Physical properties of sodium silicate-based substances make them very attractive for commercial/industrial use. Liquids and solids based on sodium silicate and produced by PQ Corporation have a density from 1.6g/cubic cm. to about 1.4 g/cubic cm.
A very big difference between acrylic and oil paint is the drying time. Acrylics dry in a matter of minutes to hours and oils dry in a matter of hours to weeks! This is a huge factor when choosing whether or not to choose oils versus acrylics.
Fortunately there is an alternative which few artists have been exposed to. Imagine a medium that offered all the advantages of oil â versatility and buttery feel â but a quick drying form, and with none of the disadvantages of acrylics. Alkyds dry much faster than oils, but slower than acrylics. The paint remains workable (wet) for many hours, depending on how thickly it is applied, the temperature of the environment, and whether or not any additional alkyd-based painting medium is added as you work.