Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: What’s the Difference? Which Is Better? (2023)

Imagine that you have a spectacular art project in mind. As the images begin forming in your head, you start to plan for your supplies. Then, as you stand in front of a rack of craft paints, it hits you; you don’t know whether acrylic or tempera paint is best. Why? Because you aren’t sure about the differences.

The main difference between acrylic and tempera paint is in their composition. Due to the makeup, acrylic is more durable, glossier, and thicker and is better suited for traditional art projects. Tempera paint is thinner, faster drying, and easier to clean up, even after drying.

If you need to select the best paint for your upcoming project, comparing and contrasting acrylic vs. tempera paint helps. Here’s what you need to know.

Quick Navigation

  • What Is Acrylic Paint?
  • What Is Tempera Paint?
  • Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: Key Points
  • Is Tempera Paint Acrylic?
  • What Is the Difference Between Acrylic and Tempera Paint?
    • Composition
    • Durability
    • Dry Time
    • Opacity
    • Washability
    • Consistency
    • Texture
    • Mixability
    • Cost
    • Application / Uses
  • Can You Mix Tempera and Acrylic Paint?
  • Tempera Paint vs Acrylic Paint on Canvas
  • How to Make Tempera Paint into Acrylic
  • Tempera Paint vs Watercolor
  • Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: Which Is Better?

What Is Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: What’s the Difference? Which Is Better? (1)

Acrylic paint is water-based paint featuring synthetic polymer compounds with gum arabic-based binders. It uses granular solids as pigments, so the coloring itself doesn’t dissolve. Instead, it’s suspended in the polymers and held in place by the binder.

When drying, water evaporates out of the acrylic paint. In the end, essentially, only the pigments, binder, and polymers remain. This makes the paint durable. Plus, it gives it a nice, glossy (or semi-glossy) finish and toughness.

Acrylic paint is also buildable, thanks to the polymers. It will hold a shape with relative ease, making it great for palette knife painting or brush techniques designed to create a lot of texture.

Overall, acrylic paint is relatively thick. That’s part of the reason it holds it shape well, making it possible to imbue texture into paintings or projects. However, if the acrylic paint is too thick for your liking, you can thin it easily. Usually, you can simply add water.

If you add water to acrylic, it’s usually best to go with distilled water. That way, there aren’t any minerals or particles in the water that could impact the pigments or texture.

Many acrylic paints are non-toxic. However, some may contain potentially harmful ingredients. Usually, it’s the pigments that may be dangerous, as some are known carcinogens. However, alternative pigments can provide the same hue without the risk. If you’re concerned about toxicity, focus on non-toxic acrylic paints when looking for products.

What Is Tempera Paint?

Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: What’s the Difference? Which Is Better? (2)

(Video) Tempera Paint Vs Acrylic Paint: Which Is More Effective? [2023]

Tempera paint can refer to multiple kinds of water-based paints. Usually, when people think of tempera paint, they envision the classic options you find in craft stores or schools.

Craft-level tempera paint is a water-based option featuring a simple composition. Along with pigments and water, you’ll find calcium carbonate, the same material that’s in chalk. There can also be starches present, such as corn starch.

Usually, this version of tempera paint is designed with washability in mind. Additionally, they are commonly non-toxic. That’s why it’s commonly found in schools and why many products in this category are marketed toward children.

Typically, craft tempera paint is creamy. It doesn’t hold its shape as well, so it may drip or flatten as it dries if applied in thicker globs. Additionally, it’s harder to build with tempera paint.

However, there is another version of tempera paint. Professional-quality versions usually feature egg or milk products in their compositions. The egg or milk acts as the binder, while gums may serve as dispersants for the pigments.

Egg tempera paint is more durable and buildable. Additionally, it’s less washable. Finally, egg tempera paint may or may not be non-toxic. Mainly, that depends on the pigments, though other ingredients may be a factor, so artists should keep that in mind when considering their options.

Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: Key Points

Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: What’s the Difference? Which Is Better? (3)

If you’re looking at the simplest way to see how tempera and acrylic paint differ, examining specific key points is the best option. That way, you can conduct a quick comparison at a glance, potentially letting you figure out which paint is best for your project in just a few moments.

Here is a quick overview of acrylic vs. tempera paint.

Acrylic PaintTempera Paint
CompositionWater-based featuring synthetic polymer compounds with gum arabic-based binderWater-based with some versions featuring food-based binders (typically egg or milk)
DurabilityStrong adhesion that can stand up to some scrubbing and wear-and-tear. Resists fading over timeEasily scrubbed or scraped off from most surfaces. Loses vibrancy over time when exposed to light
Dry Time20 minutes to several hours, depending on thickness and other factors5 minutes to one hour, depending on thickness and conditions
OpacityGood opacity, providing reasonable coverage in a single passExcellent opacity, providing reliable coverage in one pass
WashabilityWashable when wet, not when dryWashable wet or dry, including from fabric
ConsistencyThickCreamy
TexturePlastic-like and stiff with semi-gloss to glossy finishMatte
MixabilityHighHigh
Shelf Life5 to 10 years depending on the product line and how it’s stored2 to 5 years, depending on the product line and storage approach
CostAffordable for entry-level and intermediate versions, though high-end, professional acrylics can run from mid-priced to expensiveAffordable for entry-level and intermediate paints. Professional level versions can range from mid-priced to high-cost.
Application / UsesPaper, wood, ceramic, canvas, metal, fabricArt projects on paper, poster board, cardboard, paper mache, and similar materials

Is Tempera Paint Acrylic?

No, tempera paint is not acrylic. While both paints are water-based and might feature similar pigments, the rest of their characteristic compositions differ.

Acrylic paints feature specific binders and polymers that you don’t find in craft tempera paint. Additionally, while egg tempera paint can contain gums for better dispersion, they also don’t have the same polymers that you find in acrylics.

What Is the Difference Between Acrylic and Tempera Paint?

Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: What’s the Difference? Which Is Better? (4)

(Video) Tempera vs. Acrylic

While the chart at the start of the article should give you some solid insights into how acrylic and tempera paint stand apart, taking a closer look is wise. That way, you can learn more about how the two paints differ, making it easier to decide which version is best for your next project.

Here’s a deeper dive into the differences between acrylic and tempera paint.

Composition

When it comes to composition, things are relatively straightforward with acrylics. Acrylic paint is water-based. It features synthetic polymer compounds with a gum arabic-based binder, creating a workable, thick paste that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces.

Things are a bit more complex with tempera paint. Technically, there are multiple kinds. First, there’s the version you see in most craft stores. These water-based paints usually have simple compositions, featuring calcium carbonate and starches, such as corn starch.

Professional quality tempera paint is different. While they are still water-based, there’s also egg along with the pigments and gums. The gums act as dispersants, while the egg serves as a binder. Often, these versions are called egg tempera paints, specifically because the egg is present in the mix.

In some cases, top-tier tempera paint may feature milk instead of egg. However, this is far less common.

Durability

On the durability side of the equation, acrylic outperforms tempera. Most craft-oriented tempera paints are easy to scrape off a surface once dried, so much so that the paint may wear away quickly even with casual contact. In comparison, acrylic is incredibly resilient. It isn’t easy to scratch off surfaces and stand up to wear and tear well.

It’s important to note that professional-quality egg tempera paints are far more durable than the more typically used craft versions. However, it still isn’t as tough as acrylic. It can be scraped off when dry, though it does take some effort.

Dry Time

If you’re comparing the drying times of acrylic and tempera paint, they come out reasonably close. Tempera paint comes out a bit ahead, with the shortest time between just 5 minutes. However, acrylic might be dry in as little as 20 minutes. Plus, depending on conditions and specific factors, it could take either paint a bit longer to completely dry, though usually no more than one or two.

