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Acrylic Mediums -Paint Additives that Create Texture

By , About.com Guide

Acrylic mediums are substances developed to be added in to artists acrylic gel and liquid paints to add to the effects which can be created with acrylic paint. Some mediums can be added in to extend and change the textures and translucency of acrylic paints, others (gesso) can be painted on surfaces to help acrylic paint bind better. Another group of mediums can be used like varnishes on dried surfaces to change the sheen of the coating beneath.

For a miniaturist, acrylic mediums can be an easy way to add texture to all kinds of projects, and in some cases can be used on their own as a stand in for water, jelly, or various sauces in dollhouse miniatures.

This gallery shows some of the most common mediums available from art supply stores. Often they are available in small sample sizes or as sample kits, which gives you an opportunity to try them out.

Images 1-8 of 8

Acrylic paint with various mediums added showing changes in texture.Acrylic Mediums - Additives that Create TextureCoarse Pumice Gel by itself and mixed with acrylic paintCoarse Pumice Gel Acrylic MediumLight molding paste acrylic medium shown alone and with acrylic paint addedLight Molding Paste Acrylic MediumSamples of Clear Tar Gel Acrylic Medium Alone and Mixed with Acrylic PaintClear Tar Gel Acrylic Medium
Soft Gel Acrylic Medium shown beside a sample mixed with acrylic paintSoft Gel Acrylic MediumRegular gel shown mixed with various strengths of acrylic paint.Regular Gel Acrylic Medium (Semi Gloss shown) Extra heavy gel acrylic medium shown in various paint mixes.Extra Heavy Gel Acrylic Medium (Matte)Medium matte gel shown alone and with acrylic paint added.Medium Acrylic Gel (Matte shown)
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