How do I know whether to use acrylic or oils? And why would I use one over the other? I love both acrylic and oils, and use them for different things when I’m working. But ultimately it comes down to the time factor. Acrylic dries fast, and so can be varnished straight after being varnished, then shipped off. Oils needs months to cure before it can be varnished. So if I know I need to work quickly on a piece to get it out the door, I will use acrylic. My process with acrylic gives me the same re