Art Paints

When it comes to painting, choosing a medium isn't as simple as one may think. There are a lot of factors to consider: work surface or paper type, technique, desired style--need I go on? Since different paints have different properties, you need to know the paint's uses before buying a truckload of acrylics for that body painting party you've been planning--which, by the way, do not do. Make sure you're prepared when entering into the consumer's wilderness--read this information on paints. 

Traditional Mediums

Acrylic  Acrylic paints have qualities similar to traditional oil paints and watercolours. They are soluble in water and provide a permanent, quick drying finish. They are versatile and can be used to create a variety of effects. As you dilute the paint with water or alter it by adding acrylic gels or paste, you can create a unique effect or use it to replicate the look of an oil or watercolour painting.	Oil  Oil paint is a good choice for creating a piece over several sittings because tubes can be left open for weeks at a time without drying. They are particularly good for blending tones with a high level of detail, and for creating deep, rich colours. Make sure to check the label of the tube because some oils have a slight level of toxicity. These products have manufacturer's warnings and care should be taken while children are painting.	Watercolour  Watercolours have low hiding power, which means they allow a sketch or under-drawing to pass through the layers of paint. Commercial watercolour paints come in two grades: "Artist" (or "Professional") and "Student." Artist quality paints result in richer colour and vibrant mixes. Student grade paints have less pigment, and often are formulated using two or more less expensive pigments. They can be bought in tubes  or watercolour pans,  which are little blocks or cakes that have to be mixed with water.	Tempera  Tempera paint consists of water, egg yolks or whole eggs--and occasionally a little gum,  honey or milk. It is often applied over a prepared drawing or sketch, and built up slowly in a series of thin, transparent layers. Unlike oil paint, tempera cannot be applied thickly to create a deep colouration, but it maintains its colour better over time.	Gouache  Gouache paint is a watercolour based paint, but unlike ordinary watercolours, it finishes with a less wet look and can be used to create more reflective, heavier tones. It is commonly used in the creation of posters  and graphic design art, but it can be difficult to use. Since gouache dries differently compared to other paints, matching the tones is a tricky task--lighter tones dry slightly darker while darker tones become a little brighter.

Alternative Paint Choices

Spray Paint  Spray paint  is a desirable medium for graffiti artists because it leaves a smooth, evenly coated surface. Types specifically manufactured for graffiti  include high pressure cans which produce a fast, thick coverage, and lower pressure cans that provide more control and flexibility.  More variety can be achieved by changing the caps or "actuators" of the cans, which range from standard (skinny) caps to wider (fat) caps, as well as caps that control the softness or crispness of the spray.	Body Paint  Modern face  and body paints are made according to strict guidelines, meaning these are non-toxic--usually non-allergenic--and can easily be washed away. Should the skin show any sign of an allergy when using body paint, one should immediately cease using it. It is not advisable to use paints or products which have not been formulated for use on the body as these can result in serious allergic reactions.	Fabric Paint  Fabric paints can be used on clothing, bags, shoes, and any fabric or canvas surface. These paints have a "puffy," firm texture that you can work with straight from the thin nozzle of the tube, which makes it easy to draw lines neatly onto surfaces. If it has not been smeared into the fibres, the paint can also be peeled off the fabric when it dries. This makes it an easy medium to work with and a great way to remake or personalise clothing.	Pastel Paint  Although pastels are formed into drawing utensils (or sticks), using them as a medium is still considered painting. Their most unique quality is that, unlike other paints, they are blended directly onto the work surface to create the desired mixture of colours. Since pastels tend to smudge, they must be set with a fixative --if they are not, the painting is likely to be damaged or altered very easily.	Ink Paint  Ink paint can be used in "ink and wash" painting, an Oriental painting method which employs black ink,  commonly applied with long-haired brushes  onto paper or silk.

Related Products

Paint Brushes	Easels	Canvases	Painting Supplies	Palettes

External Links

• BuyingArtsAndCrafts.com: The histories, properties, and ingredients of certain paints.
• VisualArtsCork.com: All questions about visual art can be answered here. 
• Wikipedia.org: Painting style, history, and media.
• Painting.About.com: Painting with pastels.