Opacity

When it comes to opacity, the winner of the acrylic vs. tempera paint debate is tempera. This craft paint contains calcium carbonate, which is found in chalk. This allows tempera paint to provide exceptional coverage and top-tier opacity, especially in a single pass.

However, that doesn’t mean acrylic doesn’t do a solid job in opacity. In many cases, it provides ample coverage in a single pass unless you’re using very little paint or a delicate touch. Still, tempera paint makes achieving complete coverage far easier.

Washability

Since acrylic and tempera paints are water-based, they wash up easily when the paint is still wet or damp all of the way through. Usually, you can handle errant drips with ease. Additionally, cleaning up brushes right after use may require little more than some water and a bit of manual manipulation.

Once the paint dries, things change a bit. Craft-level tempera paint is washable in any state, including fully dry. You can typically remove it from any surface type with water and elbow grease. However, there’s a chance that some pigments could stain underlying materials, especially if the paint remains in place for an extended period or the material is porous.

(Video) Tempera vs acrylic paint

With acrylic paint, removing it once dried is harder. You might need to use rubbing alcohol, acetone, or vinegar to get dried acrylic paint out of brushes. The same is true if you’re trying to remove acrylic paint from work surfaces, flooring, or other areas where it dripped while working on your project.

Professional grade egg tempera also isn’t washable to the same degree as the other kind of tempera paint. As a water-based paint, it can be cleaned up when wet without much issue. However, when it dries, its washability is more akin to acrylic.

Consistency

Acrylic and tempera paints do have different consistencies. Usually, acrylic paint is pretty thick, so much so that a glob may maintain its structure for quite some time.

Tempera paint is thinner. Most would characterize the working consistency as creamy. If a glob is left, it will typically spread, at times quite quickly.

Texture

Tempera and acrylic paints dry a bit differently. With tempera, you’ll get a result that looks and feels matte. There’s a slight grab if you run your finger across it when dry, though it is subtle. Tempera paint also tends to remain fairly flat, though large globs will create a bit of a rise.

With acrylic paint, the final appearance is plastic-like. The finish is usually in the semi-glossy to glossy spectrum, and it’s relatively smooth to the touch. Additionally, it has a stiff quality, making it incredibly buildable.

Mixability

In the acrylic vs. tempera debate, here’s a point where the two options are neck-and-neck. Overall, you won’t find any issues in mixability, as either paint type blends with other shades of its respective type with ease.

With acrylic and tempera paints, hand mixing is most common. Using a palette knife could be your best bet for acrylics due to their thickness. Since tempera is creamier, combining shades in a bowl with a stiff brush may work. Just be careful about dragging the brush across the bottom or letting the paint too far up into the bristles, as that can damage the brush.

Cost

There isn’t much difference between tempera and acrylic paint for entry-level and intermediate products when it comes to cost. However, in most cases, both are reasonably affordable.

Individual 8 to 16-ounce bottles usually run between $2 and $8 each, depending on the product line. For paint sets, they can cost between $8 and $70 in many cases, depending on the number of bottles, the color selection, and the bottle sizes.

Once you start getting to professional-quality paints, the cost goes up significantly. With top-tier acrylics, a single bottle can easily run more than $40 for just 5 ounces of paint. For professional-quality egg tempera, you might see prices starting at around $11, though some may cost well over $100.

Application / Uses

In most cases, acrylic paint is closer to a traditional artist’s paint. It will work well on paper, wood, ceramic, canvas, metal, and fabric, making it a versatile choice.

Craft tempera paint is generally best on paper products, including poster board, paper mache, and similar options. However, you could technically use it on wood, glass, or other materials; it just might not be the best choice.

(Video) What's the Difference? | Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylic & Tempera Paint Comparison

With egg tempera paint, it’s possible to use it just like any other high-end artist paint, including acrylic. As a result, it’s a bit more versatile than the typical craft version.

