How To Turn Tempera Paint Into Acrylic Paint
If you have some tempera paint on hand but need acrylic paint for a project, don’t run out to buy more supplies just yet. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can easily transform tempera into acrylic yourself.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: you can turn tempera paint into acrylic by mixing it with an acrylic medium or even just white school glue before applying it to your surface. The medium helps bind the paint particles together more like acrylic.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make your own acrylic paint from tempera paint.
What’s the Difference Between Tempera and Acrylic Paint?
Before diving into the process of turning tempera paint into acrylic paint, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between the two types of paint.
Composition
Tempera paint is made from pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, such as egg yolk or gum arabic. It has been used for centuries and is known for its vibrant colors and smooth application. On the other hand, acrylic paint is made from pigments mixed with a synthetic polymer emulsion, which gives it a more durable and flexible finish.
Drying Time
One significant difference between tempera and acrylic paint is the drying time. Tempera paint dries relatively quickly, usually within minutes, while acrylic paint dries much slower, giving artists more time to work with the paint and make changes if needed.
Opacity and Coverage
Acrylic paint is known for its opacity and excellent coverage. It can easily cover dark or textured surfaces with just one or two coats. On the other hand, tempera paint tends to be more transparent, requiring multiple layers to achieve the desired opacity.
Longevity
When it comes to longevity, acrylic paint is more durable and long-lasting compared to tempera paint. Acrylic paint is resistant to fading, cracking, and yellowing over time, making it an excellent choice for artwork that needs to stand the test of time.
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between tempera and acrylic paint, let’s explore how you can turn tempera paint into acrylic paint.
Supplies Needed
Turning tempera paint into acrylic paint is a fun and creative way to experiment with different painting techniques. Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here is a list of items you will need:
1. Tempera Paint
You will need a variety of tempera paint colors to work with. Choose your favorite shades or mix different colors to create your own unique palette.
2. Acrylic Medium
To transform your tempera paint into acrylic paint, you will need an acrylic medium. This medium acts as a binder and helps the paint adhere to various surfaces. It also gives the paint a glossy finish.
3. Mixing Palette
A mixing palette is essential for blending different colors and creating new shades. You can use a traditional artist’s palette or even a disposable plate or piece of plastic.
4. Paintbrushes
Having a variety of paintbrushes is important for different painting techniques. Make sure you have a range of brush sizes, including flat, round, and detail brushes, to achieve different effects.
5. Palette Knife
A palette knife is a handy tool for mixing paint and applying it to the canvas. It can also be used to create texture and add interesting details to your artwork.
6. Canvas or Painting Surface
Choose a canvas or painting surface that is suitable for acrylic paint. Canvas boards, stretched canvas, or even wood panels can work well. Make sure the surface is clean and free from any dust or debris.
7. Water and Paper Towels
Water is essential for cleaning your brushes and diluting the paint if needed. Keep a container of water nearby and some paper towels for blotting excess paint or drying your brushes.
8. Protective Apron or Clothing
Painting can get messy, so it’s a good idea to wear a protective apron or old clothing that you don’t mind getting paint on. This will help keep your clothes clean and protected.
Once you have gathered all these supplies, you are ready to start turning your tempera paint into acrylic paint and unleash your creativity on the canvas!
Step-by-Step Instructions
If you have tempera paint lying around and want to transform it into acrylic paint, here are some simple steps to follow:
Mix the Tempera Paint
The first step is to mix the tempera paint thoroughly. Make sure there are no lumps or clumps in the paint. You can do this by stirring it with a brush or shaking the bottle vigorously. This will ensure that the paint is smooth and ready for the next step.
Add the Medium
Next, you will need to add a medium to the tempera paint. There are various mediums available in the market that can help convert tempera paint into acrylic paint. One popular medium is acrylic gel medium, which can be found at art supply stores or online.
Add a small amount of the medium to the paint and mix it well. The medium will help the paint adhere better to surfaces and give it a glossy finish.
Test and Adjust Consistency
After adding the medium, it’s important to test the consistency of the paint. Take a small amount of the paint mixture and apply it to a test surface, such as a canvas or paper. If the consistency is too thick, add a few drops of water to thin it out.
On the other hand, if the consistency is too thin, add more paint or medium to thicken it. Keep testing and adjusting until you achieve the desired consistency.
