Acrylic polymer paint sounds like a highfalutin' artifact. In chemical terms, it is, but for consumers it's simply artist's acrylic paint. There are any number of firms producing high quality acrylic polymer paints, which are characterized typically by a thick consistency, as opposed to thinner water-based paints.
Background
Acrylic polymer paints came to the market in the 1930s, although artists did not adopt them until many years later. It was hard to convince artists that acrylic paintings would endure, notwithstanding their desirable qualities. Today, their durability has been secured; they are commonplace and frequently used in painting courses since they are simpler and cleaner to use than oil paints.
Characteristics
Acrylics are prized as they dry rapidly. This means you can go over a portion recently painted in a short time -- sometimes as quickly as a few minutes. Like oils, they can be thinned. Thinned acrylics can be used like watercolors. While they do not hold an equal volume of pigment to oils, they still produce rich colors. Companies manufacture a wide variety of additives to alter the appearance of acrylic polymer paints. Gels and mediums change the finish and even texture of the paint. Acrylic paint's versatility is key.
Use in Paintings
Acrylic paints need only water as thinner. They can also be used in thick, pasty applications directly from the container. Generally, though, a matte or gloss medium added to the paint works better. This is because the medium adds body, and in the case of gloss medium increases sheen. Acrylic paint is an accepted medium, and acrylic polymer paintings today are found side by side with oil paintings in galleries and museums.
Other Uses
In addition to art paintings, acrylics are used in other ways. You can add acrylic paint to latex house paint to adjust the color. In this way, it operates as a commercial tint. Acrylics mixed with special fabric mediums are applied to textiles by craft artisans. Acrylics are also used in high-end faux finishing jobs where specialized effects or permanence are desired.