Can You Mix Tempera and Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: What’s the Difference? Which Is Better? (5)

Generally speaking, even though they are both water-based, you shouldn’t mix acrylic and tempera paint. The calcium carbonate, egg, or milk products in the tempera may not play nicely with the polymers and binders in acrylic.

Since there are composition differences in the paint, the final consistency might not be ideal, and the colors may not fully blend. As a result, you’re better off only mixing acrylic with acrylic and tempera with tempera.

Additionally, you’ll want to limit mixing tempera paints to those of the same type. Only combine the craft tempera paints with those of that kind. The same goes for egg tempera paint or the versions featuring milk products.

Tempera Paint vs Acrylic Paint on Canvas

If your goal is to paint on a canvas, craft-level tempera paint isn’t your ideal option. The paint may crack and fade over time. Plus, the paint isn’t particularly durable, making it a far less suitable choice than acrylic.

However, egg tempera paint has a different composition, but it still isn’t great for canvas. It lacks flexibility, which can lead to cracking and chipping. Egg tempera needs ample support if you want longevity out of the project, so keep that in mind when choosing a backing.

How to Make Tempera Paint into Acrylic

Technically, you can’t turn tempera paint into acrylic. Their compositions are different. You can’t remove the components in tempera that aren’t present in acrylic or introduce ingredients found in acrylic that aren’t typically in tempera.

However, you can thicken tempera paint to make it act a bit more like acrylic. Options like flour or corn starch may work, though there is a chance it could make the paint gritty.

If you’re more concerned about getting the durable, glossy finish you’d get with acrylic, you could use a sealant to change the appearance of acrylic paint. For example, a water-based spray-on clear coat could reduce color fade, add shine, and potentially limit cracking, so it’s worth considering if you want to make a tempera paint project look more like acrylic.

Tempera Paint vs Watercolor

Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: What’s the Difference? Which Is Better? (6)

Tempera paint and watercolor paint have a bit in common. Both are considered semi-permanent, as they’re resoluble in water. Additionally, water-based paints can be thinned with water and easily cleaned up when wet or dry.

In most cases, watercolor paint – like tempera – is even washable. If it gets on fabric, a trip through the washing machine or some light scrubbing with a gentle cleanser can remove watercolor from many materials. Additionally, if the pigments are light, there may not be any staining after removing the watercolor paint, though that may depend on the pigments used.

(Video) Master Class Tempera vs Gouache

It is important to note that some watercolors aren’t as washable. Professional-grade versions often have more pigments, making them harder to remove from fabrics without staining.

Acrylic vs Tempera Paint: Which Is Better?

Technically, neither acrylic nor tempera paint is inherently better than the other. Instead, they are simply better suited to different situations. Craft tempera paints are great for children and young artists working with paper products as a backer. They’re vibrant, easy to work with, and usually washable. Acrylics and egg tempera paints work better for classic art projects, including painting on canvas, ceramic, and other materials.

Did you find out everything you wanted to know about acrylic vs. tempera paint? If so, share your thoughts in the comments area below. Additionally, if you know anyone who could benefit from the information in this piece, please share the article.

FAQs

What is tempera paint best used for? ›

Tempera paint is used for craft projects, school classroom projects, posters, theatre props, painting windows, color mixing exercises, and much more, but the best results can be found when used on paper, cardboard, and poster board.

Is acrylic or tempera paint better for canvas? ›

Acrylic paint is one of the most popular types of paint for painting on canvas, and with good reason. It's easy to work with, requires minimal supplies and dries quickly. A primed canvas provides an ideal surface for acrylic, which can be applied with a brush or palette knife.

Why is acrylic paint better? ›

Acrylic paints are also more economical than oils, allowing artists to work more quickly without worrying about drying out their brushes or wasting time with cleanup. Acrylics also dry much faster than oils, which means they can be mixed together without fear of separating.

