Oil vs. Acrylic: What I'm Using in My Studio Right Now (And Why It Matters)
Lately I’ve been in this experimental phase in my art practice, going back and forth between oil paints and acrylics, trying to figure out what feels best in my body, in my space, and for the planet.
If you’re also an artist navigating your materials and wanting to be a bit more mindful (without sacrificing your process or style), I thought I’d share what I’ve learned, what I’m switching to, and why.
The Smell That Sparked It All
Over the last few weeks, I started noticing this really strong smell in our house every time we came home. At first, I couldn’t place it. But eventually, I realized it was coming from the oil paintings I was working on, specifically the cold wax medium I’d been using.
While the paints themselves weren’t super toxic (I always wear gloves), the cold wax I’d been using contains solvents that off-gas during the drying process. My studio is quite small, and those fumes would build up. It just didn’t feel good.
Trying Acrylics as a Safer Option
So I made a switch, or at least I tried. I picked up some Liquitex acrylics, mainly because they’re cadmium-free and don’t release the same kinds of fumes as oils with solvents. From a health perspective, they’re definitely easier to work with in a small, shared space.
But then I hit a different problem: microplastics.
Even though acrylics feel “cleaner” while painting, they’re essentially liquid plastic. When we rinse our brushes, we contribute (in small but cumulative ways) to plastic pollution — something I’ve become increasingly sensitive to.
What I’ve Settled On: Water Mixable Oils + Cobra Painting Paste
After a lot of research (and a lot of feeling torn), I landed on a combination that finally feels right:
Water mixable oil paints
Cobra painting paste instead of cold wax
Here’s why this combo works for me:
Water mixable oils behave like traditional oils, but they clean up with water, no solvents needed.
Some colors do still contain cadmium, but I use gloves, and cadmium doesn’t off-gas. The real danger is ingestion, not touch.
The Cobra painting paste is key. It has zero VOCs, no beeswax, no solvents, and it helps reduce the shine of oils (which I prefer) and speeds up drying a bit too.
This combination doesn’t off-gas harmful chemicals or contribute to plastic pollution. It’s safer for me, for my studio (which is part of our home), and for the environment.
A Few Thoughts on Acrylics
That said, I’m not anti-acrylic. I’ve started some pieces with acrylics recently and will finish them that way because I don’t want to waste materials, and I have a photoshoot coming up, so I need them dry quickly.
And honestly, it’s nice to know I can replicate my style with acrylics if I’m ever traveling or need faster drying times. But for my main studio work, water mixable oils feel like the best balance for now.
If You’re Also Navigating Your Mediums…
I hope this helped you feel a little more grounded in your own decision-making. There’s no one right answer, and sometimes it takes trying a few things to land on what feels best.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the world lately, know that you’re not alone. I really believe that nurturing our creativity, even in small ways, helps us stay grounded, present, and maybe even make the world a little softer.
Let me know in the comments: What paints are you using lately? Have you tried water mixable oils?
Until next time,
Sabina