If you’re just getting into painting, this is usually the first big decision:
acrylic or oil?
Both are great. Both are widely used. But they feel completely different to work with—and that matters more than anything when you’re starting out.
If you want to browse options while you read:
Acrylic paints → https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/paint-acrylic
Oil paints → https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/oil-paint
The Short Answer
If you want something simple and easy to learn on:
→ Go with acrylic
If you’re drawn to slow, detailed, blended work:
→ Try oil
That’s really it—but here’s what that actually means in practice.
What Acrylic Paint Is Like
Acrylic is usually where most people start—and for good reason.
It dries fast. Sometimes very fast. You can put down a layer, wait a bit, and go again. No long delays, no complicated setup.
You also only need water to clean up, which makes the whole process feel a lot less intimidating.
Why beginners tend to like acrylic:
- You can paint, stop, and come back without worrying too much
- Mistakes are easy to paint over
- It’s affordable to get started
- No strong smell or chemicals
- Works on pretty much anything
The only real downside?
Because it dries quickly, blending colours smoothly can be a bit tricky at first. You have to work a bit faster.
What Oil Paint Is Like
Oil paint is slower. Much slower.
That’s actually the whole point.
Instead of rushing, you can take your time—blend colours, soften edges, adjust things even hours later. That’s why oil is often used for portraits and more realistic work.
What people love about oil:
- Blending is much easier
- Colours stay rich and don’t really shift when drying
- You’ve got time to fix things
- It feels more “traditional” to paint with
But it comes with a few trade-offs:
- You’ll need solvents or mediums
- It takes longer to dry (sometimes days)
- Setup is a bit more involved
- It can get messy if you’re not organised
So… Which One Should You Actually Pick?
If you’re brand new and just want to start painting without overthinking it:
👉 Start with acrylic
It’s quicker to learn, easier to manage, and you’ll get into a rhythm faster.
You can explore the range here:
https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/paint-acrylic
If you already know you like slower, more detailed work—or you’re really drawn to that classic painted look:
👉 Go with oil
Just expect a bit more of a learning curve at the start.
Browse oil paints here:
https://artsuppliesaustralia.com.au/collections/oil-paint
A Simple Way to Think About It
- Acrylic = fast, flexible, forgiving
- Oil = slow, smooth, controlled
Neither is “better”—they just suit different ways of working.
One Last Tip
A lot of artists actually start with acrylic, then move into oil later once they’re comfortable.
It’s a pretty natural progression. You learn the basics without the extra complexity, then step into oils when you’re ready.
Final Word
If you’re stuck deciding, don’t overcomplicate it.
Start with acrylic. Paint more. Learn what you like.
You can always switch later—but the most important thing is just getting started.
