Acrylic vs Oil Paint: Choosing the Best Medium for Paint by Numbers

Picking between acrylic or oil paints for your next paint by numbers thing? I know they both seem cool at first, but what you pick can totally change your painting vibe, like how fast it dries or what it feels like when you're done.

If you're new to paint by numbers or you've been doing it a while and want to try something different, knowing what's up with acrylic and oil paints can save you stress, time, and maybe some cash. I’ll walk you through what's good and bad about each, plus give you some tips so you can pick the best paint for your next great work of art. Let's get started and see what makes these paints special!

Acrylic vs Oil Paint: At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Before we get into the finer details, let's take a step back and look at the broader picture. Acrylic and oil paints are like two sides of the same coin - both extraordinary but with very different personalities. From drying times to ease of cleanup, their unique characteristics can make or break your painting project. If you're gearing up for a paint by numbers masterpiece, the choice between these two could seriously affect both your enjoyment and the quality of your final artwork.

Feature	Acrylic Paint	Oil Paint
Base	Water-based; pigment + acrylic polymer emulsion	Oil-based; pigment + linseed or walnut oil
Drying Time	Fast (minutes to hours)	Slow (hours to days/weeks)
Odour	Minimal to none	Strong, requires ventilation
Cleanup	Soap and water	Solvent required
Blendability	Moderate	Excellent, long wet time
Texture & Finish	Smooth, matte/satin	Rich, glossy, textured
Colour Behaviour	Bright and bold	Deep, luminous, may yellow
Flexibility & Surface Compatibility	Adheres to multiple surfaces, resists cracking	Best on primed canvas/wood; may become brittle
Durability & Longevity	Excellent, UV & humidity resistant	Long-lasting, prone to yellowing/cracking

This high-level snapshot serves as a handy guide before we delve deeper. Both acrylic and oil paints shine in their own ways; knowing how they differ will help you align their unique qualities with your artistic goals. Later, we’ll look at how each behaves on paint by numbers canvases, so you can see which paint really shines in this type of project.

Oil Paint vs Acrylic Paint - Understanding Their Differences

Making the choice between acrylics and oils might feel overwhelming at first, especially with their rich histories and diverse uses. But understanding the fundamental differences can simplify your decision-making process and help you pick the medium best suited to your project and style.
In this section, we’ll explore the differences between acrylic and oil paint across several dimensions: their history, chemical composition, texture, drying times, odour, cleanup and so on. Let’s take a closer look at how these two legendary paints differa from their origins to the way they behave on the brush.

The Story Behind Each Paint Type

For centuries, oil paint was the go-to medium for artists, particularly during the Renaissance when masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt used it to create breathtakingly detailed and rich works of art. Its ability to add layers and texture gave paintings a sense of luxury and sophistication.

However, with the advent of the 20th century, a new player emerged: acrylic paint. This fast-drying, versatile medium revolutionized the art world, making it possible for artists to work quickly and achieve vibrant results.

As a result, painting transformed from a tedious, time-honored tradition to a dynamic, everyday activity that could be enjoyed by anyone, from professionals in studios to hobbyists in their own homes. To truly appreciate the unique characteristics of each paint type, it's essential to delve into their histories and compositions, which reveal the distinct differences in their behavior and usage.

The Science of Colour and Composition

At a chemical level, oil and acrylic paints are fundamentally distinct:

• Oil paint combines pigment with linseed or walnut oil. It dries through oxidation, a slow process allowing for extended blending and subtle tonal shifts. This slow drying gives oil paint its signature richness and depth.
• Acrylic paint combines pigment with an acrylic polymer emulsion, drying through water evaporation. This quick-drying process allows for rapid layering and consistent colour application.

These differences change how bright the colors are, how easy it is to mix, and how it feels to paint. Now we can find that acrylics dry fast and let you put on layers steadily, while oils let you change things for longer and get slow changes. But how acrylic and oil paint feel is clear the moment you paint.

