Which painting medium is known for drying quickly and providing a permanent covering?

Acrylic paint is known for its fast drying time and its ability to create a permanent covering once dry. This medium consists of pigment suspended in a polymer emulsion, which means it dries quickly due to the evaporation of water, allowing artists to layer colors without having to wait long periods between applications. Additionally, once acrylics have dried, they form a flexible and durable film that is resistant to water, making them suitable for a variety of surfaces and reducing the risk of damage over time.

In contrast, oil paint, while it offers rich color and blending capabilities, has a much longer drying time, which can be a significant factor for artists who prefer or require a quicker working process. Watercolor is known for its transparency and fluidity but does not provide a permanent covering in the same way acrylic does, as it can be reactivated with water. Gouache, while opaque and similar to watercolor, also relies on water for application and does not provide the same permanence as acrylics once dry.