What are the disadvantages of tempera paint? ›

It dries rapidly, and when dry it produces a smooth matte finish. The main disadvantage - apart from the time-consuming need to apply it in thin layers - is that tempera paintings cannot usually attain the deep colour saturation that oil paintings are able to manage.

Why do people use tempera? ›

Tempera is more transparent than oil and holds less pigment, which allows light to penetrate through it and reflect off the white surface of the gesso below. Another advantage of egg tempera is that, unlike oil paintings, it is resistant to light, and its colours do not darken or change with age.

What paint do professional painters use on canvas? ›

Two of the most commonly used paints for canvas art are oil and acrylic paint. Acrylic comes in as an all-time favourite with its favourable qualities; it's easy to work with and dries quickly. Oil paint is another winner with its thick, gluey consistency it is the perfect paint recipe paired beautifully with canvas.

What is the easiest paint to use on canvas? ›

Acrylic paint will also lay consistently and easily on a canvas medium, so you can create clearer, finer, and more well-defined details. Less Odorous Than Oil Paint - Acrylic is the best paint for canvas when working in a small and/or enclosed space because you won't need chemicals to dilute it.

Do artists use tempera paint? ›

Because the pigment doesn't mix well with other paints, it is less popular than acrylics, watercolor and oil-based paints, but it's still used by artists to this day.

Can you paint acrylic over tempera paint? ›

Egg tempera is chemically more closely allied to oil paint than anything else. Therefore acrylic over tempera will eventually have the same problems as over oil paint: lack of adhesion, flaking and delamination.

What kind of paper do you use with tempera paint? ›

SULPHITE PAPER

Most art teachers will agree that this smooth, white paper is their go-to paper. If using it for water media such as tempera paint, don't choose anything less than 80lb or 90lb or the paper will curl and rip. Sulphite paper is perfect for oil and chalk pastels, markers, tempera and watercolor paint.

What are some advantages to using acrylic paints rather than oil tempera or watercolor? ›

Acrylic paint is better for people who want their paint to dry faster. Where oil paint can take a very long time to dry, acrylic paint can be dry within hours. It's also resistant to water more than watercolor or oil paint, meaning that it's less likely to get damaged by moisture in the short term.

What is the weakness of acrylic paint? ›

Disadvantages – Because acrylic paints dry quickly they cannot be easily blended to create the “wet in wet” technique that is popular with oil paints. This is what can give a “harsher” look to acrylic paintings when compared to oils. Acrylic paint also dries quickly on the palette.

What is acrylic best used for? ›

Acrylic is most often used in sales displays, skylights, lenses, aquariums, and even submarine windows! Also, it's great because it comes in different thicknesses. Acrylic Two Way Mirrors are a fun and unique way to spice up your photography game. Turn a standard portrait session into something artistic.

Why do people prefer acrylic? ›

Acrylic nails are an easy and classy way to make your nails look beautiful. People can choose them to help conceal nails that are damaged, short or have an 'undesirable' appearance.

Is tempera paint very long lasting? ›

Tempera is a bright, fast-drying type of paint. Paintings done in tempera are extremely long-lasting—some as old as the first century CE have been found. Traditionally, tempera paints were mixed with egg yolk, which is why this type of paint is commonly called egg tempera.

Is tempera paint good quality? ›

Also known as poster board paint, tempera paint is great for crafts and art projects because it's fast drying, long lasting, and easy to clean. It's also not likely to flake, streak, or crack. Tempera paint is water-soluble, and the majority of tempera paint available is non-toxic.

Can tempera paint be permanent? ›

Although tempera paint is not designed to be permanent and lightfast like acrylic and oil paints have been, it can last for a year or so on paper and similar surfaces although the colors will probably have started fading by then. However, you can prevent this by applying a fixative to the painting.

