Is acrylic paint waterproof? Join me as I discuss this most asked question amongst painters.
We apply paint to surfaces to protect and decorate them. Regarding protection, we expect the paint to keep water from reaching the substrate.
The paints confer different degrees of water-repulsion depending on the type, quality, interior/exterior use, thickness, etc.
In this article, the focus on one paint type, acrylic paint. Our question today is, is acrylic Paint Waterproof?
The answer is no! Rather, acrylic paint is water-resistant.
People often use the terms waterproof and water-resistant interchangeably, and that’s where the confusion arises.
In a technical sense, the two terms differ.
Waterproof means totally and indefinitely impervious to water, while water-resistant means impermeable to water to a certain degree. The latter is true for acrylic paint.
You may wonder why the manufacturers make a water-resistant paint when it’s apparent that clients would prefer the waterproof one.
That’s understandable; I’ve been there before. Well, acrylic paint is so designed because it uses water as the solvent vehicle.
Therefore, it needs to go into a solution to facilitate formulation.
Making waterproof at the outset will prevent the constituents from mixing with the solvent, and you won’t be able to make liquid paint.
The water-resistance profile also makes it easy to clean paint spills and tools immediately after usage.
Warm or soapy water can easily wash off wet acrylic paints and waterborne paints by extension.
The water resistance is also better than the waterproof characteristic when you want to repaint or put a different paint coat; it’s easier to remove.
Once you’ve applied the acrylic paint, a waterproof attribute is the best bet for longevity. But the paint we’re discussing is only water-resistant.
So how do you now give it waterproof properties? Just read on to find the solutions and how to unravel the above tangle.
The writeup also contains the following information relating to acrylic paints:
- Does acrylic paint become waterproof after drying?
- The need for waterproofing acrylic paint
- First-rate acrylic paint sealers on the market
- Is it advisable to use acrylic paint outdoors?
- Whether or not acrylic paint is waterproof on fabric
- The durability of acrylic paint outside.
I’ll kick you off on the title by defining acrylic paint and its components. Read the article keenly and wholly to gain maximally.
What Is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is waterborne paint containing pigment, stabilizers, silicone oils, acrylic polymer emulsion, defoamers, and metal soaps.
All the above components are dispersed in a solvent vehicle, i.e., water.
You may wonder why acrylics remain stuck to substrates yet are water-based. Shouldn’t they wash away as soon as they make contact with water?
Well, they don’t! Acrylic paints are only soluble in water when still wet/fresh. Upon drying, it becomes water resistant.
It’s crucial to understand that water-resistant is different from waterproof.
I’ve highlighted the differences and pointed out that acrylic paint is water-resistant, not waterproof!
You can tweak the texture, flexibility, appearance, hardness, and other characteristics of acrylic paint by adding solvents (mainly water), using an acrylic medium, or both.
It eases its application and improves its adhesion. For the above reason, the paint is compatible with numerous substrate types.
You can use the above paint on wood, cardboard, canvas, glass, metal, plastics, and other materials.
The prepping practices before its application vary slightly for the substrates named above because they have different physical/structural features.
It means they interact differently with the paint.
You can also apply acrylic in thin/monolayer coats or washes to create effects similar to watercolors and other water-based media.
On the same note, you can use acrylic paint to form thick layers of molding pastes and gel; they form paintings that evoke relieving feelings.
Some painters use acrylic paints in artistry to amplify raised features and augment the attractive appeal.
Components of Acrylic Paint
Do you ever wonder why the above paint works perfectly for all substrates?
Or why it combines all the desirable paint qualities like durability, affordability, and ease of use.
It boils down to the makeup. In this segment, I’ll touch on the components of acrylic paint.
The paint comprises pigment dispersed in acrylic polymer emulsion, water, silicone oils, plasticizers, binders, stabilizers, fillers, defoamers, or metal soaps.
Diluted versions contain additional agents like acrylic gels, pastes or mediums, and water.
Water serves as the solvent vehicle for the other paint components; it enables them to go into solution to form a homogeneous liquid.
Water is also used as the thinning agent to lower the viscosity of acrylic paint. It facilitates paint flow and application.
Acrylic polymers or resins are thermosetting or thermoplastic substances derived from methacrylic acid, acrylic acid and acrylate monomers, and methacrylate monomers.
They are formulated in various liquid carriers like hydrocarbon solvents and water. In the latter case, they are called dispersions or emulsions.
The resins are also produced as 100% solid beads.
