GACs can be blended with GOLDEN Acrylic Paints to extend the paint, regulate transparency, create glazes, increase gloss, reduce viscosity or improve adhesion and film integrity. The GAC polymers can also be used for binding pigment solids for various effects and surfaces. Unlike the other GOLDEN Mediums and Gels, GAC Acrylic Polymers have only a minimum amount of thickeners, levelers, defoamers and surfactants to ensure good film formation.
The consistency of the GAC polymers is very fluid, and thinner than other GOLDEN Mediums. Since they do not have thickeners added, these polymers will reduce the thickness of most GOLDEN Acrylic Paints. GOLDEN Fluid Acrylics are slightly thicker than the GACs, but will be the color line least changed in viscosity with any addition of a GAC polymer. Each GAC product represents a unique polymer that offers certain specific attributes. Therefore, each GAC will have its own unique benefits and applications.
GAC 100 - Universal Acrylic Polymer. One of the most universal used in paint manufacturing. Artists who had used Rhoplex® will find that this GAC most closely reflects the properties to which they were accustomed. GAC 100 is a useful polymer for protecting against Support Induced Discoloration (S.I.D.). The most flexible with a moderate level of tack and gloss. Useful for diluting and extending colors, especially when film flexibility and integrity are important characteristics. Wets pigment surfaces well. The most ideal for artists formulating their own paints.
GAC 200 - Promotes adhesion and film hardness. The hardest and least flexible of any GOLDEN Acrylic product. Caution is advised when using this product alone. Used in its pure form, it is limited to applications on rigid supports, as its lack of flexibility may lead to cracking when flexed. Under certain conditions, the medium alone may crack upon drying.
GAC 400 - Stiffens textile fibers. Dries to a very hard and stiff film. Most useful for priming fabrics (cotton, linen, silk, etc.) when stiffness is desired. May be used as a rabbit skin glue alternative when applied directly to raw canvas or linen. Allows sculpting and shaping of draped fabrics.
GAC 500 - Extends fluid acrylics. GAC 500 has a unique balance of film hardness and flexibility. Mix 2 parts GAC 500 to 1 part Airbrush Transparent Extender to produce a good spraying, fast-drying isolation coat. Beneficial as an additive for acrylic paints for increasing mar resistance and decreasing dry film tack, without disturbing the balance between hardness and flexibility. Useful when working on flexible or rigid supports. Offers a self leveling working quality. Dries to high gloss film with good clarity/transparency. Useful to hard-edge painters to seal masking tape for cleaner edges. Apply over masking tape. Let dry before applying additional paint layer.
GAC 700 - Clear-sealing polymer. Dries to a clear, high gloss film, with moderate hardness and exceptional transparency. Offers reduced shrinkage upon drying. This emulsion has a tendency to generate foam during application. Exercise care while brushing.
GAC 800 - Reduces crazing. Most useful as an additive for acrylic paints when pours/puddles are desired to dry with the same film thickness and smoothness as when wet. Most acrylics will craze, which is the formation of valleys that run through a pour/puddle nullifying the uniformity of the film. Such crazing is the result of shrinkage forces exerted during the drying process. GAC 800 stands alone in its resistance to such film discontinuity. Dries with good gloss and film flexibility, but with a slight "hazy" quality. Useful as a modifier when adhesion to chalky surfaces is desired.
GAC 900 - Fabric painting medium. Designed to be used as a modifier for acrylic paints for painting on clothing. Offers a soft, pliable feel and when properly heat-set, provides excellent laundering stability. Blend with GOLDEN Heavy Body, Matte or Fluid Acrylics for brush or screen application. Mix with GOLDEN Airbrush Colors for "Tie-Dye" effects. The heat-setting process will release low levels of formaldehyde; therefore it is imperative that adequate ventilation be provided.