Mediums (Acrylic)
Acrylic mediums are the main reason acrylic paints are one of the most versatile paints in existence. With the right acrylic mediums, paints can be thinned and used like watercolours; they can be used to thicken and create textured, impasto effects; they can be used to add a gloss or satin finish to a piece; or can even be used to extend the drying time of your paints where needed.
Acrylic mediums are designed to change the characteristics of standard acrylic paints, making them even more versatile to use. In fact, there are so many products out there that for beginners it can be quite overwhelming.
All acrylic mediums generally fall into one or two categories - Fluid Mediums or Gel Mediums.
Gel mediums, as the name implies, are acrylic mediums that are thick in consistency. Gel mediums can perform a variety of tasks and affect the way the paint behaves in different ways. All gel mediums will extend the paint while slightly effecting the intensity of the colour. The more medium you add to the paint, the less intense the colour becomes. Some popular gel mediums include the following:
Gloss Mediums & Matte Mediums – When a gloss or matte medium is added to acrylic paint, the finish of the paint changes. As the names imply, gloss mediums make the resulting image shiny as if a gloss varnish has been applied. Whereas, matte mediums tone down the natural sheen of acrylics resulting in a slightly duller appearance.
Modelling Paste – Modelling paste is a gel medium that greatly increases the body of the pain. It can be sculpted as it draws using a palette knife or a brush. Modelling paste is best for creating pronounced impasto effects.
Fluid mediums are thinner than their gel counterparts. Most fluid mediums are found in containers that are meant to be poured. While gel mediums make the paint a little thicker or do little to change the consistency of the paint, fluid mediums typically increase the fluidity. Some popular fluid mediums include the following:
Glazing Mediums - Glazing Mediums are a water sensitive binder that maximise the flow and spread-ability of acrylic paints. They dilute colour intensity to produce soft glazes.
Pouring Mediums – Pouring mediums are added to acrylic paints to create a thinner, flowing consistency to them. They are critical to creating the consistency required for pour painting, which is growing in popularity day to day.
Fabric Mediums - Fabric Mediums are a water based acrylic medium used to convert acrylic paint into fabric paints that will become permanent when dried and heat set. This medium will hold fast to fabrics, while still remaining flexible enough that the acrylic paint will not crack.
If you have any questions, or need any advice in regards to our range of acrylic mediums or their application, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can email us; call us on 1800 952 305 or use our live chat between 9am and 5pm AEST. Browse below, and don’t forget that shipping is FREE on orders over $99 Australia wide. International shipping also available at very affordable rates!