Acrylic resins form crosslinked polymers that offer water resistance, stain protection, resistance to alkaline agents, and increased adhesion of paint to surfaces.
The plasticizers confer flexibility or stretch properties to the paint; this prevents it from cracking or blistering in varying weather conditions and physical trauma.
The pigment is the colored paint component with low water solubility and is often an inorganic compound.
The pigments enable us to visualize the paint and are considered the main decorative component of acrylic paints.
Prehistoric and historic pigments include charcoal, ochre, and lapis lazuli. Contemporary pigments for acrylic paint include:
- Chromium pigments: chrome green (viridian) and chrome yellow
- Cadmium pigments: cadmium red , cadmium green, cadmium sulfoselenide, cadmium yellow, etc
- Copper pigments: han blue, han purple, malachite, azurite, Pari blue, etc
- Cobalt pigments: cerulean blue, cobalt violet, cobalt blue, aureolin/cobalt yellow, etc
Fillers are granular particles that impart texture, toughness, and increased volume to lower the production & purchasing cost of acrylic paint.
They are normally inexpensive and inert substances like talc, clay, diatomaceous earth, and barytes.
The silicone oils, defoamers, stabilizers, preservatives, etc., fall under paint additives.
They are often added in small amounts to adjust the surface tension, improve the appearance, maintain a wet edge, increase the shelf life, and give anti-freezing properties to acrylic paint.
Is Acrylic Paint Waterproof After It Dries?
Liquid or wet acrylic paint mixes with water easily; water is the solvent medium and thinning agent for the said paint.
But, people still apply it to surfaces and even clean it regularly with water-based agents afterward.
In so doing, it never washes off. So, is acrylic paint waterproof after it dries?
No! Acrylic paint doesn’t become waterproof after drying, and even after curing, it still isn’t waterproof.
It only becomes water-resistant, meaning it can allow water penetration in trace amounts.
Water resistance is advantageous because it enables easy paint removal during makeovers and easy cleaning of paint spillage.
But it comes at the expense of paint durability.
Waterproofing is advantageous concerning maintaining the substrate’s integrity.
It prevents mold and mildew growth, prevents rot, and paint peeling.
You can improve the waterproof profile of acrylic paint using several methods, including paint sealers and top coating with varnish.
Why Do You Need to Waterproof Acrylic Paint?
We’ve seen that the above paint falls short of being waterproof.
It only goes as far as being water-resistant, which is good enough to get by. If it’s so, why do you need to waterproof acrylic paint?
We waterproof acrylic paint for the following reasons:
- To prevent water penetration, the surface is watertight, leading to zero interaction between moisture and the painted material. Even
when water accumulates on the surface, it won’t come into contact with the substrate underneath.
- It makes the workpiece (wood, furniture, metal, and masonry) last longer. It prevents rotting in wood, rusting in metal doors, and mold/mildew growth on masonry.
- To maintain the substrate’s new look: Waterproofing preserves the substrate’s original appearance when freshly painted or purchased.
It does so by preventing color fading due to water; it also mitigates the effects of aging.
- It protects the surface from stains; some waterproofing agents form a slippery/slithery surface that keeps stains and dirty water away.
How to Waterproof Acrylic Paint
I’ve highlighted the need and importance of waterproofing the paint in question.
It was the preliminary to this action-packed segment regarding how to waterproof acrylic.
The paint is compatible with all substrates, mainly wood, metals, glass, and masonry.
I’ll only describe the main/common substrates’ procedures to make the article shorter and memorable.
The ideal way to waterproof acrylic for all surfaces is by sealing using an isolation coat and then varnishing.
If you’re pressed for time or are stretched for resources, you can seal with varnish only. Other methods to make the paint waterproof or near waterproof are:
- Applying multiple coats of the paint and varnish
- Preventing contact with water before the paint dries
- Avoiding exposure of the painted substrate to damaging elements like rain, chemical spills, and excess sunlight
- By cleaning less frequently and proceeding gently when scrubbing the surface
I’ll now focus on how to waterproof the paint on various substrates:
Canvas
Before using acrylic paint on canvas, prepare its surface by laying down Gesso.
It enables the acrylic to adhere firmly to the surface, thus preventing water penetration.
It’s important to note that using Gesso on canvas is not mandatory.
After painting with acrylic, let it dry before applying any top coat to avoid trapping unevaporated paint solvent or moisture.
The typical drying time is 24 hours; it varies slightly due to coat thickness and the prevailing weather conditions.
