Acrylic paint is characterized by its use of which binder?

Acrylic paint is characterized by the use of polymer plastic as its binder. This binder is essential because it allows acrylic paint to adhere to various surfaces and provides flexibility and durability once dry. The polymer content in acrylics also gives the paint its distinct properties, such as quick drying time, water solubility while wet, and the ability to achieve a range of finishes from matte to gloss depending on how it is used. These attributes make acrylics versatile and popular among artists.

In contrast, linseed oil is primarily used in oil paints, while natural resins are more often associated with certain types of mediums or varnishes in oil painting. A watercolor base refers to a completely different type of paint that relies on pigments suspended in water and primarily uses a gum binder, which doesn't apply to acrylics. Thus, polymer plastic is the definitive binder that characterizes acrylic paint.