What is AQYLA? A Water-Based Paint with Oil Paint Properties

July 20, 2019

AQYLA is a paint made with a water-based alkyd resin, combining the convenience of water-based paints with the durability of oil-based paints. Many of you may have seen AQYLA in art supply stores, but we often receive questions like, "What are its actual characteristics?" "How does it differ from other paints like acrylics or oils?" and "How is it used?"

Today, we visited KUSAKABE, a paint manufacturer headquartered in Saitama Prefecture, and interviewed Mr. Iwasaki, the Manager of the Technology Development Division, to learn more about the advantages and unique properties of AQYLA.

AQYLA Product Lineup

—There are various types of tube paints, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor, but what makes AQYLA unique?

The key feature is that it uses water-based alkyd resin as its medium.

—I have an impression that alkyd resin is used to accelerate the drying of oil paints.

Alkyd resin is originally oil-based and AQYLA is dispersed with water. Therefore, broadly speaking, it is categorized as the same as the acrylic emulsion.

—Why, then, was a pigment with alkyd resin developed? What was the background of its creation?

AQYLA was created under the concept of “pigments that can be used instantly, much like tempera.” To achieve this, we incorporated alkyd resin, which is compatible with oil paints, allowing for seamless integration in mixed-media techniques.

—So, this product is designed with the intention of being used in mixed-media techniques with oil-based paints.

Yes, since the final ingredient remaining on the canvas will be oil-based, you can build up layers alternately with AQYLA → oil paint → AQYLA → oil paint, and continue layering as desired.

—Are there any limitations regarding the substrates?

The water-based alkyd resin in AQYLA is unique in that it allows for painting on a wide range of surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, glass, metal, ceramics, and certain plastics.

—What kind of pigment is used for AQYLA?
We use the high-performance and high-quality pigment that has recently entered the market. It is environmentally friendly and free from harmful heavy metals, including cadmium.

—One of the features of the AQYLA series is its wide variety of mediums.

Since AQYLA has a matte finish, there are options like varnishes, gloss mediums, and agents that help prevent water repellency. You can also use a leveling liquid to paint smoothly on surfaces like glass.

—Is AQYLA quick-drying or slow-drying on its own?

Once the water in the paint evaporates, the surface becomes dry to the touch. At this stage, it's still possible to create effects similar to watercolor by applying more water. However, because AQYLA contains oil-based components that remain inside, it continues to dry slowly over time, eventually forming a waterproof film. You can also control the drying speed using the mediums we mentioned earlier.

—I see, so AQYLA combines the advantages of both water-based and oil-based emulsions.

Yes, that's right. We recommend AQYLA for artists who want to avoid the smell of turpentine in their studios. Also, unlike acrylic paints, it doesn’t dry too quickly, so it’s perfect for those who prefer to paint at their own pace.