Acrylic is a concept that, in the field of chemistry, is used as an adjective to describe that material obtained through the polymerization of a chemical compound called acrylic acid.
Acrylic member of the set of carboxylic acids (which have a functional group called carboxy or carboxyl group, where a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group coincide on the same carbon), acrylic acid has a double bond. It is possible to obtain it by means of propylene, which is a by-product of the oil refining process.
Acrylic acid, when in its pure state, is a liquid that has a strong odor and is colorless. It can be mixed with chloroform, alcohols, water and other substances and allows you to easily create different polymers. That is why acrylic acid and its derivatives are used for the production of different paints and plastics that are simply known as acrylics.
Acrylonitrile, for example, allows the production of acrylic fiber. Similar to wool, this fiber is used for making clothes and for the development of different textile products, such as rugs and blankets.
The acrylic paints, moreover, have their pigments dispersed in an emulsion made with some acrylic type polymer. Having a plasticized material, they can resist the action of water when they are already dry (this drying process, on the other hand, proceeds very quickly). Before drying, however, they dissolve in the water. It should be noted that acrylic paints are usually generically named as latex.
For those who are looking for good quality, glossy finishes on their paintings, but who do not have as much time or money to use oil, acrylic paint is the best option. According to the artists who have specialized in this material, it offers very satisfactory results since the process is truly gratifying.
The first step to embark on acrylic paint is to choose the right brand and format, something that can be overwhelming for beginners, given the dozens of options available on the market. Experts assure that it is advisable to invest in high-end or high-end products, since the difference with the cheaper ones is worth it. One of the basic differences is that cheap brands do not have a pigment as thick as faces, and that leads to the need to apply two or three extra layers to achieve the same shine and the same saturation as with just one of the last ones.
Regarding the distribution format, which can be a bottle or tube, the ideal for someone with no experience is to opt for the latter, since it is sold in smaller quantities than the bottle and that allows you to experiment without spending so much money; It should be noted that there is no difference in terms of the quality of the paint. Another essential point is the choice of colors; It is recommended to start with the basic ones, which can be yellow ocher, crimson alizarin, mars black, titanium white and ultramarine blue. With them it is possible to create practically all the necessary colors, provided they are mixed properly.
The first purchase of brushes can be a bit arduous, given the great variety, but experience depends largely on this step. Basically, there are two categories according to which brushes are divided: the material of their bristles (most prefer synthetic ones) and the shape of their tip (round, cat’s tongue or flat). Finally it is time to buy a palette to mix and store the paint, and the surface on which to paint, that is, the canvas or the wood.
Lastly, acrylic is the most common name for a plastic material that, due to its characteristics, can remain outdoors for a long time without deteriorating.
