Effect Pastes and Gels

Texture and Modeling Pastes for Canvas

Pastes and gels are popular for modern textured paintings, 3D flowers, abstract art, and mixed media. We have over 140 pastes and gels in stock, including texture pastes in various grain sizes, relief and modeling pastes, lightweight pastes, effect pastes with sand or glitter, and gel mediums. Brands: Kompozit, ARTMiE, PENTART, Schmincke, KREUL, Maimeri, Pebeo, and Amsterdam.

Which Paste to Choose

Kompozit Texture Paste, for Textures on Canvas

Our best-selling paste. Choose based on the surface you want to create: smooth for clean reliefs, fine-grain for a subtle texture, and coarse-grain for a pronounced, “plaster-like” surface. LITE Paste is lighter, making it suitable for large areas where you don’t want to weigh down the painting.

ARTMiE 3D Relief Paste, for Dimensional Motifs

Our own ARTMiE 3D relief paste holds its shape, so you can sculpt flower petals, ornaments, and raised reliefs with it. For dark, high-contrast pieces, try ARTMiE Midnight black relief paste; for gold accents, try ARTMiE MIDAS liquid metallic paste.

Gels and Effect Pastes

Gel mediums are transparent. They increase the volume of paint without changing its shade, or work as glue for collage and image transfers. Effect pastes with sand, pumice, or glitter add an interesting surface to your painting.

How to Work with Texture Paste

1. Scoop up the paste with a palette knife and apply it to the canvas.
2. Shape the texture with a palette knife, comb, stencil, or stamp.
3. Let it dry thoroughly. Thick layers can take 24 hours or more.
4. Paint over it with acrylic paint, or highlight the edges with a dry brush or metallic paint.

You can also mix the paste directly with acrylic paint and apply it already colored. Find more ideas in the article how to use Butter Paste to create texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pastes and Gels

What’s the difference between texture paste and modeling paste?

Texture paste creates texture and surface relief. Modeling (relief) paste is thicker and holds its shape even when built up, so you can use it to sculpt flowers and ornaments.

How long does texture paste take to dry?

A thin layer dries in a few hours; a thick layer can take a day or longer. The paste must be dry all the way through before you paint over it, or it may crack.

Can you tint texture paste?

Yes. Mix acrylic paint into it before applying, or paint over it after it dries.

What surfaces is paste suitable for?

Canvas, painting boards, wood, or thick cardboard. For very thick layers, a board or firmly stretched canvas is more stable.

Will texture paste crack?

Cracking is mainly caused by applying layers that are too thick all at once or painting over the paste before it has dried completely. Build up thick reliefs gradually in several layers.