Texture, Drying Time, Odour, Cleanup, and the Painting Experience

When it comes to texture and feel:

• Acrylics provide a smooth, matte or satin finish and dry within minutes to hours, making layering and corrections simple. They have minimal odour, making them safe and comfortable to use indoors, and cleanup is straightforward with just soap and water. Acrylics are also flexible and adhere well to many surfaces, including canvas, wood, paper, and even fabric, resisting cracking over time.
• Oils offer a rich, glossy surface that remains workable for days. Their longer drying time allows for seamless blending and luxurious textures, but patience is required. Oil paints have a strong smell and should be used with proper ventilation. Cleaning brushes and palettes requires solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits, and oil paint performs best on primed canvas or wood, with less flexibility on other surfaces.

The contrast in drying time, texture, odour, and cleanup shapes how each paint responds to the brush and the techniques you can employ. Would you rather work with a medium that dries in minutes, cleans up easily, and adapts to many surfaces, or one that remains wet for days, requires more care, and has stricter surface needs?

Colour Longevity and Maintenance

Both paints offer longevity, but in different ways:

• Oil paintings can endure for centuries when properly preserved, though they may yellow or crack over time.
• Acrylics resist UV damage, humidity, and fading thanks to their flexible polymer base, making them particularly suited to modern display conditions.

Knowing these nuances helps you choose the best medium for your art journey. Whether you paint for passion or relaxation, understanding the acrylic vs oil paint durability can save future headaches and preserve your creative work.

How to Master Acrylic Painting and Oil Painting with Safety and Longevity Tips

Now that you know how acrylic and oil paints differ, let’s explore how to use them effectively - because each requires its own rhythm, tools, and care. Understanding proper handling methods dramatically improves your results and enjoyment.

Best Practices for Acrylic Painting

Working Process:

• Take advantage of the quick drying time of acrylic paints by working in smaller sections, or use a fine mist spray to keep the paint workable for longer periods.
• Use synthetic brushes and non-absorbent palettes for smooth application and easy cleanup.
• Rinse your brushes immediately after use to prevent pigments from hardening and damaging the bristles.
• Prepare surfaces with gessoed canvas or acrylic paper for optimal adhesion.
• Low odour and water-based safety make acrylics great indoors, but ventilation is still recommended.

Storage & Care:

• Acrylics are flexible and resilient, resisting cracking and fading.
• Protect your finished work by applying an acrylic varnish once the paint has fully dried, safeguarding it from dust and humidity.
• Store your paintings upright, away from direct sunlight and areas with high moisture levels.
• Photograph your completed artwork to document and track your artistic progress.

Acrylic paint is a dream material for artists who value bold, lasting colors and flexibility. Yet, it truly shines when treated with care and attention. By cultivating clean habits and acting quickly when needed, you can ensure your acrylic works remain as vibrant as the day they were painted.

Best Practices for Oil Painting

Working Process:

• Follow the "fat over lean" principle by applying oil-rich layers on top of leaner ones to ensure flexibility and longevity.
• Use natural bristle brushes and mediums such as linseed oil to improve depth and gloss.
• Clean brushes safely with odorless mineral spirits; never pour solvents down drains.
• Ensure proper ventilation to minimise fume exposure.
• Allow each layer to cure fully before adding the next to prevent cracking.

Storage & Care:

• Protect oil paintings from heat, dust, and direct sunlight.
• Apply a damar or synthetic varnish after the painting has cured (usually six months or more).
• Store vertically in a cool, dry area.
• Gently dust the surface with a soft cloth to maintain appearance.

Oil painting is about patience and permanence - with proper care, your artwork can last for generations, carrying your creative legacy forward.

Choosing the Right Paint - When to Use Acrylic or Oil Paint

Choosing the right paint can still feel like a guessing game, even with all the information available. The best option depends on your skill level, the type of project, your timeline, and the finish you want. Let’s look at when acrylic or oil paint is the better choice for your next artwork.

Based on Experience Level

• Beginners & Kids: Acrylics are perfect - they’re easy to clean up, dry quickly, and are forgiving of mistakes.
• Intermediate Painters: Try both. Begin with acrylics to gain confidence, then move on to oils for more realistic effects and depth.
• Professional Artists: Oils offer sophisticated blending and glazing effects for gallery work, portraits, or large-scale art.

In short, start fast with acrylic, grow slow with oil.

Based on Project Type

• Paint by Numbers / Quick Projects: Acrylic wins — dries fast, keeps lines crisp.
• Detailed Portraits / Realism: Oil is ideal for subtle shading and smooth gradients.
• Decorative or Mixed-Media Art: Acrylics mix easily with markers, collage, and textures.
• Large Canvases / Professional Exhibits: Oils deliver rich, professional-grade results.