After drying, follow this sealing process:
Step 1: Applying an Isolation Coat
The above is a protective layer you apply to paint before varnishing.
It comprises an acrylic gel and creates a barrier separating the incoming varnish from the acrylic underneath.
Note: An isolation coat forms a permanent layer, so I recommend testing on a scrap canvas piece before using it on the main workpiece.
My preferred isolation coat on the market is the Golden Soft Gel Gloss.
It’s a top-grade transparent product that gives clarity to the underlying paint color, improves its sheen, and prevents water penetration.
The gel has a silky texture that allows you to apply only a single coat with no brush strokes. It’s also inexpensive.
Open the soft gel gloss and dilute it with clean water in a separate container; be gentle when mixing to avoid introducing bubbles into the resulting solution.
The best technique is to swirl and then stir gently with a paintbrush. The mixing proportion of isolation coat to water is 2:1.
A wide flat paintbrush with smooth bristles is perfect for the above undertaking; using the wrong brush or a substandard one increases the risk of leaving brush marks.
Load the brush with paint by dipping only the lower half portion of the bristles.
Apply the coating from the center of your workpiece, moving toward the periphery/edges.
If the canvas is student-grade, add a second coat for maximum efficiency.
If it’s premium/professional-grade, one coat of the isolation compound will suffice.
Then, let it dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 2: Varnishing
Varnish forms a retractable surface to protect the acrylic paint from water, UV radiation, scratches, and stains.
All of the above preserve acrylic’s color, sheen, and integrity. Varnishes are available in matte, gloss, and satin lusters.
The matte sheen often looks soft and subdued, while the glossy one is shiny and radiant; satin falls between these two. You have the liberty to pick your choice.
Requirements
- Varnish
- Clean water
- Mixing container
- Synthetic-bristle paintbrushes
- Safety gear: latex gloves, a respirator, and safety goggles
Procedure
Purchase the varnish sheen that suits your taste.
For a shiny or lustrous look, go for the Sargent Art Acrylic Gloss or the Army Painter Gloss Varnish.
Buy Sargent Acrylic
For a matte finish, choose Aleene’s Original Acrylic Sealer Spray.
Aerate your working room and wear all the safety gear.
Open the varnish and pour it into the mixing container.
Add water to thin the varnish. The recommended proportion of varnish to water is 4:1.
However, you should read and follow the specifications for your varnish as indicated on the label; the brands often vary slightly.
I recommend using a shallow mixing vessel so that the varnish can only load halfway up the brush bristles.
Immerse the paintbrush into the prepared varnish, loading it on both sides; my go-to brushes are the Winsor & Newton Cotman wash brushes.
It’s because they aren’t too wide, so they don’t soak up too much varnish.
Time to apply the varnish! In so doing, begin from the center of the canvas, moving outwards to preclude varnish drips down the sides of your workpiece.
I discourage applying copious amounts of the varnish in one go! Instead, lay it down in thin coats to facilitate adhesion and drying.
It also enhances the visibility of the underlying acrylic paint.
If the canvas surface is broad, apply the varnish systematically, i.e., one section at a time.
Go over each varnished segment to even out less visible brush marks and hit any missed parts before the varnish dries.
Let the varnish dry for 3 to 6 hours before laying down a second coat. Follow the same procedure to apply the second coat.
One coat is always enough, but adding a second coat gives an extra bit of protection.
The more the varnish layers, the closer you get to making the acrylic paint waterproof.
I discourage going beyond two coats when using a satin or matte sealer/varnish.
Otherwise, it will obscure the acrylic paint or make it look depressingly dull.
If you are operating in a dusty environment or one filled with animal fur/pet dander, cover the canvas with newspapers or boxes while drying.
Let the above work dry for at least five days undisturbed.
The canvas may feel dry in 24 hours, but don’t touch it or interfere in any way.
At that point, only the upper film is dry; the underlying layers of varnish and isolation coat are still drying; they need more time.
That’s it! Your acrylic painted canvas is now waterproof.
Here’s A Video On Waterproofing Acrylic Paint By Varnishing:
Wood
You can waterproof wood with oil-based topcoats like polyurethane and alkyd varnish.
You can also use waterborne sealants like acrylic varnish and polycrylic. I prefer the oil-based options for the following reasons:
- They repel water better than their water-based counterparts; remember, oil and water don’t mix.
- Oil-borne topcoats form smoother layers when dry. It means any water spills or sprinkles will skid off the surface.
