Acrylic Mediums

Discover a whole new world of Acrylic Mediums with ArtStore Online and shop on our website to purchase versatile products that help every creative style.

At ArtStore Online, whether you are an avid painter, illustrator or a complete beginner, we will strive to help you with whatever you're after, from watercolors to oil paint and mixed media supplies!

We strive to bring you the best Acrylic Medium brands available, and have a wide range of art & craft supplies from trusted and respected brands from around the world, including Atelier, Chromacryl, Derivan, Golden, Jo Sonja, Langridge, Liquitex, Matisse, Winsor & Newton and more!

What are acrylic paint mediums?

Acrylic paint mediums are substances added to acrylic paint to alter its properties and enhance its performance. They can modify the texture, consistency, drying time, viscosity, paint's transparency, and finish of the paint. This helps the paint behave differently depending on your project. They are ideal for everything from detailed paintings to covering large areas. Here are some different types of acrylic paint mediums and their uses:

Gel Mediums

Gloss Gel Medium: Adds gloss and transparency, which helps colours appear more transparent while increasing shine. It can also make paint thicker and retain brushstrokes and textures. Matte Gel Medium: Provides a matte or non-reflective finish, thickens the paint, and adds body without altering the colour.

Heavy Gel Medium: Increases the paint's body significantly for creating heavy textures and impasto effects, similar to the fat consistency often seen in oil painting.

Fluid Mediums

Gloss Medium: Increases fluidity, enhances colour depth, and provides a glossy or semi-gloss finish.

Matte Medium: Reduces gloss, adds fluidity, and encourages smooth blending effects.

Satin Medium: Balances between gloss and matte, giving a satin finish with a subtle shine.

Retarders

Slows the drying time of acrylic paint, allowing for more blending and extended working time. It is often referred to as a retarding medium and is useful for achieving smoother washes and softer shadows.

Flow Improvers

Reduces surface tension using a wetting agent, increases flow and levelling properties, and helps create smooth, even layers across large areas or fine details.

Texture Mediums

Modelling Paste: Thick, white paste (also known as modeling paste) that is used to build up texture and add three-dimensional effects to objects within your artwork. It also has mild adhesive properties for layering materials. Can be sculpted and carved once dry. Sand Gel: Contains sand particles for a gritty texture. Pumice Gel: Contains ground pumice stone for a rough, textured finish.

Glazing Mediums

Increases the transparency and flow of the paint, ideal for creating glazes that add depth and subtle colour layers.

Pouring Mediums

Increases flow and reduces crazing (surface cracking) when pouring acrylic paint. Used for creating smooth, even pours and fun experimental effects in mixed media work.

Iridescent and Interference Mediums

Iridescent Medium: Adds a pearlescent or metallic finish to the paint, increasing visual shine.

Interference Medium: Changes colour depending on the angle of light and the viewing perspective, helping highlight details in objects and textures.

Fabric Mediums

Allows acrylic paint to be used on fabric without stiffening it, making the paint more flexible and washable.

Gesso

Used to prime surfaces like canvas, wood, or paper to create a smooth, slightly textured surface that improves paint adhesion and helps colours appear more transparent and vibrant when displayed.

Tips for Using Acrylic Paint Mediums

Start Small: Begin with small amounts of medium, gradually adding more to achieve the desired effect, and understand the difference each medium makes.

Mix Thoroughly: Ensure the medium is thoroughly mixed with the paint to achieve consistent results.

Layering: Use different mediums in layers to create various effects and textures that add depth.

Experiment: Try out different mediums on scrap pieces to learn the basics and see how they affect the paint before applying them to your main artwork.

Keep Supplies Clean: Clean brushes and tools immediately after use, as acrylic paint dries quickly and can be difficult to remove once dry.

Proper Storage: Store mediums in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out.

Using acrylic paint mediums can greatly expand your creative possibilities, making your work more versatile and allowing you to explore techniques inspired by both acrylic and oil painting.

What art supplies do I need when using acrylic paint mediums?

When using acrylic paint mediums, it's essential to have a variety of art supplies to ensure you can work effectively and achieve your desired results. Here’s a list of necessary and recommended supplies:

Acrylic Paints: High-quality acrylic paints in your preferred colours.

Brushes: A variety of brushes in different shapes and sizes, suitable for acrylic painting.

Palette: A surface for mixing paints and mediums, such as a traditional wooden palette, glass, acrylic, or disposable palette paper.

Canvas or Paper: Stretched canvas, canvas panels, acrylic paper, or other suitable surfaces for acrylic paint.

Easel: A sturdy easel to hold your painting surface at a comfortable working angle.

Additional Supplies

• Palette Knives: For mixing paint and applying thick textures, especially when working to paint thicker layers.
• Spray Bottle: For misting water to keep acrylics moist on the palette.
• Containers: For mixing and storing mediums and diluted paints.
• Rags or Paper Towels: For cleaning brushes and wiping surfaces.
• Water Containers: For rinsing brushes and mixing paint.
• Sponges: For applying and lifting paint in various techniques.
• Masking Tape: For securing paper and creating clean edges.
• Protective Clothing: Aprons or old clothing to protect against paint stains.
• Storage Solutions: Airtight containers or palettes with lids to keep mixed paints and mediums fresh.

Optional Supplies

• Drawing Supplies: Pencils, charcoal, or pastels for sketching and underdrawing.
• Transfer Paper: For transferring designs to your painting surface.
• Stencils and Masks: For creating specific shapes and patterns.
• Texture Tools: Combs, sponges, and other tools for adding texture.
• Fixatives and Varnishes: To protect and finish your artwork and control final shine or a non-reflective finish.

Having these supplies on hand will help you make the most of your acrylic paint mediums, allowing you to explore different techniques and achieve a wide range of effects in your artwork before you purchase or expand your toolkit further.