What type of paint is made from pigments bound in synthetic resin?

Acrylic paint is produced by suspending pigments in a synthetic resin, which serves as the binder. This makes acrylic paint unique, as it dries quickly and can be easily mixed with water or modified with various additives to change its properties, such as drying time or texture. The synthetic resin not only binds the pigments but also provides a durable, flexible film once dried, allowing for a wide range of techniques and applications, suitable for both fine art and craft.

In contrast, oil paint is made with pigments combined with oil as a binder, requiring solvents for thinning and cleanup. Watercolor paint uses a water-soluble binder, typically gum arabic, making it distinctively transparent and ideal for layering washes. Tempera paint is made with pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, traditionally egg yolk, which gives it a different texture and finish from acrylics. Understanding these characteristics highlights why acrylic paint, with its synthetic resin base, stands apart from the other types mentioned.