Acrylic Pouring art? Impasto effects? and more with simply knowing which mediums to use! Here's a guide to Mediums for beginners!
Let's begin from zero,
What Are Paint Mediums !?
Paint Mediums are quite a fascinating branch of art. They are liquid substances that are added to paints to alter their properties to achieve various effects. By using a paint medium, I can give my painting a matte finish or a glossy finish. I can also change it's texture and consistency, making it more suitable to my preferences. So you can think of Paint mediums as special liquids that give magical effects to your artworks. Whatever effect you're looking for, can probably be achieved by adding a paint medium.
You may find yourself overwhelmed by the wide varieties of paint mediums at first, and so in this article we will discuss that as well. Sometimes painters assume that paint mediums are cheat codes to achieve certain effects and stay away from them relying on their own skill to customize their artworks. Although that may be true to a certain extent. It's never wrong to use different methods to create artworks. There's no strict rules when it comes to painting, all that matters is you pour your heart and soul into it, and enjoy the process!
What are the different types of Paint Mediums?
I'll be answering that question by categorizing the paint mediums under their suited paint.
Oil Painting Mediums
Linseed Oil
Increases gloss and transparency of paint while also increasing the drying time for oil paints.
Stand Oil
Thickens paint and improves flowing and leveling. It also reduces brush marks.
Poppy Oil
It works the same as Linseed Oil but dries slower and also doesn't yellow as much after a long time.
Turpentine
It thins paint and speeds up the drying process, but it can be harmful to inhale.
Liquin
It speeds up the drying time and improves the flow and gloss of the paint.
Acrylic Painting Mediums
Acrylic Gel Medium
It thickens paint for impasto effect and increases transparency and gloss. If you're not familiar with impasto effects, you should check out my blog on Acrylic Painting
Techniques. The famous Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh also has impasto effects in it. In simple words Impasto is the application of thick strokes of paint to a surface to make the paint pop out.
Matte Medium
It reduces the gloss of a paint and thins it down without affecting it's consistency.
Gloss Medium
This enhances gloss and color depth and is used by many people for varnishing.
Retarder
It slows the drying time of the paint and can be used to blend the paint more smoothly.
Flow Improver
As the name suggests, it improves flow of the paint while reducing brush marks and also maintains the paints adhesion.
Pouring Medium
This increases paint flow and creates a smooth, glossy finish. It also prevents cracking in the paint.
Watercolor Painting Mediums
Gum Arabic
This increases the gloss and transparency of watercolors while also controlling the spread of wet paint.
Ox Gall
This improves flow and wetting properties of watercolor while also reducing surface tension. Its good to create smooth gradients with watercolors.
Glycerin
It slows drying time and increases the flexibility of paint, making it not crack after it dries.
Granulation Medium
It enhances the granulation effect in watercolors and creates texture.
Additional Additives
Distilled Water
Used to thin paint without affecting color integrity, it also ensures consistent flow.
Acrylic Inks
Added to paint mixtures for vibrant and fluid colors, they are also used in fluid art to give consistent flow and color.
When working with paint mediums, it's important to take safety precautions:
1. Use gloves: Wear gloves to protect your skin from stains, irritation, or allergic reactions because many mediums contain chemicals.
2. Paint in a ventilated area: Open windows or work in a ventilated area to remove fumes from solvents or other chemicals to be inhaled as they can be harmful for your health. Some mediums, have quite a strong odour and don't take too long to spread in your area. I've experienced it myself when using paint thinner and although I quite liked the smell, I started getting a headache and had to leave that place until the odour was completely gone.
3. Don't inhaling fumes: Don't breathe in fumes from solvents or other chemicals while painting, sometimes you open up a container of medium and smell it out of habit (I've done this.), but that can be dangerous, so don't do it.
4. Clean up carefully: Always clean up spills immediately and wash your brushes thoroughly after use. Some mediums evaporate quickly once they are exposed to the air, and so its best to clean them up as soon as they spill and to keep your windows open.
Common Questions About Paint Mediums
Can you mix different paint mediums together?
Yes, you can mix different paint mediums together, but it's important to understand their individual properties and how they work together. Experimenting in small amounts is better to ensure the desired effect is achieved without the risk of ruining your material or art.
How much paint medium should I add to my paint?
The amount of paint medium to add depends on the desired effect and the type of medium. A general rule is to start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed. I follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific mediums.
Do paint mediums affect the durability of a painting?
Paint mediums can affect the durabilty of a painting, both positively and negatively. High-quality mediums, when used correctly, can enhance the durability and quality of the artwork. However, using too much medium or low-quality products can lead to issues like cracking, yellowing, or reduced adhesion.
Can you use oil paint mediums with acrylic paints and vice versa?
Oil paint mediums should not be used with acrylic paints and vice versa, as they have different bases and drying processes. Oil paints are oil-based, while acrylic paints are water-based. Mixing them can lead to poor adhesion, drying issues, and an unstable paint film.
Examples of using paint mediums:
Let's say you want to create a beautiful landscape painting with lots of subtle texture and blending:
-You could use a gel medium to add thick, impasto strokes for the tree branches.
-You could use an oil medium to thin out the colors for the sky and blend them smoothly.
- You could use a pouring medium to thin the paint to a flowy consistency and then create vibrant abstract art using it.
- You could use acrylic inks to give a certain vibrance to your paints for fluid art.
Conclusion
By exploring the world of paint mediums, I’ve realized how amazing these additives can be for artists. Paint mediums, which you mix with paint to change its texture, drying time, and finish, offer a lot of flexibility. They allow me to create different effects, from smooth and glossy to thick and textured, making each piece of art unique.
One of the biggest advantages of using paint mediums is the control they give me over my work. For instance, some mediums can make paint thicker, adding texture and depth to my painting, while others can make it thinner and easier to spread. This can be really helpful for achieving the look I want. Additionally, some mediums can help protect the artwork, keeping the colors bright and the surface durable.
However, there are some downsides to using paint mediums. They can change how long it takes for my paint to dry. While this can be useful for certain effects, it can also be annoying if I’m in a hurry. Plus, some mediums might make the paint behave in unexpected ways, which means I might need to spend some time experimenting to get it right. This can be tricky, especially if you're new to using mediums.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of paint mediums are definitely worth it. With a little practice and patience, you can use these additives to enhance your artwork in ways that plain paint can’t. The ability to create different textures, control drying times, and make paint easier to work with can take your art to the next level. I’ve found that these mediums allow me to be more creative and produce more interesting and dynamic pieces.
In conclusion, paint mediums are valuable tools for any artist. While they can be a bit tricky to use at first, their potential to improve artwork is huge. By experimenting with these additives, you can achieve a wide range of effects and bring creative ideas to life. The possibilities are endless, and each new artwork can be a unique and captivating expression of your artistic vision.
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