Tip: For unconventional surfaces like wood or fabric, acrylic’s flexibility is your best friend.

Based on Environment and Time

• Limited Space / Indoor Setting: Acrylic paints are preferable because they have low odor and are easy to clean.
• Well-Ventilated Studio / Outdoor Setup: Oil paints work beautifully where drying time and ventilation aren’t an issue.
• Short Deadlines / Workshops: Acrylics keep projects efficient.
• Long-Term Studio Projects: Oil paints are suited for a slow, contemplative process.

Of course, you can also take a look at the table below to see the key points at a glance, which is a quick way to understand how to work with and care for both types of paint.

When to Choose Acrylic or Oil Paint

Situation	Best Choice	Why
First-time painter / child	Acrylic	Safe, fast, easy cleanup
Tight schedule / small space	Acrylic	Quick drying, low odour
Seeking realism and texture	Oil	Long blending time, rich tones
Large / commissioned artwork	Oil	Professional finish
Mixed-media / experimental work	Acrylic	Adapts to many materials
Outdoor / humid environment	Acrylic	UV & moisture resistant

Comparing Acrylic Paint and Oil Paint on Paint by Numbers Canvases

Some always ask, ‘Can I use oil paint for my paint by numbers?’ It's tempting, since oils have colors, they look good, and mix easily. But oil paint works different on number canvases, taking longer to dry and being more work. The question is: what paint is really the best for paint by numbers?

Acrylic Paint for Paint by Numbers:

• Dries quickly, keeping numbers crisp.
• Bright, stable colours; easy to correct mistakes.
• Water-based and low-odour for safe indoor use.
• Allows layering without muddiness.

Oil Paint for Paint by Numbers:

• Long drying time allows blending but risks smudging outlines.
• Rich, glossy colours create depth and subtle gradients.
• Requires solvent cleanup and ventilation.
• Managing small sections can be tricky, increasing the chance of errors.

Canvas Reaction Comparison:

• Acrylic: fast, controllable, low-risk.
• Oil: high-gloss, delicate, slower, harder to control.

Using oil paint for Paint by Numbers is like driving a slow sports car down a small street – good looking but hard. Acrylic is like riding a bike – calm, fast, and easy to work with.
All in all, considering speed, control, and safety, acrylic paint for paint by numbers remains the superior choice.

Final words: Choosing the Right Medium for the Art You Love

Acrylic and oil paints? Both can make some amazing art. Oil paint by numbers kits can produce stunning, rich results, which is perfect for those who love depth and texture. But if you're just starting, doing it yourself, or just having fun, acrylics are often easier and safer. They're simple, dry fast, and help you get comfy with painting. That's why our paint by numbers kits use great acrylics. They give you bold colors, smooth layers, and a fun time painting. If you’re eager to try your hand at acrylic painting, our kits are the perfect place to start. Pick up a brush, enjoy the process, and bring your imagination to life!

FAQ

How to fix dried acrylic paint on canvas?

The simplest way is to use a bit of warm water and a soft brush to soften the dried paint. If it's super dry, try mixing in a tiny bit of acrylic gel medium, flow aid, or acrylic retarder to help. Be careful not to add too much water, or the paint will get too runny. A light mist of water while you're working also helps keep the paint from drying too fast.

Is acrylic paint toxic?

Most artist-grade acrylic paints aren't very toxic and are usually safe to use. Still, don't eat them! Some paints might have heavy metals or other stuff in them, so always paint where there's good air flow, and don't eat or drink while you're painting. Wash your hands when you're done. Kids' acrylic paints are usually non-toxic.

Can you paint oil over acrylic?

Yes, you can paint oil directly over dry acrylic without special prep. Many artists use acrylic for first layers and optionally add a matte medium to reduce slipperiness. Otherwise, using quality oil paint-large tubes are usually enough, but impasto mediums can also help if you need thicker coverage.

How long does acrylic paint take to dry?

Acrylic paint generally dries to the touch in 30 minutes to an hour, though this depends on factors like paint thickness, humidity, temperature, and air circulation. For best results, it’s often recommended to wait 2 to 4 hours before applying a second coat.