When you're shopping for wall art, you'll see two main types mentioned: acrylic paintings and oil paintings. What's the difference? And which one should you choose?
It's a question that comes up a lot, and the answer isn't as simple as "one is better than the other." Both are legitimate, beautiful mediums with different strengths.
Here's the honest breakdown of acrylic vs. oil paintings, so you can choose what's right for your space.
What's the Difference?
Oil paintings use pigment mixed with oil (usually linseed oil). They've been the dominant fine art medium for centuries—think Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Da Vinci.
Acrylic paintings use pigment mixed with a water-based acrylic polymer. They were invented in the 1940s, so they're a much newer medium.
Drying Time
This is the biggest practical difference.
Oil paint takes forever to dry. A layer might stay wet for days or weeks. That's great for artists who want to blend colors on the canvas, make subtle adjustments, and build up layers slowly. But it means an oil painting takes a long time to complete.
Acrylic paint dries fast—usually in minutes to hours. That's great for artists who work quickly, build up layers, or want to finish a piece in a single session. But it means you can't blend as much on the canvas.
Our Best Sellers Collection features both acrylic and oil paintings, so you can choose the medium that fits your style.
Appearance
This is where it gets subjective, but there are some general trends:
Oil paintings tend to have a deeper, richer look. The colors seem to glow from within. The slow drying time means artists can create smooth transitions and subtle layers that are hard to achieve with acrylic.
Acrylic paintings can be more vibrant and bold. The colors are brighter, and you can create very thick, impasto effects that hold their shape. They're great for bold, modern work.
That said, modern acrylics can be formulated to mimic oil paint, and many artists are masters at both. The medium matters less than the artist's skill.
Durability
This is actually a big one that surprises people.
Oil paintings are famously long-lasting. Old Master paintings from 500 years ago are still around. But they do require some care—they can yellow over time, and they're sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.
Acrylic paintings are actually more durable in many ways. They're water-resistant once dry, they don't yellow, and they're more flexible (less likely to crack). They're also more resistant to fading from UV light.
Both will last a long time if you take care of them, but acrylics are generally more low-maintenance.
Price
Generally speaking, oil paintings tend to be more expensive than comparable acrylic paintings. That's partly because they take longer to make, and partly because oil has that "fine art" prestige factor.
But that's a generalization. You can find affordable oil paintings and expensive acrylic paintings. The artist's skill and reputation matter way more than the medium.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose oil if:
- You love that deep, traditional fine art look
- You prefer classic subjects (landscapes, portraits, still lifes)
- You're willing to pay a bit more for that "old master" feel
Choose acrylic if:
- You love bold, vibrant colors
- You prefer modern, contemporary styles
- You want something durable and low-maintenance
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the medium doesn't matter as much as the piece itself. Choose something you love, that fits your space, and that makes you happy every time you look at it.
Both acrylic and oil paintings are beautiful. The best one for your home is the one that speaks to you.