- They form a stronger and more durable coat. It is more resistant to scratching and physical stress, so the acrylic paint underneath is kept watertight.
Important Fact: Oil-based substances (paints, varnishes, and sealants) can go over water-based substances (paint, varnish, and sealer).
Conversely, waterborne substances don’t go well over oil-borne substances.
From the above detail, it’s safe to say that the alkyd varnish and the polyurethane premium oil are usable on top of the acrylic.
Procedure
If you are painting regular wooden substrates like kitchen cabinets, furniture, and timber planks, you don’t have to apply an isolation coat.
This coat is only significant to artistry-related painting, mostly seen with canvas.
Start sealing only after the paint has dried.
Ventilate your working area and lay down a drop cloth or newspapers.
Wipe off the surface with a lint-free rag to remove any accumulated dust.
Afterward, put on the respirator, safety goggles, and gloves.
Open the sealer can and pour it into a mixing container. My preferred sealer product is the Premium Oil Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane clear protection.
The best waterborne alternative is the Premium Water-based Minwax Polycrylic clear topcoat.
If the paint is too thick, thin it using the most appropriate agent, i.e., water for water paints and turpentine/mineral spirits for oil paints.
Stir gently to avoid the formation of bubbles.
Next, take a paintbrush, dip it into the sealing agent and apply it on top of the acrylic paint. Paint along the wood grain.
Use smaller and angled brushes to paint substrate corners and hard-to-reach zones.
Let the first coat dry for the specified time.
Apply a second and third coat using the same procedure as the first.
Let the sealer dry before resuming everyday use.
The above will confer waterproof properties to the acrylic paint.
Metal
Metals, especially those prone to rusting, need total protection from water.
Here, you can use multiple coats of acrylic paint and top coat with agents such as Vallejo Gloss Metal Varnish.
Procedure
The varnishing procedure is similar to the one already discussed a few segments up the article.
Apply three layers of acrylic paint, allowing thorough drying in between the coats.
Then, wipe the surface clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
Open the varnishing agent and pour some into a separate container from which you’ll be working.
Take a paintbrush, dip it into the varnish and apply it to the metal. Apply back and forth, and watch out for paint drips and flows.
If you spot any, catch them with the brush and spread them across the acrylic-painted metal.
Let the first coat dry as per the specifications, and then apply a second and third coat as needed.
Allow the last coat to dry for more extended periods than the preceding coats so the varnish can set in well and waterproof the underlying acrylic.
Plastic
Acrylic paint on plastic serves a decorative more than protective purpose.
It’s because bare plastic is less vulnerable to water, sunlight, and chemical damage than other substrates.
That said, you don’t have to waterproof acrylic on plastic; the paint’s water-resistance property is good enough.
Another noteworthy point is that plastic is more challenging to paint due to weak adhesion. You can remedy this by priming before applying the acrylic.
Waterproofing Procedure
After acrylic paint has dried on the plastic substrate, dust it off by wiping it with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Put on the necessary safety gear and prepare the sealant for application.
Preparation involves opening, stirring, and pouring small portions of the sealer into a separate container.
You then add a thinning agent as required to adjust the sealer’s viscosity.
Next, apply the sealer using the most appropriate paintbrushes.
The best acrylic paint sealer for plastic is the Vallejo Mecha Varnish. It’s a water-based agent that is non-toxic and confers waterproof properties to paint.
Apply two coats, allowing ample drying time for each layer.
Glass
Glass, like plastic, is challenging to paint as it is smooth and impervious to water.
If you apply the wrong paint, it will peel off; so you should do prior research or consult with experienced users.
However, the versatility of acrylic paint makes it stick even to glass surfaces.
It’s also non-compulsory to waterproof acrylic on glass because glass is rarely damaged by water and other chemicals.
It’s pretty inert. However, waterproofing still prevents the paint from fading and adds an extra bit of protection.
Procedure
Start by clearing and ventilating your working area.
Then, wipe off the dry acrylic painted surface to remove dust; use a clean cotton rag.
Afterward, put on the necessary safety wear (gloves, face mask, and safety goggles)
Open the sealer can and stir well to form a homogeneous solution.
Pour a portion into a different container from where you’ll paint.
Take a paintbrush or a paint roller and apply the sealer in back and forth movements.
Go over the painted sections to spread out the excesses.
Let the sealer dry for the prescribed duration before applying a second coat.
When top coating, lay down in thin layers to facilitate drying. It also enables the acrylic paint color to show through the sealant.
