An Analysis of Acrylic vs Oil Underpaintings: Retaining Glazing Effects for Oil Paintings

The debate between using acrylic and oil paints for underpaintings is a common discussion in the art world. Acrylics have gained popularity due to their quick drying time, water solubility, and stability. This article explores whether creating underpaintings in acrylic versus oil is preferable when it comes to retaining a glazing effect for the final oil painting.

Advantages of Acrylic Underpainting

Quick Drying Time: Acrylics dry much faster than oils, allowing artists to build layers quickly and efficiently. This can be particularly useful for creating a base layer or sketch, ensuring the artist can move on to the next stage without delay.

Water Solubility: One of the key advantages of acrylics is their water solubility. This makes them ideal for artists who want to work quickly or make changes without long waiting times for the paint to dry. It provides a more flexible working environment.

Stability: Acrylics are less prone to cracking compared to oils once they dry, which helps maintain the integrity of the underpainting over time. This can be especially beneficial for large and complex works.

Glazing Effects: While traditional oil underpaintings can enhance glazing effects due to their slower drying time and seamless blending, acrylics can still allow for glazing. However, it is important to note that acrylics have a different surface texture and sheen than oils, which might affect the final appearance. Achieving a glazing effect with acrylics may require using a medium specifically designed for glazing.

Layering: If you plan to create a layered effect with oils, starting with a stable acrylic underpainting can provide a solid foundation. Ensure the acrylic is completely dry before applying oil paints to avoid any issues with adhesion.

Challenges of Acrylic Underpainting

Despite the benefits, using acrylics for underpainting does come with some challenges. The main disadvantage is that the craft acrylic surface is different from oil paint. This can affect the final appearance and blending, potentially making it harder to achieve a seamless, transparent effect. Artists who value the natural integration and transparency of a traditional oil underpainting may prefer the latter.

Oil Underpainting as an Alternative

While acrylics offer a quick drying time, oil paint underpaintings also have their advantages. A thin layer of oil paint diluted with thinner can provide a quick-drying underpainting that is still suitable for layering with oils. This method also offers a safer alternative due to the different curing rates of the two paint types. Curing involves the paint hardening and becoming resistant to fading and deterioration over time, which is not the same as drying. Some oil paint layers can appear dry but remain soft and take longer to fully harden.

Conclusion

Using acrylics for underpainting can indeed retain a glazing effect, but the final appearance may differ from a traditional oil underpainting. If you prefer the blending and transparency characteristics of oils, it may be worth experimenting with both methods to see which suits your style and desired outcomes best. Ultimately, the choice of whether to use acrylic or oil underpainting depends on the artist's specific needs and the results they wish to achieve.