Acrylic Additives and Mediums

Acrylic Paint Supplies, From Surface Preparation to Varnish

A good painting doesn’t start with paint or end with the last brushstroke. The right surface, suitable medium, and protective varnish all determine how a painting looks and how long it lasts. We have over 200 supplies in stock from PENTART, Schmincke, KREUL, Maimeri, Kompozit, Rosa, Daler Rowney, Pebeo, and our brand ARTMiE.

Supplies for Each Stage of Painting

1. Surface Preparation: Gesso and Primer

Gesso (acrylic primer) prepares canvas, wood, or paper so the paint won’t soak in and will adhere. White gesso brightens colors, while black and colored gesso create a tinted surface. Browse the selection in the gesso and primer category.

2. While Painting: Mediums

Acrylic mediums change the properties of paint: pouring medium for pour painting, fluid medium for glazes, retarder for slower drying, and gloss and matte mediums to change the finish.

3. Texture: Pastes and Gels

Modeling and relief pastes add dimension to a painting. Best sellers include Kompozit Smooth Texture Paste and ARTMiE 3D Relief Modeling Paste.

4. Finishing: Varnish

Final varnish protects a painting from dust, moisture, and UV rays, and evens out the gloss across the entire surface. Choose gloss, satin, or matte, such as PENTART Gloss Varnish. Find all varnishes and fixatives in the painting varnishes category.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acrylic Supplies

Do I need to prime canvas before painting with acrylics?

Most ready-made canvases come pre-primed. An additional coat of gesso is worthwhile if you want a smoother surface, less absorbency, or a tinted surface. Always apply gesso to unprimed canvas, wood, and paper.

What’s the difference between gesso and primer?

In practice, they’re the same thing: a preparatory coating. “Gesso” is now commonly used to refer to water-based acrylic primer, which is suitable under both acrylic and oil paints.

When can I varnish an acrylic painting?

Only when the painting is completely dry, including in thick layers. For thin paintings, wait a few days; for pastes and impasto, it’s best to wait two to three weeks.

Gloss or matte varnish?

Gloss varnish deepens colors and gives a lively look, while matte varnish reduces glare and suits subtle tones. Satin is a compromise. Use only one type of varnish on a painting.