The use of acrylic paint mediums is essential for artists, offering various options that enhance the texture, transparency, sheen, and drying time of their work. By modifying your acrylic paints, these mediums can create new techniques and visual styles. Just as choosing high-quality ingredients for a recipe can impact the outcome, the selection of a medium can greatly influence the finished artwork. However, with the abundance of mediums on the market, finding the right one can be quite challenging.
The best acrylic paint medium should be versatile, non-toxic, and durable. It should blend with your paints seamlessly, allowing you to create various effects such as high-gloss sheen, thick impasto texture, or smooth, glass-like finish. Furthermore, it should maintain its stability over time, never yellow or crack, and be easy to work with. Using the incorrect medium for your projects can lead to uneven textures, color shifts, and may pose long-term damage to your artwork.
When choosing an acrylic paint medium, it’s essential to look at the ingredients to ensure it’s made of high-quality, non-toxic materials. Some of the high-quality mediums include acrylic gels made with 100% acrylic polymer emulsion, aqueous varnishes that are lightfast and durable, and fluid mediums offering a wide range of finishes, effects, and performance attributes.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best acrylic paint mediums. We have diligently researched, tested, and compared various mediums, taking careful note of their performance, texture, gloss, transparency, and compatibility with different materials. By the end of this article, you will have all the necessary information to make a well-informed, reliable decision and to find the matching medium for your unique painting style.
Best Acrylic Paint Mediums
Choosing the correct acrylic paint medium can significantly improve your artwork, offering texture, depth, and reflective properties that can transform its character. The medium should be user-friendly, durable, and enhance your painting style. With so many choices available, choosing the best one that suits your needs can be overwhelming. With this article, we have compiled a list of the best acrylic paint mediums, providing tested and researched findings to guide you in making an informed choice.
U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium, 500ml Tub
If you’re looking for an acrylic medium that will help you create stunning textures and add depth to your artwork, the U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Provides excellent texture and impasto effects
- Enhances the appearance of your artwork by filling in the brush or tool marks
- Can be used as a standalone medium or mixed with acrylic paint
Cons
- May require additional thinning with water to achieve desired consistency
- Some users may find the texture too thick or heavy
- May not be suitable for all painting styles or techniques
We’ve used this medium in our own artwork and were impressed with the results. The Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium provides excellent texture and impasto effects, allowing us to create stunning works of art with added depth and dimension.
One of the standout features of this medium is its ability to enhance the appearance of your artwork by filling in the brush or tool marks. This can be especially useful when working with thicker layers of paint, as it helps to create a more polished and professional-looking finish.
Another advantage of this medium is its versatility. It can be used as a standalone medium or mixed with acrylic paint, allowing you to experiment with different techniques and styles. However, some users may find that the texture is too thick or heavy, and may require additional thinning with water to achieve the desired consistency.
Overall, if you’re looking for an acrylic medium that will help you create stunning textures and add depth to your artwork, the U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium is definitely worth considering. Just be aware that it may not be suitable for all painting styles or techniques, and may require some experimentation to get the best results.
MONT MARTE Premium Acrylic Flow Medium 8.45oz (250ml)
If you’re looking for a high-quality acrylic paint flow medium, the MONT MARTE Premium Acrylic Flow Medium is a great option.
Pros
- The medium enhances the flow of acrylic paint and improves its spreading, making it perfect for artists who want to create a unique texture or effect.
- It is compatible with all acrylic paints, making it versatile and suitable for different types of projects.
- The medium is easy to use, and it doesn’t affect the drying time of the paint, allowing you to create your artwork without any hassle.
Cons
- The medium may cause the paint to become too thin, which can affect the final result of your artwork.
- It may not be suitable for artists who prefer a thicker consistency of paint.
- The medium may not be as effective with some brands of acrylic paint as it is with others.
We’ve used the MONT MARTE Premium Acrylic Flow Medium, and we can attest to its effectiveness. The medium has helped us create unique textures and effects that we couldn’t achieve with regular acrylic paint. It’s also easy to use, and it doesn’t affect the drying time of the paint, which is a plus.
One thing to keep in mind is that the medium may cause the paint to become too thin, which can affect the final result of your artwork. However, we found that this wasn’t a major issue, and we were able to adjust the consistency of the paint to our liking.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality acrylic paint flow medium, the MONT MARTE Premium Acrylic Flow Medium is definitely worth considering. It’s versatile, easy to use, and can help you create unique textures and effects in your artwork.
U.S. Art Supply Clear Gel Medium Gloss Acrylic Medium, 200ml – (6.7 Ounce) Tube – Adds Gloss to Your Acrylic Paint
If you’re looking for a way to add a glossy finish to your acrylic paintings, the U.S. Art Supply Clear Gel Medium Gloss Acrylic Medium is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- This gel medium is versatile and can be used for a variety of techniques, including marbling, collage, and texture.
- It dries clear, which means it won’t affect the color of your paint.
- The 200ml size is generous and will give you plenty of paint to work with.
Cons
- Some users have reported that this product is thicker than expected, which may make it difficult to work with.
- It may take longer to dry than other acrylic mediums.
- The price point may be higher than some other gel mediums on the market.
Overall, we think that the U.S. Art Supply Clear Gel Medium Gloss Acrylic Medium is a great choice for anyone looking to add a glossy finish to their acrylic paintings. It’s versatile, easy to use, and dries clear, which means it won’t affect the color of your paint. However, it may be thicker than expected and take longer to dry than other acrylic mediums. If you’re willing to work with it, though, we think you’ll be happy with the results.
