Acrylic Paint Vs Oil Paint Which Dries Faster And Easier For Beginners

Choosing between acrylic and oil paint can be one of the first major decisions a beginner artist faces. Both mediums have passionate advocates and distinct advantages, but for someone just starting out, practical concerns like drying time, ease of use, and cleanup matter most. While oil painting has a storied history and unmatched depth, acrylics offer speed, simplicity, and flexibility that many newcomers find more approachable. Understanding the differences—especially in how quickly they dry and how easy they are to manage—can help you pick the right medium to build confidence and skills without unnecessary frustration.

Drying Time: The Core Difference

The most immediate difference between acrylic and oil paint is drying speed. Acrylic paint, made from pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion, dries through evaporation. Once exposed to air, it can become touch-dry in as little as 10 to 30 minutes, depending on thickness and humidity. Thin layers may dry in under 15 minutes; thicker applications might take a few hours. This rapid drying allows artists to layer paint quickly, correct mistakes early, and complete a piece in a single session.

In contrast, oil paint relies on oxidation—a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air—to dry. This process is much slower. A thin layer of oil paint can take 24 to 72 hours to dry to the touch, while thick impasto strokes may remain workable for days or even weeks. This extended open time gives experienced painters the ability to blend seamlessly and rework areas over multiple sessions. But for beginners, this slow pace can be confusing or counterproductive, especially when trying to judge progress or fix errors.

Tip: If you're working on a tight schedule or painting in layers, acrylics let you move fast without waiting days between coats.

Beginner-Friendliness: Tools, Cleanup, and Learning Curve

For a new painter, the overall experience matters as much as the final result. Acrylics win in accessibility due to their low barrier to entry. You don’t need specialized solvents—water suffices for both mixing and cleaning brushes. Jars of water, a palette (even a paper plate), and basic brushes are enough to get started. Cleanup is simple: rinse tools immediately after use, and they’re ready for next time. There’s no strong odor, making acrylics ideal for small apartments or shared spaces.

Oil paints, however, require additional materials. You’ll need solvents like odorless mineral spirits or turpentine to thin paint and clean brushes—both of which require proper ventilation and safe storage. The smell, though mild with modern products, can still be off-putting in poorly ventilated rooms. Brushes used with oils must be cleaned thoroughly to prevent paint buildup, and rags soaked in linseed oil can pose a fire hazard if not disposed of properly due to spontaneous combustion. These extra steps add complexity and cost, which can overwhelm someone still mastering brush control and color mixing.

“Many students struggle not with technique, but with the logistics of oil painting. Acrylics remove those barriers and let them focus on expression.” — Daniel Reeves, Art Instructor at Portland School of Fine Arts

Side-by-Side Comparison: Acrylic vs Oil Paint

Feature	Acrylic Paint	Oil Paint
Drying Time	10–30 minutes (thin), up to 2 hours (thick)	24–72 hours (thin), weeks (thick)
Cleanup	Water only	Solvents required (e.g., mineral spirits)
Odor	Low to none	Noticeable (especially with turpentine)
Setup Cost	Low (basic kit under $30)	Moderate to high ($60+ with solvents and media)
Blending Ease	Challenging (dries fast)	Excellent (long open time)
Beginner Suitability	High – forgiving, fast results	Moderate – steeper learning curve

Real Example: Maya’s First Painting Journey

Maya, a college student with no prior art experience, decided to try painting during winter break. She bought a beginner acrylic set from a local craft store—six colors, two brushes, a plastic palette, and canvas board—for under $25. In her first session, she painted a simple landscape using YouTube tutorials. Because the paint dried quickly, she could add clouds over a blue sky the same day. When she smudged a tree trunk, she simply waited 20 minutes, painted over it, and moved on.

Encouraged, she tried oil paints a month later, lured by their rich texture. But the process felt sluggish. Her sky took three days to dry before she could add details. She forgot to cap her solvent jar tightly, and the fumes irritated her roommate. Cleaning brushes felt tedious compared to rinsing in water. After two sessions, she returned to acrylics, saying, “I just want to paint, not manage a chemistry lab.” Within six weeks, she completed five acrylic pieces and gained confidence in color theory and composition—progress that might have stalled with the slower, more complex oil workflow.

