What is the difference between acrylic and tempera paint

Below are a few of my favorite brands that I use on my own:. They are made with a glue-based binder as opposed to the food-grade ingredients mentioned earlier. They are very popular among kiddos who want to finger paint, and are recommended highly for parents and teachers as they wash out easily and are non-toxic. Here are some good examples — these would be great for classroom use. The brand on the far left Prang I remember using a lot when I was that age and first learning.

The temperas of way back when are the ones that are made with the egg or casein compound. In a nutshell — their permanency. Tempera paints are re-soluble much like watercolor paints which makes them only semi-permanent.

Have you ever been to a certain venue and seen art on the windows…like holiday-themed pictures? The approach is pretty similar, but wait til you start cleaning up.

I know this from extensive use with plastic palettes, when they dry on there they have to be peeled off before I would rinse the palette. Now the art masters of long ago, did not use this kind of tempera. Their arsenals no doubt included the egg and casein-based formulas, and they were mixed by hand which must have been messy no doubt Paint mixing was a serious affair and often contained toxic materials. Thankfully now, you can buy them in tubes, or check into the powders and binding agents sold separately!

Did you know that tempera paints also come in cake and stick form too? Nothing to pour, just add water. And the fact that you can add as much or as little water as you need for other project types, lets you feel free to achieve the desired consistency. This will give you some degree of flexibility when working with temperas.

The following products can be found on Blick Art Materials, one of my favorite online art material suppliers. Application is another way you will see big differences.

Acrylics through their viscosity can vary from medium to thick, are opaque and it is possible to come up with some good layered effects. However color saturation is more minimal with temperas which might lead you to believe you need to apply more layers — although the layers may crack in the middle.

They do dry quickly as acrylics do, but with a chalky finish and matte appearance. But they lack the kind of binding makeup to be able to stick well to canvas, or clay for that matter. And clay projects, even if you prime them well, the colors may not look as deep and rich as they could. Also consider the fact that when they both dry, they will look very different too.

However if you really need permanent results you need to go with the acrylics as you will be much more satisfied with the results. Good luck and happy painting to you! Hi all, I'm just a humble arts and crafts blogger who also enjoys aquariums, goofball comedies, and sushi. In addition to art I am also owned by 3 pampered cats. I saw the sargent art metallic tempera and decided it was time to know the difference. I have yet to find out what the ingredients are tho. So if you want to retain the luster of your acrylics yet need a tempera consistency, try the soft body.

As for brushes, I found a miracle. I had some of my favorite brushes used with mod podge. I was quite upset they were not even washed. Hard as a brick, I would have tossed them but I had some Winsor and Newton brush restorer because every once in a while i like to soak my brushes to give them back their vitality. I never imagined in a hundred years it would work with hardened glue. I have over brushes yet keep going back to the dozen or so i prefer.

And finally I have found the best mixing cups for my acrylics because yes, plastic just piles up. I very seldom use a pallet. I keep a paper plate for those activities on the side. I use glass votives for my paints. I dont like my paint mingling. These glass cups are awesome. You answered my question. I like to offer my grandkids paint and materials I save cardboard pieces from cereal boxes, etc. Put them on the back porch with the radio going and some mighty cool art is produced.

Then I decorate my apartment with my favorites. Inexpensive fun and it makes them feel good to see their creations being displayed. Hello watched your video. Was interesting but wanting to know if Tempra paint has formaldehyde and ammonia in it like acrylics. I had to stop painting with acrylics as it was making me so stuffed up and feeling so bad I could not use it. Cant seem to find info online Thanks for any help Elinor.

My young daughter loves to paint and usually uses the Crayola Artista II tempera paints. Acrylic medium maybe? Thank you! Tempera vs. Acrylic Paint. Share Facebook Pinterest Twitter Tumblr. Email Print. This was my mindset for a long time. Best used on paper, wood and cardboard surfaces. Tempera paint usually dries with a matt finish. Comes in liquid, and can sometimes be found in powder form. Tempera does not have the sticking power to stay on surfaces long-term.

Generally, tempera colors are not designed to blend together. Tempera paint is a much better choice if you are looking for paint that is washable, and not permanent.