What famous artists use tempera? ›

Botticelli, Raphael, and Andrew Wyeth all painted with tempera. Today, the quick-drying medium, which employs a 50/50 blend of egg yolk and color pigment, is mostly in use by a brave few contemporary practitioners (who must not mind the smell of aging eggs in the studio).

What paint did Bob Ross use? ›

What kind of paint does Bob Ross use? Magic white or liquid white is a key ingredient. It is white paint made thinner with oil and solvent and directly and thinly coated on your canvas.

What type of paint did Bob Ross use? ›

In 'The Joy of Painting' Bob Ross uses rather thick oil paints. Please be careful not to get acrylic based paints, as these will not work for Bob's wet-on-wet-technique.

Why do artists paint canvas red first? ›

The medium tint of red allows to work on light colours and dark colours, so that's the primary reason. – The second reason is that it is a primer with pigment and oil, so the canvas is not absorbent at all anymore and you can get more slippery layers very quickly, the colour becomes more covering.

What paint is best for beginners? ›

Acrylic paint is pretty easy to work with, making it a great option for beginners. We use acrylic paint because it dries very quickly. For at-home painting, watercolor paint is also a beginner-friendly paint that is convenient and easy to clean up.

What do painters put on canvas before painting? ›

Priming is the process of creating a barrier between the canvas and the paint of a painting. Typically this is done by applying layers of acrylic gesso, clear acrylic medium, or traditional hyde glue and oil priming white.

What is the easiest paint to start painting with? ›

Acrylic is typically the easiest for beginners, while watercolor is the hardest. However, if you hate working with acrylic, don't force yourself to paint it just because it's easier. It's far more important to find a medium that you enjoy.

Why do we use egg in painting? ›

Egg tempera is a terrific medium with many advantages. It is water-based, non-toxic (depending on which pigments you use) and permanent. Unlike oil paint, it will not yellow, change in color, or grow transparent over time, and you never need to use toxic paint thinners or solvents.

What surfaces can you use tempera paint on? ›

Often used to teach school children how to paint, tempera can adhere to many surfaces including canvas, wood, fabric, paper, paper mache, poster board and temporarily on glass. Water can be mixed with the paint to extend drying time. Once it is dry, it cannot be reconstituted.

Why does tempera paint crack? ›

Tempera initially dries through relatively rapid evaporation of its water content, so if too dense a layer is applied it can crack as it shrinks (akin to a dried-out lake bed).

Does acrylic paint wash off? ›

Luckily, acrylics wash out much easier than any other medium, including oil paint, charcoal or pastels. Here's everything you need to know to save that T-shirt—rather than be forced to start using it as a rag.

How do you blend tempera paint? ›

Here's what to do:

Dip paint brush into one color (say red) then scoop up a tiny amount of another color (say white). You will see two colors on the brush. Brush paint onto a paper surface noticing how the colors appear on the paper. The more times you brush the paint onto the paper, the more it will blend.

Why do artists choose not to use acrylic paint? ›

Disadvantages: because acrylic paints dry quickly they cannot be easily blended to create the 'wet in wet' technique that is popular with oil paints. For this reason, a finished acrylic painting can look harsh compared to a finished oil painting.

What are 3 benefits of using acrylic paint? ›

Acrylic paint is first invented as a fast-drying alternative to slow-drying oil paint. It also comes with other benefits such as being non-toxic, water-soluble, permanent, and a very versatile medium.

Why do artists prefer acrylic paint? ›

Acrylics dry fast, so you can layer colors quickly

Courtesy of The Monacelli Press. One of the reasons Hockney was so attracted to acrylic paints was because of how quickly they dry—you can put down a layer of acrylic paint, and in a few hours, it's dry enough to put down another layer.

