Addresses some concerns regarding artists' acrylic paints by investigating the chemical changes in the paint films during exposure to water over the period of one hour. The tests also addressed the rate at which some of the changes occur. Three different acrylic paint films were investigated. Real-time capillary rise, conductivity measurements and thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA) indicated the rate at which these changes occurred. Before equilibrium state was achieved, much of the measurable leaching occurred within the first 20 minutes after exposing the paint film to water, with the most rapid leaching occurring within the first five minutes. All physical and visual changes in colour, gloss, dimension, mass and surface morphology (using atomic force microscopy, AFM) were monitored. A decrease in size and mass indicated material was permanently removed from the paint films. Gloss and colour measurements, as well as AFM images, also showed evidence of changes caused by exposure to water. -- ICCROM