In terms of specific uses, we’ve found that this gel medium works well for adding texture to your paintings. It’s also great for creating a marbled effect, which can be really striking. And if you’re working with collage, it can help to seal and protect your layers.
One thing to keep in mind is that this gel medium may not be suitable for all painting styles. If you’re looking for a matte finish, for example, this may not be the right product for you. But if you’re looking to add a glossy finish to your acrylic paintings, the U.S. Art Supply Clear Gel Medium Gloss Acrylic Medium is definitely worth trying out.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-use gel medium that will help you add a glossy finish to your acrylic paintings, the U.S. Art Supply Clear Gel Medium Gloss Acrylic Medium is definitely worth considering.
Artecho Pouring Effects Medium 8oz / 236ml, Acrylic Medium for Acrylic Paint, Premium Acrylic Paint Thinner
If you’re looking for a versatile pouring medium that will give your acrylic paintings a unique and professional look, then the Artecho Pouring Effects Medium is a great choice.
Pros
- Thick, buttery consistency that flows easily and dries clear
- Can be used as a medium, a pouring medium, or a retarder
- Compatible with all acrylic paints, including high-end brands
Cons
- May require multiple coats for desired effect
- Some users may find the smell too strong
- May not be suitable for those who prefer a matte finish
We’ve used the Artecho Pouring Effects Medium to create some stunning acrylic paintings, and we’re impressed with the results. The medium has a thick, buttery consistency that flows easily and dries clear, which means you can achieve a range of effects without worrying about unsightly brush or pour marks.
One of the best things about this medium is its versatility. It can be used as a medium, a pouring medium, or a retarder, depending on your needs. This means you can experiment with different techniques and achieve a wide range of effects.
Another great thing about this medium is its compatibility with all acrylic paints, including high-end brands. This means you can use your favorite paints without worrying about compatibility issues.
While the Artecho Pouring Effects Medium is a great product, there are a few downsides to keep in mind. For one thing, some users may find the smell too strong, which could be a problem if you’re working in a small space. Additionally, you may need to apply multiple coats of the medium to achieve the desired effect, which could be time-consuming.
Overall, we highly recommend the Artecho Pouring Effects Medium to anyone looking for a high-quality pouring medium for their acrylic paintings. With its thick, buttery consistency, versatility, and compatibility with all acrylic paints, it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced artists.
Liquitex Professional Matte Medium, 237ml (8-oz)
If you’re looking for a versatile medium that can be used with a variety of paint types, then the Liquitex Professional Matte Medium is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- This medium can be used with acrylic, oil, and water-based paints, making it a great all-around option.
- It dries to a matte finish, which can be a great alternative to the glossy finish that some mediums leave behind.
- It can be used to change the consistency of your paint, making it easier to work with.
Cons
- It may not be the best option if you’re looking for a medium that will leave a glossy finish.
- Some users have reported that it can make paint more difficult to spread.
- It may not be the best choice for those who are new to working with mediums.
We’ve used the Liquitex Professional Matte Medium with both acrylic and oil-based paints, and we’ve found that it works well in both cases. It’s a great option if you’re looking to change the consistency of your paint or if you want to create a more textured look.
One of the things we really like about this medium is that it dries to a matte finish. This can be a great alternative to the glossy finish that some mediums leave behind, and it can help to give your paintings a more unique look.
However, it’s worth noting that this medium may not be the best option if you’re looking for a medium that will leave a glossy finish. Additionally, some users have reported that it can make paint more difficult to spread, which may be a concern if you’re looking for a medium that will make your paint easier to work with.
Overall, we would recommend the Liquitex Professional Matte Medium to anyone who is looking for a versatile medium that can be used with a variety of paint types. While it may not be the best option for everyone, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking to expand your painting techniques.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best acrylic paint mediums, there are several factors to consider. As experienced artists, we understand the importance of selecting the right medium to achieve the desired effect. In this section, we will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing acrylic paint mediums.
Viscosity
The viscosity of a paint medium refers to its thickness or fluidity. A medium with a low viscosity is thin and flows easily, while a medium with a high viscosity is thick and resists flow. The viscosity of the medium can affect the texture and appearance of the paint. For example, a low-viscosity medium may be ideal for creating smooth, even layers, while a high-viscosity medium may be better for creating thick, textured strokes.
Drying Time
The drying time of a paint medium is another important factor to consider. Some mediums dry quickly, while others may take several days to dry completely. The drying time can affect the overall appearance of the painting, as well as the ability to make adjustments or add layers after the initial application.
Adhesion
Adhesion refers to the ability of the paint to adhere to the surface it is applied to. A medium with good adhesion will create a strong bond between the paint and the surface, while a medium with poor adhesion may cause the paint to flake or peel over time. It is important to choose a medium with good adhesion to ensure the longevity of the painting.
Compatibility
Compatibility refers to the ability of the paint medium to be mixed with other mediums or paint types. Some mediums may only be compatible with certain types of paint, while others may be more versatile. It is important to choose a medium that is compatible with the type of paint you are using to ensure the best results.
Cost
Finally, cost is an important factor to consider when choosing acrylic paint mediums. While some mediums may be more expensive than others, it is important to remember that quality often comes at a higher price. It is important to find a medium that fits within your budget while still providing the desired results.
In summary, when choosing acrylic paint mediums, it is important to consider factors such as viscosity, drying time, adhesion, compatibility, and cost. By taking these factors into account, artists can find the best medium to achieve their desired results.
