Acrylic paints were first available as household paints in the 1950s. Soon after, Mexican muralists and other artists began experimenting with the paints and their new acrylic binders. They quickly became a widely used medium.
Painters aren't the only ones who use acrylic paint. Artists working in a number of different mediums love the paint because it is able to bind so well to so many different materials.
Acrylic paints come in both matte and glossy finishes. Top coats can be made to make the sheen glossier, and matting agents can dull the paint.
Acrylic has a much faster drying time than oil paints.
Acrylic paints have proven to be much more permanent than oil paints, which yellow over time. Acrylic paint does not yellow, crack or peel away.