Best Acrylic Paint Sealers
This review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a few sealer products for waterproofing the paint.
To make your research and purchasing decision easier, I’ve dedicated this segment to the best acrylic paint sealers.
I’ve benefited from clientele reviews and personal experience to settle on the brands I’m about to mention. So rest assured of top-notch stuff.
These are the products:
Aleene’s Original Acrylic Sealer Spray
The sealer named above is manufactured by Aleene’s® Original company, pioneered by Aleene Jackson, who is popularly referred to as “America’s mother of crafting.”
Her company started by making glue in the 1950s and has seen unrelenting progress. Presently, it makes various adhesives and paints sealing agents.
Professional painters, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts use the product to lock in paint on surfaces and make them durable.
Its advantages and features are:
- Substrate recommendations: masonry/stonework and bisque
- It comes in 6 fl oz aerosol cans
- The sealer contains zero CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons); this makes it ozone-friendly
- This acrylic sealer is easy to use and settles on surfaces evenly
- It’s perfect for both outdoor and indoor projects
- The sealer dries super fast
- It amplifies/pops up the underlying acrylic paint color
- Aleene’s acrylic sealer is available in matte and gloss sheens (sold separately)
Mod Podge Gloss. Brillo Clear Acrylic Sealer
The above sealer is made by Mod Podge company, developed by Jan Westone in the 1990s.
Ever since, it has been a key player in the arts, craft, and painting industry.
The brand also boasts various decoupage accessories and tools to simplify the art.
The sealant is available in various lusters, including matte, gloss, and satin. It enables you to develop your creative potential.
More benefits and attributes include:
- Surface recommendations: Wood, metal, decoupage papers, canvas
- The sealer comes in 12-ounce spray cans
- It suits interior-based substrates
- Mod Podge acrylic sealer does not yellow over time
- This sealer has quick drying times to facilitate faster project completion
- It is non-toxic, which warrants its use on food-grade products
- The product is highly cost-effective thanks to its excellent durability and quality finish
Sargent Art Acrylic Gloss
The above sealant works so well that it’s equated to the artistry of John Singer Sargent.
He was a US-based artist credited with 900 oil paintings and over 2000 watercolors.
The sealer is especially good at amplifying and making the underlying acrylic paint vivid. It gives an intense glow to the paint akin to John Sargent’s masterpieces.
Its features and selling points include:
- Surface recommendation: wood, paper, ceramic, plastic, glass
- The sealer is formulated for indoor projects
- It’s available in 16 and 32 fl oz bottles
- You can use it separately or mix it with acrylic paint
- The product is non-yellowing
- This sealer enhances the color depth of the paint underneath
- The sealer has a quick drying time for the convenience of timely project completion
- It forms a clear-smooth coat that’s stain resistant
- The sealer makes your acrylic paint fade-resistant
Will Acrylic Paint Hold Up Outdoors?
Painted interior surfaces are often shielded from external environmental conditions like rain, excess UV light, wind, fungal growths, and vermin.
It makes the paint last longer. Exterior surfaces are continually exposed to all of the mentioned conditions. So, will acrylic paint hold up outdoors?
It will. Acrylic paint is designed for interior/indoor and exterior surfaces. For outdoor use, it outclasses oil-based paints in the following aspects:
- Ease of use: Acrylic is easier to apply than oil paint because it flows better and is easy to clean after use.
- Aging: Acrylic paint does not yellow over time. It maintains the aesthetics of your surface. Oil paint tends to become yellow when exposed to sunlight, and this undermines the color of your substrate.
- Ease of removal: It’s much easier to remove acrylic paint from outdoor surfaces for renovation.
- Drying times: Acrylic paint takes shorter periods to dry for recoating, i.e., 3 to 4 hours. It means faster project completion. Oil paints take too long (at least 24 hours).
However, the durability, water resistance, stain-resistant, and fungal growth profile significantly reduces. I’m comparing it with internal use.
It takes nothing away from the prolific use of acrylics on outdoor surfaces. It’s actually the most preferred for such projects.
Is Acrylic Paint Waterproof On Fabric?
The waterproof vs water-resistance matter concerning acrylic paint is already settled up there.
This time, however, I’ll bring clothing items and related materials into the picture. Is acrylic paint waterproof on fabric?
Again, no! Acrylic paint is only ever water resistant but never waterproof. I’ve already discussed the benefits of its interaction with water.
The water-resistant profile differs among various fabrics. It’s always contingent on the type of fabric, its use, frequency of washing, and the cleaning method.
