Using Acrylics Over Oils: Mixing Media in Artistic Portraits

Many artists find themselves in a creative dilemma when working on a portrait painting that mixes both acrylics and oils. The question at hand is: Once I have used acrylic paint on the entire canvas, and then have painted a portrait in oils, can I use acrylics for the background areas that have not yet been exposed to oils? This article delves into best practices and tips for successfully integrating these two different mediums.

Key Considerations for Using Acrylics Over Oils

Yes, you can use acrylics over an oil-painted portrait once the oils are dry to the touch, but understanding the nuances of the process is crucial. Here are a few points to consider:

Drying Time

Ensure that the oil paint is fully dry. Even if it feels dry to the touch, oils can take a long time to cure completely. Depending on the thickness of the oil paint, it might be best to wait several days or even weeks. Taking the time to ensure the oil is fully cured ensures that the acrylics will adhere properly without lifting or bubbling.

Adhesion Issues

Acrylics can adhere to dry oil paint, but the oil surface can be slick, which may affect adhesion. To improve adhesion, consider lightly sanding the oil-painted areas or applying a clear acrylic medium as a barrier before painting with acrylics. Sanding helps create a textured surface that improves the grip for the acrylics, ensuring a better bond between the layers.

Layering Techniques

When layering acrylics over oils, it’s important to be mindful of the way each medium interacts. Acrylics can cake up or dry too quickly compared to oils, which can lead to texture issues. If you need to layer, thin the acrylics with an appropriate medium to achieve a smoother application.

Testing Before Application

If possible, test a small area of the canvas first. This allows you to see how the acrylics adhere and react with the oil paint. This small test can save you a lot of frustration later on if the results are not as expected, and can help you fine-tune your approach.

Artistic Considerations and Expert Opinions

This artist does not recommend using acrylics over the yet-to-be-painted areas of acrylics, due to the different responses these mediums have to atmospheric and environmental conditions. While applying oils over acrylics can work in certain artistic contexts, doing the reverse can lead to warping and cracking. The suggestion is to paint the entire background with oils to ensure uniformity and prevent potential issues down the line.

On the other hand, if you are not seeking to deliberately create texture or cracking, and you are confident in your technique and patience, you may proceed with using acrylics over the oil-painted areas. However, it is wise to test and prepare the surface properly to minimize the risk of complications.

Conclusion

Mixing acrylics and oils in portrait paintings can be an exciting and innovative approach, but it requires careful consideration and proper techniques to achieve the desired results. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, artists can successfully integrate these different media and create a cohesive artwork.