Difference Between Heavy Body And Soft Body Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a popular medium used by artists all over the world. It is versatile, easy to use, and dries quickly. There are two types of acrylic paints: heavy body and soft body. In this article, we will discuss the difference between the two.
What is Heavy Body Acrylic Paint?
Heavy body acrylic paint is thicker and more viscous than soft body acrylic paint. It has a high pigment concentration, which makes it ideal for artists who want to create bold and vibrant works of art. It can be used to create impasto effects and holds brush strokes well. Heavy body acrylic paint is typically sold in tubes and jars.
What is Soft Body Acrylic Paint?
Soft body acrylic paint, on the other hand, is thinner and more fluid than heavy body acrylic paint. It has a lower pigment concentration, which makes it ideal for artists who want to create smooth and flowing works of art. Soft body acrylic paint is often used for techniques such as pouring and glazing. It is typically sold in bottles.
Consistency
The main difference between heavy body and soft body acrylic paint is their consistency. Heavy body acrylic paint is thick and buttery, while soft body acrylic paint is thin and fluid. Heavy body acrylic paint is ideal for artists who want to create textured and layered works of art, while soft body acrylic paint is ideal for artists who want to create smooth and flowing works of art.
Pigment Concentration
Another difference between heavy body and soft body acrylic paint is their pigment concentration. Heavy body acrylic paint has a higher pigment concentration than soft body acrylic paint. This means that heavy body acrylic paint is more opaque and has stronger color intensity. Soft body acrylic paint has a lower pigment concentration, which makes it more transparent and suitable for layering and blending.
Texture
Heavy body acrylic paint has a thick and buttery texture, which makes it ideal for creating impasto effects and holding brush strokes. Soft body acrylic paint has a thin and fluid texture, which makes it ideal for pouring and glazing techniques. The texture of the paint can greatly affect the outcome of the artwork, so it is important to choose the right type of acrylic paint for the desired effect.
Drying Time
Both heavy body and soft body acrylic paints dry quickly compared to other mediums such as oil paints. However, heavy body acrylic paint dries slower than soft body acrylic paint due to its thickness. This can be an advantage for artists who want to work with the paint for a longer period of time. Soft body acrylic paint dries quickly and is ideal for artists who want to work quickly and efficiently.
Price
Heavy body acrylic paint is generally more expensive than soft body acrylic paint due to its higher pigment concentration and thicker consistency. However, the price can vary depending on the brand and quality of the paint.
Conclusion
Both heavy body and soft body acrylic paints have their own unique properties and are suitable for different types of artwork. The choice between the two depends on the desired effect and technique of the artist. Heavy body acrylic paint is ideal for creating textured and layered works of art, while soft body acrylic paint is ideal for creating smooth and flowing works of art. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the desired outcome of the artwork.