Step-by-Step Guide: Starting with Acrylics as a Beginner

If you're new to painting and want a smooth start, follow this practical sequence:

1. Gather basic supplies: Acrylic paint set (student-grade is fine), synthetic brushes (round and flat), water container, palette (plastic or disposable), canvas or heavy paper, paper towels.
2. Set up your workspace: Cover your table with newspaper or a silicone mat. Keep water and towels within reach. Natural light is ideal, but a desk lamp works.
3. Start with simple subjects: Paint geometric shapes, fruit, or a mug to practice blending and brush control.
4. Mix colors on a palette: Use small amounts. Add water sparingly—too much weakens the paint film.
5. Work in layers: Let each layer dry completely (15–30 mins) before painting over it. This prevents muddying colors.
6. Experiment with techniques: Try dry brushing, glazing (with acrylic medium), or stippling to expand your skillset.
7. Clean up immediately: Rinse brushes under lukewarm water until water runs clear. Reshape bristles and lay flat to dry.

Tip: Use a stay-wet palette to keep acrylics workable longer. It’s a game-changer for blending.

When Oil Might Be Worth the Effort

While acrylics are generally better for beginners, oil painting offers unique benefits that some newcomers may appreciate under the right conditions. The extended drying time allows for subtle gradients and realistic skin tones, making it ideal for portrait work. The buttery consistency feels luxurious on canvas, and the final varnish produces a deep, luminous finish that acrylics often mimic but rarely match.

If you have access to good ventilation, are patient by nature, and enjoy a methodical process, oils can be a rewarding challenge. Many art schools introduce students to oils after foundational courses in drawing and color, ensuring technical readiness. With modern alkyd-based oils (like Winsor & Newton’s Griffin series), drying time can be reduced to 18–24 hours, bridging the gap between mediums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix acrylic and oil paint on the same canvas?

You can apply oil over dried acrylic (this is common and safe), but never apply acrylic over oil. The water-based top layer will not adhere properly and may crack or peel over time. Acrylic acts as a stable base for oils, but not vice versa.

Do I need to prime my canvas for both types?

Yes. Most canvases come pre-primed with gesso, suitable for both acrylic and oil. If using raw canvas, apply acrylic gesso for acrylics. For oils, use an oil-specific primer or traditional rabbit-skin glue followed by lead or titanium white ground to prevent oil seepage and canvas rot.

Are acrylics less durable than oils?

Modern acrylics are highly durable and lightfast, especially professional-grade brands. They resist cracking better than oils over time because they remain flexible. However, cheap student-grade acrylics may yellow or fade. Always check pigment labels (look for “permanent” or ASTM ratings).

Final Checklist Before You Begin

• ✅ Choose acrylics if you want fast results, easy cleanup, and minimal setup.
• ✅ Pick oils if you value rich textures, long blending windows, and classic aesthetics—and are prepared for extra materials.
• ✅ Test both with small starter kits before investing heavily.
• ✅ Prioritize lightfast, non-toxic pigments (avoid cadmiums unless labeled safe).
• ✅ Store paints with lids sealed tightly to prevent drying (acrylics) or skin formation (oils).

Conclusion: Start Simple, Grow Confident

For most beginners, acrylic paint is the smarter starting point. It dries faster, requires fewer materials, and allows for quick iteration—key ingredients for building artistic confidence. Mistakes are easily corrected, sessions fit into busy schedules, and visible progress happens within hours, not days. Oil painting remains a powerful medium, but its demands make it better suited for those with some foundational experience or dedicated studio space.

Ultimately, the best paint is the one that keeps you creating. Whether you begin with acrylics and transition to oils later, or stick with fast-drying polymers for years, what matters is consistent practice. Set up your corner, squeeze out some color, and make something today. The canvas doesn’t judge—only invites.

💬 Which medium did you start with—and would you choose differently now? Share your journey in the comments and help fellow beginners find their path.