How are these different from regular acrylics?
They are made with a plant-based resin instead of petroleum-based resin; they are made with natural earth pigments or non-toxic synthetic pigments instead of heavy metal or petrochemical-based pigments; they do not contain the many hazardous chemical additives (many of which are hormone disruptors or carcinogenic). These have all been replaced with bio-based and non-toxic additives that give the paint the same handling properties as mainstream acrylic paint.
Is it biodegradable?
The natural acrylic paint and medium does not biodegrade quickly or home compost because it is meant to be a durable, permanent paint. It will break down over a long period of time like conventional acrylic paint. It is made with a plant-based resin, natural or non-toxic pigments and most importantly no carcinogenic or hormone disrupting additives that are in conventional acrylic paints - here is a blog post that goes into more detail.
Natural Acrylic Paint does not off-gas highly toxic fumes when it dries. When washed down the drain it can be safely filtered from water systems via city filtration septic systems and when thrown away can go into trash to start its journey of breaking down.
If you prefer a biodegradable paint then a
better option would be our Complete Eco-friendly Oil Paint Kit, our Natural Watercolor Kit, Natural Earth Paint Kit, or any recipes on our website (gouache, egg tempera, casein paint, etc.). These paints will be permanent and archival as well (if kept indoors away from elements) but if they are thrown away or left out in the elements, they will turn back to earth.
Can I mix it with conventional acrylics?
Yes, they mix perfectly with conventional acrylics.
Are they archival and lightfast?
Yes, absolutely.
What are the exact ingredients in the Natural Acrylic Paint?
The acrylic is a unique formulation that we have spent years working on with many chemists, so the specific ingredients are a proprietary recipe until patented. I hope you understand that we cannot share specific ingredients, however we can say that ingredients are plant-based and non-toxic.
What is the finish / how do they dry? Gloss, semi-gloss, matte, satin?
It varies slightly depending on the pigment used but most dry to a gloss finish and a few dry satin/matte.
How are they different from regular acrylics?
They are made with a plant-based resin instead of petroleum-based; they are made with natural pigments instead of heavy metal or petrochemical-based pigments; they do not contain harsh chemical additives, hormone disruptors or carcinogenic additives.
Can the heavy body paints be thinned down with water to make fluid acryliks?
Yes
Why do you call it Acrylik with a "k"?
Acrylik paints are made with plant-based instead of petroleum-based resin, as well as other ingredients that are more sustainable, safer/non-toxic, and less harmful to bodies and the planet than conventional acrylic. We changed the spelling of "acrylic" slightly so that customers would recognize the style of paint that this is, but recognize right off the bat that it's not the same thing.
How long does it take to dry?
The same speed as conventional acrylics - about 10-40 min., depending on the humidity level you're in. For painting fabric, we recommend letting it cure for 24 hours before putting it in the wash.
Does the acrylic paint work as a permanent fabric paint?
The Acryliks (either the pre-mixed tubes or the Natural Acylik Medium mixed with the Earth & Mineral Pigments) will be permanent once dry. For textiles, we recommend a full 24 hour drying time before washing or wearing. But at that point, the paint will be sweat resistant. When washing, we recommend washing by hand or on a gentle cycle with cold water and lay flat or hang dry. How to Video
Our Natural Acrylic Medium is an excellent choice to make permanent fabric paint. It is a clear medium so you can mix any of our natural pigments with it to create the colors of your choice. Here is a mixing tutorial. We also have a tutorial on making a more traditional and ancient, permanent, natural fabric paint with natural pigments and soy beans.
What about clean-up?
Isopropyl alcohol is appropriate to use for cleaning up dried paint. Large amounts of paint should be disposed on in the trash, not the compost. Brushes, hands, and palettes can be cleaned in the sink with soap and water.
Does it smell?
Yes, natural acrylik paints smell similar to other acrylic paints. However, there are no toxic VOCs, and many people who are generally sensitive to acrylic paints report they are able to use natural acrylik without symptoms.
Please contact us if you have any other concerns or questions.
