Do You Really Need Acrylic Mediums?

By Mot Tuman

Artists journeying into the jungle of acrylic paints for the first time might quickly become lost in the vast variety of different mediums available. 

Terminology between what different acrylic mediums are and how they work can vary drastically between different brands and deter artists from using them. Many artists choose to forgo using mediums entirely, wondering if they are even necessary.

Our goal for this tutorial is to show what acrylic mediums are, how to use them, and if they can benefit your work. 

What Is An Acrylic Medium?

An acrylic medium is an additive that you can mix or use in conjunction with acrylic paints. Oftentimes, they contain the same binder that acrylics are made with, known as an acrylic polymer. 

An acrylic polymer is a type of plastic that is known for being strong, flexible, and water resistant. This polymer is what gives acrylic paint its distinct attributes by binding together the necessary pigments. 

That being said, while the majority of acrylic mediums available contain an acrylic polymer, there is a vast variety of mediums available that can each alter and modify the texture, color, consistency, and sheen of acrylic in different ways. 

Why Should You Use Medium Instead Of Water?

While acrylic mediums can be extremely useful for customizing your acrylic paint to work the way you want, they are also essential in maintaining the integrity of your artwork.

Instead of using thinning or retarding mediums, many artists will opt to water their acrylics down instead. The downside to this is that too much water can break down the bonds of the acrylic polymer which is the essential ingredient that maintains the integrity of the paint. 

This can cause the paint to clump and break down, potentially ruining the paint’s ability to adhere to surfaces, leading to cracking and flaking over time. 

Acrylic mediums are made with the specific purpose of modifying an acrylic paint without damaging its integrity. The acrylic polymer present in acrylic mediums makes them compatible with acrylics and allows the bonds in the paint to stay strong, despite additional additives.

What Types Of Mediums Are Available?

Gloss and Matte mediums

Some of the most common acrylic mediums that you will find on the market are Gloss and Matte mediums. These two mediums can be mixed into acrylic paint in order to alter sheen, thin, or extend its use.

If you would like to thin down the consistency of your acrylic paints, while adding in a glossy or matte sheen, then these mediums are the right ones for you by New York Central, a well respected art supply brand for many years.

Glazing and Retarding mediums

On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium that can extend your paint or thin your paints consistency, without affecting the sheen, then you might be interested in Glazing and Retarding mediums. These mediums will both thin down the consistency of your paint. 

Glazing medium is specifically made to create even, transparent washes, whereas retarding medium is made to slow down the drying time of your paints. Both of these mediums will add transparency depending on how much is used. 

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Pouring Mediums

Another type of medium that you may come across is a Pouring medium. Pouring mediums are made specifically for pour painting with acrylics.

Without this medium, the thick layers of wet fluid paint that are required for paint pouring may start crazing. This is where large cracks begin to form as the paint dries. Pouring or crazing mediums help prevent this from happening as well as aid in leveling the paint for a smooth surface. 

Paste or Gel Mediums

These mediums are all ones that work to thin and reduce the consistency of acrylic paints, but there are other mediums that do the opposite.

Mediums labeled as Pastes or Gels add structure to acrylics and can add texture, change the sheen, or create a fluffier, impasto style of paint. 

They can be mixed into acrylics or stand on their own. The biggest difference between pastes and gels is their consistency. Pastes tend to be fluffier, whereas gels tend to be smoother and heavier.

Some of these pastes and gels may even include additives such as pumice, glass beads, or mica that add interesting effects to the paint’s texture and sheen. 

Conclusion

While the wide variety of acrylic mediums available can make them feel unapproachable and daunting to artists wanting to try them for the first time, the customizability and extra protection that acrylic mediums can provide greatly benefit any artist that chooses to start the journey. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Different Acrylic Mediums? 

A: Glazing, Pouring, Matte, Gloss, and Retarding mediums are the most commonly used acrylic mediums that you will find available on the market.

Can I Use Water Instead Of Acrylic Medium?

A: Water does not work well as an acrylic medium because too much can break apart the bonds of the paints acrylic polymer, which is vital for maintaining the paint’s integrity. This could lead to clumping in the paint as well as ruin the paint’s adhesion, causing cracking and flaking over time. 

What Is The Best Painting Medium For Beginners?

A: There’s two acrylic mediums that are the best for beginners to use; Glazing and Retarding mediums. A glazing medium is best for thinning down acrylic paint, both to make it more workable as well as for creating transparent glazes.

A retarding medium comes in handy for beginner artists who struggle with acrylic’s fast drying time. Retarding mediums will extend acrylic’s drying time, giving artists more time to work. 

Are All Acrylic Mediums The Same?

A: There is a large variety of acrylic mediums available, each with their own attributes that will modify acrylic paints in different ways. What most acrylic mediums have in common is their acrylic polymer base. 

Can I Use Acrylic Paint Without Medium?

A: While acrylic paint works well on its own, acrylic mediums give artists the necessary tools to thin acrylic paint as well as modify it for their unique needs.

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More Resources

1. Acrylic Paint vs. Gouache: What’s the Difference?
2. Painting With Acrylics : 5 Tips for Beginners
3. How To Blend Acrylic Paint