Is it worth buying expensive acrylic paints instead of the cheaper ones?

When it comes to acrylic paints, there is a wide range of options available, from affordable student-grade paints to more expensive professional-grade ones.

Many artists wonder if investing in expensive acrylic paints is worth it or if cheaper alternatives can suffice. In this blog post, we will delve into the pros and cons of both options and help you make an informed decision based on your artistic needs.

Table of Contents

The Limitations of Cheap Acrylic Paints

Cheap acrylic paints have their advantages, especially for large mural projects or student artwork. They are often more affordable and readily available. However, one of the drawbacks of cheaper paints is their lower color strength and limited mixing capabilities.

While they may work well for single colors or graphic art, they can fall short when it comes to painting figures, still lifes, or landscapes. Cheap paints can result in dull luminosity and unattractive color mixes.

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Longevity and Quality Concerns

Another factor to consider is the longevity of your artwork. Cheap paints generally have less expensive binders, making them more prone to cracking over time.

On the other hand, good quality paints with higher price tags tend to have better binders, ensuring the durability and longevity of your artwork. If you value the longevity and preservation of your work, investing in higher-quality paints becomes more important.

The Connection Between Material and Artistic Expression

While it is technically possible to create great art using cheap paints, it’s crucial to understand that the quality of the materials you use can impact your artistic outcome.

The notion that “real artists” can create great art with any material disregards the fact that better materials often yield superior results. Cheap materials may limit your artistic capacity and hinder your ability to achieve the desired quality in your work.

Finding a Balance

Finding the right balance between cost and quality is key. Instead of buying numerous cheap colors, consider investing in a few professional-grade paints.

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Brands such as Liquitex Professional, Pebeo, Sennelier, or Golden Acrylics offer high-quality options that are readily available at most art stores. Starting with a limited palette of professional-grade paints can yield better results and save you money in the long run.

Cheap acrylic paint vs expensive acrylic paint

Aspect	Cheap Acrylic Paints	Expensive Acrylic Paints
Color Strength	Generally lower color strength	Higher color strength
Mixing Capabilities	Limited mixing capabilities	Better ability to mix colors
Suitable for Murals	Good for large mural projects	Can be used for murals
Artistic Applications	Suitable for single colors or graphics	Ideal for figures, still life, landscapes
Luminosity	Dull luminosity	Enhanced luminosity
Longevity	Less likely to have good longevity	Higher-quality binders for better durability
Cracking	More prone to cracking over time	Less likely to crack
Quality	Lower quality due to cheaper materials	Higher quality due to superior materials
Coverage	May require multiple layers for coverage	Better coverage with fewer layers
Pigment Quality	Lower-quality pigments	Higher-quality pigments
Brand Recommendations	Value brands such as store brands	Professional brands like Liquitex, Pebeo, Sennelier, Golden Acrylics

A Recommended Starting Palette

To begin with, you can select a few essential colors of professional-grade paints that will enable you to mix a wide range of hues.

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A suggested starting palette includes Phthalo Blue, Napathol Red Light, Azo Yellow Medium or Diarylide Yellow, Titanium White, and Ivory Black. These colors will provide you with the versatility to create various shades and tones.

Exploring Differences and Personal Preference

It’s important to note that the choice between expensive and cheap paints depends on individual preferences and painting styles. Some artists mix cheap and expensive paints to take advantage of the differences in color vibrancy, coverage, and consistency.

While expensive paints may offer more vibrant colors and better coverage, cheaper paints can still be used effectively for layered work and mixing. However, it’s worth investing in a good-quality white paint, as cheap whites often lack coverage and can be frustrating to work with.

Considering Longevity and Pigment Quality

While some argue that expensive paints use higher-quality pigments that offer better longevity, it’s essential to research the pigments used in both affordable and expensive options.

Pigments can fade at different rates, and affordable paints often list their pigments, allowing you to assess their longevity. Additionally, applying a UV varnish can help protect your artwork regardless of the paints used.