Oil vs. Acrylic Paint for Beginners: Which One Should You Marry First?

“One’s a slow, romantic date… the other’s a speedy coffee run.”

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If you're just stepping into the world of painting, you might be wondering: Should I dip my brush in oils or acrylics first? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break down the key differences, the pros and cons, and even give you budget-friendly paint brands to play with. 👨‍🎨

🆚 Oil Paint vs. Acrylic Paint: What's the Difference?

🛢️ Oil Paint:

• Made from pigment + linseed oil

• Dries very slowly

• Great for blending, layering, and rich, deep colors

💧 Acrylic Paint:

• Made from pigment + water-based polymer

• Dries super fast

• Bright colors, dries to a plastic-like finish

✅ Pros & Cons for Each Medium

🖌️ Oil Paint

Pros:

• Luxurious texture and color depth

• Long drying time allows detailed blending

• Excellent for classic, realistic styles

Cons:

• Needs solvents (like turpentine or mineral spirits)

• Longer cleanup and setup time

• Can be pricey

  
  

🎨 Acrylic Paint

Pros:

• Fast-drying = quick results

• Easy cleanup with water

• Beginner-friendly & budget conscious

Cons:

• Dries too fast for blending

• Color can darken after drying

• Less traditional texture

💸 Top 3 Budget-Friendly Paint Brands to Try

🛢️ For Oils

• Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Colours – Affordable, reliable

• Daler Rowney Georgian Oils – Great beginner option

• Gamblin 1980 Oils – High-quality student grade

💧 For Acrylics

• Liquitex Basics – Smooth and versatile

• Arteza Acrylics – Bold color range on a budget

• Daler Rowney System 3 – Perfect for experimenting

🧠 My Take (from years of painting & paint-splattered clothes)

If you're after depth, patience, and drama—start with oil paint.If you want vibrant, fast, and flexible—acrylics are your new bestie.

I started with acrylics because I was impatient (and broke 😂). But oil eventually became my soulmate. Try both and see what vibes with you most!

🎬 Want to See the Paints in Action?

👉 Watch my Oil vs. Acrylic Showdown on YouTube📰 Read this in-depth comparison by Artists Network

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