Final answer:
Acrylic paint is a type of artist-quality paint that became commercially available in the 1950's. It offers many advantages over oils, such as faster drying time, water solubility, and durability. Acrylic paints can be used on various surfaces and do not crack or yellow over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acrylic paint became commercially available in the 1950's as an alternative to oils. Pigment is suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion binder and uses water as the vehicle. The acrylic polymer has characteristics like rubber or plastic. Acrylic paints offer the body, color resonance and durability of oils without the expense, mess and toxicity issues of using heavy solvents to mix them. One major difference is the relatively fast drying time of acrylics. They are water soluble, but once dry become impervious to water or other solvents. Moreover, acrylic paints adhere to many different surfaces and are extremely durable. Acrylic impastos will not crack or yellow over time as oils sometimes do.