Exploring Acrylic Mediums – What They Do and How to Use Them

Acrylic paint is already one of the most versatile mediums out there—but when you add acrylic mediums to the mix, the possibilities expand even further. Whether you're aiming for thick, textured brushwork or silky glazes, acrylic mediums give you full control over the consistency, finish, and behavior of your paint.

In this post, we’ll explore the most common types of acrylic mediums, what they do, and how to use them to elevate your painting.

What Is an Acrylic Medium?

An acrylic medium is an additive mixed with acrylic paint to modify its properties without compromising the pigment. Mediums can:

• Change texture (thicker or thinner)
• Adjust sheen (matte, satin, or gloss)
• Extend drying time
• Improve flow for fine detail
• Allow for techniques like glazing, impasto, and collage

Acrylic mediums are typically clear or white but dry transparent (unless otherwise noted), and they mix easily with any brand of acrylic paint.

Why Use Mediums?

Using mediums gives you creative control. Instead of relying solely on paint straight from the tube, mediums help you:

• Achieve a professional finish
• Save paint (many mediums extend coverage)
• Experiment with texture and transparency
• Work in layers without cracking
• Prevent overwatering, which weakens pigment and adhesion.

The Core Categories of Acrylic Mediums

Here’s a breakdown of the most useful mediums to keep in your studio:

1. Gel Mediums

Purpose: Thicken paint and build texture

Types:

• Gloss Gel – Adds shine and transparency
• Matte Gel – Keeps a non-glare finish
• Heavy Gel – Holds thick peaks and knife strokes
• Soft Gel – Adds body without losing flow

How to Use:

• Mix with paint on your palette
• Apply with a brush or palette knife
• Use on its own for transparent layering effects

Great For:

• Impasto painting
• Creating collage glue
• Simulating oil paint textures

2. Modeling Paste

Purpose: Create dimension and sculptural effects

Properties:

• Thick and opaque
• Can be carved, sanded, or textured once dry

How to Use:

• Apply with a palette knife to create raised surfaces
• Paint over once dry or tint with color beforehand

Best For:

• Dramatic texture
• Mixed media
• 3D effects on canvas or wood panels

3. Fluid Mediums

Purpose: Thin paint while maintaining color integrity

Popular Types:

• Gloss Medium – Thins paint and adds shine
• Matte Medium – Thins paint with a non-glossy finish
• Satin Medium – Balances between gloss and matte

Use Them For:

• Glazing and layering
• Creating translucent effects
• Extending drying time
• Smoothing brushstrokes

Tip: Avoid watering down paint too much—use fluid medium to thin without weakening the binder.

4. Glazing Liquid / Glazing Medium

Purpose: Create transparent color layers for luminosity and depth

Use For:

• Shadows, highlights, and glow effects
• Realistic still life and portrait painting
• Landscape layers like sky and water

How to Use:

• Mix 1:1 with acrylic paint (or more for transparency)
• Apply in thin layers, allowing each to dry before the next

Pro Tip: Use a soft brush and minimal pressure to prevent streaks.

5. Retarder (Slow-Dry Medium)

Purpose: Increase working time before acrylic dries

Best For:

• Blending colors on the canvas
• Detailed work where wet edges matter
• Hot, dry climates

Use Caution: Add small amounts (5–15%)—too much can compromise drying completely.

6. Texture Additives

Purpose: Add unique surfaces or grit

Examples:

• Pumice Gel: Gritty and stone-like texture
• Glass Bead Gel: Adds sparkle and shine
• Fiber Paste: Mimics handmade paper or fabric

These are mostly used in abstract or mixed media projects.

How to Choose the Right Medium for Your Painting Style

Desired Effect	Try This Medium
Smooth blending	Fluid medium or retarder
Glass-like finish	Gloss gel or fluid gloss
Thick texture	Heavy gel or modeling paste
Muted finish	Matte medium
Transparent layering	Glazing medium
Mixed media	Soft gel medium or modeling paste
Extra time to work	Retarder or open acrylic medium

Tips for Using Mediums

• Label Your Mixtures: Keep a mixing chart for favorite formulas (e.g., 2 parts paint + 1 part gel).
• Drying Time Varies: Some mediums extend drying time considerably—plan your layers.
• Don't Overdo It: Too much medium can affect pigment strength or adhesion.
• Test First: Try on a swatch or test surface before using in final artwork.

Sample Project: Glazed Still Life

Want to try a medium in action?

Step-by-step:

1. Paint a basic still life (fruit, flowers, vase).
2. Let the underpainting dry fully.
3. Mix your acrylic with glazing medium (1:1 ratio).
4. Apply a translucent shadow under the objects.
5. Add highlights with a separate glaze of white + medium.
6. Layer subtle color shifts over time to build dimension.

This technique works great with gloss glazing for a luminous finish.

Where to Buy Acrylic Mediums

• Golden: Known for professional-quality mediums.
• Liquitex: Great range, student and pro level options.
• Winsor & Newton: Solid performance and availability.

Final Thoughts

Acrylic mediums are like secret tools for unlocking your creativity. Whether you’re looking for more texture, longer working time, smoother blends, or unique effects, there’s a medium that can help you get there. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try a few small projects to discover how each one affects your paint, and you’ll soon be mixing and layering like a pro.