What property of acrylic paint prevents extensive blending over time?

The property that prevents extensive blending of acrylic paint over time is its rapid drying time. Acrylic paint is well-known for drying quickly, which allows artists to work efficiently without having to wait long periods for layers to dry. This quick drying time means that once a layer of paint is applied, it begins to set almost immediately. As a result, colors will not blend together as easily as they might with paints that remain wet longer, such as oil paints. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for artists who wish to apply multiple layers or create distinct color separation without the risk of unwanted mixing.

While other attributes of acrylic paint—such as high gloss finish, thick consistency, and natural color variations—may affect its overall appearance and application, they do not directly influence the ability for the paint to blend over time in the same manner that drying time does. This rapid drying is what makes acrylic paint a popular choice for artists looking for precision and control in their work.