Fabric type
Fabrics differ on three levels, i.e., natural vs. synthetic, woven vs. knitted, and material. Regarding material, there is cotton, polyester, nylon, denim, leather, linen, etc.
The above differences lead to varying water resistance profiles for acrylic paint.
For instance, the paint sticks to denim better than polyester and nylon because the last two have smoother or skiddy surfaces.
Usage
Continual fabric usage undermines the paint’s water resistance integrity. The acrylic coating also wears out at different rates depending on occupation-related usage.
For example, paint on a mechanic’s or deep-sea diver’s fabric tends to come off faster than an office worker’s.
Washing Frequency
Frequent washing weakens paint-fabric bonding, making it less water resistant.
Cleaning Method
Machine cleaning involving chemical agents enables acrylic paint to remain intact on the fabric; this prolongs its water resistance capacity.
How Long Will Acrylic Paint Last Outside?
Outdoor/exterior-based substrates will always pose great challenges to painting.
It’s because they are more exposed to damaging agents and harsh conditions like excess sunlight, rainy weather, windy environment, trauma from animals or playful kids, etc.
If you are curious, you may be prompted to soliloquize, “how long will acrylic paint last outside?” Well, I’m here to give you the proper response to such matters.
Acrylic paint lasts 8 to 10 years when you apply it correctly on exterior surfaces.
The durability could stray a tad bit from the above range due to the following variables:
Weather Conditions
If the painted surface is in a continually rainy environment, it takes 6 to 8 years. It’s a similar case for a chronically-hot and sunny environment.
Seasonal weather conditions promote the longevity profile to as long as 11 years. It’s due to the occasional absence of rainwater and excess sunlight.
Top Coating
Top coating the acrylic with a sealant or varnish dramatically improves its durability on outdoor surfaces. The top coat forms a protective shield over the paint.
Substrate Type
Acrylic paint lasts longer on wood, canvas, and masonry than metal, plastic, and glass.
The former substrates have rough textures that facilitate paint penetration and adhesion; the latter have smooth and impervious surfaces that undermine paint adhesion.
To improve paint sticking, it’s advisable to sand and apply a primer before laying down acrylic. It ultimately improves longevity.
Acrylic Paint Quality
Top-quality acrylics will last longer than the lower-grade varieties; that goes without saying.
The substandard ones won’t last beyond four years, and these are often adulterated or fake products.
The top cream of the high-end products is often labeled premium acrylics.
They have the best durability profile, going as far as 13 years. The catch is that they are more expensive.
Paint Application Technique
The correct acrylic application methods on outdoor surfaces make them last longer. Such techniques include:
- Painting along the grain rather than against it
- Laying down multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat
- Directing paint from rattle cans perpendicularly to the substrate
- Using the right paintbrushes or spray guns for application
Frequency of Use
Acrylic paint on frequently used exterior surfaces like decks and patios has a shorter lifespan.
It’s because they are subjected to more physical stress and frictional encounters.
By the same token, the paint has a longer lifespan on less used external surfaces like walls.
Conclusion
To conclude, acrylic is among the most used paint types owing to its compatibility with all substrates.
It has several other ideal properties that make it stand out when juxtaposed with other paints.
But regarding its interaction with water…
Is Acrylic Paint Waterproof?
The paint is not waterproof; the term means impermeable to water. But acrylic paint only holds up against water to some degree.
The scientifically correct term describing the paint’s interaction with water is water-resistant.
In a colloquial sense, though, the two terms are used interchangeably.
I’ve described how waterproof and water-resistant properties are essential for the paint in question; just scroll up for the details.
I’ve also defined acrylic paint and outlined its components in the top segments of the article to make subsequent parts simple to understand.
Other important sub-topics included in the article touch on:
- Whether or not acrylic paint becomes waterproof once it dries
- The need to make acrylic paint waterproof
- Steps to be taken to make acrylic paint waterproof on various surface types
- Top-grade sealing agents for acrylic paint
- The convenience of using acrylic paint outdoors
- If or not acrylic paint is waterproof on fabric
- How long acrylic paint can last on exterior surfaces
I guarantee success if you read all the above and follow the correct procedures, using the products I’ve mentioned.
Acrylic paints are formulated to give users the best painting experience and to go on every substrate.
Little wonder it’s so popular among professional painters, DIYers, and beginners.
I urge you to share the links to this article widely and drop any thoughts, questions, or additional information in the comments section.