What can damage acrylic? ›

Never use chemicals to clean acrylic – they will damage it. Here are ones to avoid:
  • Any ammonia based cleaner e.g. window and glass cleaners.
  • ​Abrasive or caustic cleaners.
  • WD-40 or any other petroleum-based chemical.
  • ​Scrubbing pads or other abrasive pad.
Feb 13, 2018

What paint is stronger than acrylic? ›

Enamel can last longer and it's more resistant to cracks and does not fade, unlike acrylic paint. Enamel is not the best choice for outdoors because it's less flexible than the acrylic and becomes harder which can lead to cracking. If you want to paint something outdoors it's best if you use acrylic paint.

What is the oldest known kind of paint? ›

The oldest archaeological evidence of paint making was found in the Blombos Cave in South Africa. An ochre-based mixture was dated at 100,000 years old, and a stone toolkit used to grind ochre into paint was found to be 70,000 years old.

What are 4 common uses for acrylic? ›

Common uses include lenses, acrylic nails, paint, security barriers, medical devices, LCD screens, and furniture. Because of its clarity, it is also often used for windows, tanks, and enclosures around exhibits.

What are 4 advantages of acrylic? ›

Advantages of Acrylic:

Excellent optical clarity & transparency. Highly resistant to variations in temperature. Up to 17 times the impact resistance of ordinary glass. Half the weight of glass and ideal for precision machining.

What surfaces are acrylic paint good for? ›

Acrylics straight from the tube are the most flexible medium, so can be painted on anything – paper, canvas, cardboard, metal… literally anything. 2. Oils are more tricky, so have to be painted onto a properly prepared surface (see: The Trouble with Oil) I recommend a prepared canvas or prepared board.

What's bad about acrylic material? ›

Acrylic fiber is not biodegradable, so it simply accumulates in the environment and will stay there for hundreds of years until it slowly starts to break down. The tiny fiber fragments produced when consumers wash synthetic fabrics enter the water supply and poison ecosystems.

What type of paint do most artists use? ›

Acrylic paint is one of the most common and most cost-effective types of paints used by artists. It attaches to most bases (wood, canvas, metal..) and as opposed to oil paint, acrylic paint dries very fast. The substance that embeds the color pigments is a water-based acryl emulsion.

Does Bob Ross paint with acrylics? ›

The iconic art style of Bob Ross is most easily achieved by using oil paints, but not everyone can afford to spend $11 per color on Bob's licensed paints—especially when he uses over ten colors per painting. For half the cost, use acrylic paints instead.

What is the difference between acrylic and tempera paint? ›

Both acrylic paint and tempera paint are water-soluble and can be thinned with a little bit of water. Kids can work with either acrylic paint or tempera paint, but because acrylic paint is permanent, you'll probably feel a lot more at ease if they worked with tempera paint.

What is acrylic paint used for? ›

Acrylic paint can colour practically anything. It is resilient and flexible and can be applied to all kinds of surfaces. While used by artists on stretched prepared canvas, paper or board, acrylics can also be applied to wood, leather, paper-mache, fabric, cement, glass, brick, pottery – almost any non-greasy surface.

Is tempera paint still used? ›

Because the pigment doesn't mix well with other paints, it is less popular than acrylics, watercolor and oil-based paints, but it's still used by artists to this day. So, what made tempera reign supreme among the Renaissance giants?

What is the easiest type of paint to clean up? ›

High Gloss

The most durable and easiest to clean of all paint sheens, high-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. Think appliance-paint tough. High gloss is a good choice for area that sticky fingers touch -- cabinets, trim, and doors.

What is the best paint that last longer? ›

Acrylic paint lasts the longest and is also known for resisting all sorts of damage caused by weather and other natural variables. Acrylic paint is also excellent for resisting fading or damage caused by exposure to the sun, making it perfect for homes located in hot regions or climates.”

Can tempera paint get wet? ›

A: We wouldn't recommend temera paint for outdoor use. Rain will wash off the tempera paint.

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2. Acrylic or Tempera Paint Value Study
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4. Acrylic vs Tempera
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5. Differences Between Watercolor, Tempera, and Acrylic- 30 Day Simple Art Challenge - Introduction
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