Let Dry Fully Before Sealing
Once you have achieved the desired consistency, it’s time to let the paint dry fully. This process may take a few hours or even overnight, depending on the thickness of the paint and the humidity in the air.
Avoid sealing or varnishing the paint until it is completely dry to prevent any smudging or damage to the artwork.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily turn tempera paint into acrylic paint. Remember to use high-quality materials and experiment with different mediums to achieve the desired results. Happy painting!
Tips for Best Results
Use Heavy Body Acrylic Medium
One of the best tips for turning tempera paint into acrylic paint is to use a heavy body acrylic medium. This medium helps to increase the viscosity and thickness of the paint, making it more similar to acrylic paint.
The heavy body acrylic medium can be mixed with the tempera paint in a 1:1 ratio or adjusted according to your desired consistency. This will not only enhance the texture of the paint but also improve its durability and longevity.
Avoid Overdiluting the Paint
Another important tip is to avoid overdiluting the paint when converting tempera paint into acrylic paint. Diluting the paint too much can result in a watery consistency, which may not adhere well to the surface or provide the desired coverage.
Instead, it is recommended to add small amounts of water or a compatible acrylic medium to the tempera paint, gradually, until you achieve the desired consistency. This will help maintain the integrity of the paint and ensure better results.
Store Leftovers Properly
When using tempera paint to create acrylic paint, it is common to have leftovers. To ensure the longevity of the converted paint, it is important to store it properly. Transfer any remaining paint into airtight containers or sealable jars to prevent drying out.
Additionally, storing the containers in a cool and dry place will help maintain the quality of the paint for future use. Remember to label the containers with the date and color for easy reference.
For more information on converting tempera paint into acrylic paint, you can visit liveabout.com which provides detailed step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can tempera paint be turned into acrylic paint?
Yes, tempera paint can be transformed into acrylic paint with a few simple steps. Acrylic paint is known for its vibrant colors, durability, and versatility, making it a popular choice among artists. By following the right techniques, you can easily convert your tempera paint into acrylic paint.
2. What materials do I need to turn tempera paint into acrylic paint?
To convert tempera paint into acrylic paint, you will need the following materials:
- Tempera paint
- Acrylic medium or gel
- A palette knife
- A mixing surface or palette
- Paintbrushes
- Airtight containers for storing the mixed paint
3. How do I mix tempera paint with acrylic medium?
To mix tempera paint with acrylic medium, start by squeezing out a small amount of tempera paint onto your palette. Then, add a few drops of acrylic medium or gel to the paint. Use a palette knife to thoroughly mix the paint and medium together until they are well combined.
The acrylic medium will help to transform the tempera paint into a more durable and acrylic-like consistency.
4. Can I mix different colors of tempera paint with acrylic medium?
Absolutely! Mixing different colors of tempera paint with acrylic medium can create unique and customized shades. Experiment with different combinations to achieve the desired color palette. Remember to mix the colors thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the acrylic medium.
5. How long does it take for the mixed paint to dry?
The drying time of the mixed paint will depend on various factors such as the thickness of the paint layer, humidity levels, and ventilation. In general, acrylic paint tends to dry faster than tempera paint.
It is recommended to allow the mixed paint to dry for at least 24 hours before applying additional layers or varnish.
6. Are there any precautions I should take when working with acrylic medium?
When working with acrylic medium, it is important to follow safety precautions. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fumes. Additionally, clean your brushes and tools with water immediately after use to prevent the acrylic medium from drying and hardening.
Proper cleaning and storage will help prolong the life of your brushes and tools.
If you want to learn more about the process of turning tempera paint into acrylic paint, you can visit www.art-is-fun.com for detailed step-by-step instructions and additional tips from experienced artists.
Conclusion
With just a few basic supplies and steps, you can easily convert tempera paint into a usable acrylic paint for all your crafting needs. The process is budget-friendly and creates less waste than purchasing all new paints.
Just be sure to mix in enough acrylic medium to bind the paint properly so it adheres to surfaces like true acrylic.
Knowing how to DIY acrylic from tempera allows you to get creative with the art supplies you already have on hand. You may just find you prefer your homemade acrylic paint and never buy pre-made again!
