thinning effect, it's best to use acrylic mediums designed for thinning, which preserve the integrity of the paint.

Myth 17: Acrylics Can’t Be Used for Glowing or Translucent Effects

Acrylics are sometimes thought to lack the ability to create soft, glowing, or translucent effects like you can with watercolours or oils.

Truth:
Acrylic paints can absolutely be used to create glowing or translucent effects. By using glazing techniques or mixing with glazing mediums, you can create soft, layered, transparent colours that mimic the luminosity of other mediums.

Myth 18: You Can Only Paint on Primed Surfaces

It’s a common belief that acrylics can only be used on surfaces that have been primed with gesso or other primers.

Truth:
While priming surfaces with gesso provides a smooth and sealed surface ideal for acrylics, it’s not strictly necessary. Acrylics can be applied directly to many surfaces, such as canvas, paper, wood, or even glass. However, using gesso ensures better adhesion and longevity.

Myth 19: You Can’t Achieve Soft Blends with Acrylics

Some artists believe that acrylics don’t allow for smooth or soft blending due to their quick drying time, making them unsuitable for certain effects.

Truth:
Though acrylics dry faster than oils, you can achieve soft blends with the right techniques. Using slow-drying mediums, retarder, or misting the surface with water can extend the open time and allow you to blend more smoothly. Wet-on-wet techniques also work well for achieving soft transitions in acrylics.

Myth 20: Acrylic Paintings Don’t Require Varnishing

Many artists think that acrylic paintings don’t need a protective varnish layer since acrylics are durable and water-resistant once dry.

Truth:
While acrylics are water-resistant and durable, varnishing is still important to protect your painting from dust, UV rays, and other environmental factors. A varnish will enhance the colours, protect the surface, and provide a uniform finish, whether matte, satin, or glossy.

Final Thoughts

Acrylic painting myths can hold artists back, but understanding the truth behind these misconceptions allows you to unlock the full potential of this versatile medium. Whether you're working on small or large-scale projects, acrylics offer flexibility, durability, and endless creative possibilities.

Keep splashing colours! 😊🎨✨