Acrylic Mediums

Mediums for Acrylic Paints: Pouring, Retarder, Gloss, and Texture

You can thin acrylic paint with water, but excessive thinning causes it to lose its binder and coverage. Mediums let you change its fluidity, gloss, transparency, or drying time without compromising the paint’s quality. We have over a hundred mediums and supplies in stock from Schmincke, PENTART, KREUL, Maimeri, Kompozit, Daler Rowney, Golden, and ARTMiE.

Which Medium to Use

Pouring Medium: For Pour Painting

Mix pouring medium with acrylic paint so it flows evenly and creates cells and waves. A favorite is Pouring medium by Kompozit, while a professional option is ARTMiE Abstract Waves Pouring Medium. Find a step-by-step guide in the article Create a Painting Using the Pouring Technique.

Fluid Medium: For Glazes and Thinning

Solo Goya Fluid Medium thins paint without loss of binder, for glazes, subtle gradients, and details.

Retarder: For Slower Drying

Kompozit Acrylic Retarder extends the time it takes for paint to dry, so you can blend for longer and soften gradients, for example when painting portraits and skies.

Texture Pastes and Gels: For Relief

For volume and texture, use Kompozit Texture Paste or ARTMiE 3D Relief Paste. Browse the full selection in the Effect Pastes and Gels category.

Gloss and Matte Medium

Mixed into paint, it changes the final gloss; applied over a finished painting, it evens out the surface. However, a varnish is intended for the final protection of a painting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acrylic Mediums

Do I Need to Use Mediums with Acrylic Paint?

No, you can paint with acrylics without them. Mediums are useful when you want a specific effect, such as fluid paint for pouring, slower drying, relief, or a different gloss. Read more in the article Acrylic Mediums: Are They Essential?

What Ratio of Pouring Medium to Paint Should I Use?

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on the packaging; typically, you use more medium than paint. The mixture should have the consistency of liquid honey. If it’s too thick, add a little water.

What Is the Difference Between Medium and Varnish?

You mix medium into paint or apply it while painting to change its properties. Varnish is applied only after the finished painting is completely dry, as a protective layer.

How Can I Slow the Drying of Acrylic Paints?

Add retarder to the paint, paint on a wet palette, or lightly mist the paint and canvas with water from a spray bottle.