Acrylic Paints: What They Are and Why They Are So Popular

Acrylic paints are one of the most versatile and in-demand materials in modern renovation, construction, and creative work. They are water-based dispersion paints with polyacrylates (mainly polymers of methyl-, ethyl-, and butyl acrylate, as well as their copolymers) serving as film formers.

After application, the paint is easily diluted with water and tinted with pigment pastes. Once fully dry, it forms a durable, water-resistant, and weather-resistant film. That is why acrylic compositions are ideal for both interior and exterior use.

You can read more about acrylic paints in the Wikipedia article (English version) or the Russian/Ukrainian version.

Brief History of Acrylic Paints

The first synthetic paints appeared in the 1930s (nitrocellulose and polyvinyl acetate based). Acrylic resins began to develop rapidly after World War II.

• In 1949 American printers Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden released Magna acrylic paint (solvent-based on turpentine). It was loved by Abstract Expressionists: Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Barnett Newman, and others.

• In 1963 chemist Henry Levinson created the professional Liquitex line — it quickly became the gold standard for many 20th-century artists, including Andy Warhol and David Hockney.

Today acrylic is not only an artists’ medium but also the main type of facade and interior paint used worldwide.

Composition and How It Works

Main components:

• Pigments — determine color and opacity;

• Binder — acrylic polymer emulsion;

• Water — diluent and carrier;

• Additives — thickeners, stabilizers, drying retarders, preservatives, etc.

When applied, the paint appears milky-white due to the dispersion. As water evaporates, polymer particles fuse together (coalescence) into a clear, strong film. That is why dried coatings are always slightly darker than when freshly applied.

Key Advantages of Acrylic Paints

• Fast drying (15–60 minutes to touch-dry, full cure in a few hours);

• Virtually no strong odor and no toxic solvents during application;

• High elasticity — the coating does not crack even with temperature fluctuations;

• Water and weather resistance after drying;

• Excellent adhesion to most surfaces (concrete, brick, plaster, drywall, wood);

• Easily tinted into thousands of shades;

• Can be applied with brush, roller, spray gun; allows creation of reliefs and textures.

Applications in Construction and Renovation

Acrylic paints form the backbone of most modern interior and facade coatings. In Ukraine and many post-Soviet countries they are often labeled ВД-АК (water-dispersion acrylic).

• Interior — for walls and ceilings in residential and public spaces (matte, semi-matte, deep-matte, high washability);

• Facade — resistant to rain, UV radiation, frost, and heat; frequently include extra additives for mold and dirt protection;

• Specialized lines — for wet rooms, antiseptic, for wood, metal, etc.

In the POLIFARB range you will find both reliable budget acrylic paints (“Snizhynka”, “Akrifarba”, “Akriltiks”) and premium products with superior hiding power, scrub resistance, and long service life.

How Acrylic Compares to Other Paints

Why Choose POLIFARB Acrylic Paints

POLIFARB is a Ukrainian premium paint manufacturer with state-of-the-art production in Dnipro. Our acrylic paints combine:

• excellent hiding power and economical consumption;

• high wet-scrub resistance (up to 5000+ cycles in top lines);

• eco-friendliness and safety for homes;

• convenient tinting in any shade using NCS, RAL, and other systems.

See the full range of POLIFARB acrylic paints in the catalog on the official website: polifarb.ua.

Acrylic paints are a smart choice for anyone who values speed, quality, and long-lasting results. Try POLIFARB products — and your walls will delight you for many years to come!