How to read the label of a tube of acrylic paint
As an artist, choosing the right acrylic paint is an important decision. There are many different types of acrylic paint available, each with its own unique characteristics and properties. In order to make an informed decision and choose the right paint for your needs, it's important to understand what the label on a tube of acrylic paint tells you.
The first thing you'll notice on the label of a tube of acrylic paint is the colour name and number. This tells you the specific colour of the paint and how it is identified within the manufacturer's colour system. For example, "Cadmium Red" or "Phthalo Blue" are common colour names, and the number (such as "Hue" or "Deep") tells you the specific shade within that colour family. The tinting information on a tube of acrylic paint refers to the pigment(s) used to create the paint colour and how it can be mixed with other colours to create new shades or tints.
Next, you'll see the paint's consistency. Acrylic paints come in a variety of consistencies, including heavy body, fluid, and medium. Heavy body paints are thick and paste-like, while fluid paints are thin and more similar to ink or watercolor. Mediums are additives that can be mixed with the paint to change its consistency or add other effects, such as gloss or matte finishes.
The opacity rating on a tube of acrylic paint indicates how opaque or transparent the paint is. Acrylic paints have varying levels of opacity, which can affect the final outcome of a painting. An opaque paint will cover underlying layers completely, while a transparent paint will allow the layers beneath to show through. The opacity rating on a tube of acrylic paint is usually expressed as a number or a series of letters, such as "O" for opaque or "T" for transparent, followed by a numerical scale. A higher number or more "O's" indicate a more opaque paint, while a higher number of "T's" indicate a more transparent paint.
The label will also tell you the paint's lightfastness rating. Lightfastness refers to a paint's resistance to fading over time when exposed to light. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has a standardised rating system for lightfastness, with ratings ranging from "Excellent" to "Not Recommended." It's important to choose paints with a high lightfastness rating if you want your paintings to remain vibrant and long-lasting.
Another important piece of information on the label is the paint's drying time. Acrylic paints dry very quickly compared to other types of paint, but the exact drying time can vary depending on the paint's consistency and the humidity and temperature of your workspace. Some labels will give a specific drying time, while others may simply say "fast-drying" or "slow-drying."
Finally, the label will often include information on the paint's permanence and archival quality. Permanence refers to a paint's resistance to fading or discolouration over time, while archival quality refers to its ability to withstand the test of time without deteriorating. These factors are particularly important for professional artists who want their paintings to remain vibrant and long-lasting.
The health or warning information on a tube of acrylic paint is important to pay attention to, as it contains information about any potentially harmful chemicals or substances that may be present in the paint. Acrylic paints often contain pigments that can be toxic if ingested or inhaled, as well as chemicals that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. The warning information on a tube of acrylic paint will usually include instructions for safe use, such as wearing gloves or a mask, as well as information on how to handle and dispose of the paint safely. It is important for artists to read and follow the health and warning information on acrylic paint tubes to ensure their own safety and the safety of others who may come into contact with the paint.
By understanding the information on the label of a tube of acrylic paint, you can make an informed decision and choose the right paint for your needs. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, knowing how to read the label of a tube of acrylic paint is an essential skill for any artist. I hope this blog post will help you in reading the labels of acrylic paints and deciding which are most suitable for your purposes.
I always used the highest quality paint that I have access to. My current favourite acrylic paints are Golden heavy body. This is what I used to create my Australian Bird Collection of painting and my original mini paintings.