Best Medium For Acrylic Paint (2024 Update)
If you’re looking for the best medium for acrylic paint, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. The right medium can enhance the texture, consistency, and finish of the paint. It’s important to understand your artistic needs and preferences before choosing a medium that suits your artwork and personal style.
One of the most important factors to consider is the type of surface you’ll be painting on. Some mediums are designed for use on a particular surface, such as canvas, paper, or wood. It's also important to consider the finish you’re looking to achieve. Some mediums create a matte finish while others create a gloss or satin finish. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the workability time of the medium, which can range from fast-drying to slow-drying.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best medium for your acrylic paint. Ask yourself some questions to help you narrow down your options: Do you want a medium that mixes well with other mediums? Are you seeking a medium that enhances the texture of your paint? Do you prefer a glossy or matte finish? Do you want to speed up or slow down the drying time? By considering these factors, you can find the perfect medium that will help bring your artistic vision to life.
10 Best Medium For Acrylic Paint
| # | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 |
This product is ideal for artists looking for a full range of high-quality acrylic paints in small tubes.
|
|
|
|
2
|
 |
The product is ideal for art projects and painting with its rich, non-fading pigments and fast dry formula.
|
|
|
|
3
|
 |
The product is ideal for beginner and adult artists who need a comprehensive set of quality acrylic paint.
|
|
|
|
4
|
 |
The product is ideal for professional artists who desire high-quality, heavy-bodied acrylics in a range of classic colors.
|
|
|
|
5
|
 |
Ideal for crafts, DIY projects, and painting on a variety of surfaces like wood, canvas, paper, and ceramic.
|
|
|
|
6
|
 |
This product is ideal for artist and hobby painters looking for non-toxic, richly pigmented acrylic paints.
|
|
|
|
7
|
 |
Ideal for artists who want a large selection of high-quality, affordable acrylic paint tubes in various colors for their art projects.
|
|
|
|
8
|
 |
This product is ideal for artists looking for a variety of acrylic paint colors in large 16oz bottles.
|
|
|
|
9
|
 |
The product is ideal for artists who need high-quality acrylic paint in assorted primary colors in large quantities.
|
|
|
|
10
|
 |
This product is ideal for artists looking for a variety of matte colored acrylic paint options.
|
|
1. Royal Talens – Full Range Of Amsterdam Standard Series Paints – 72 X 20ml Tubes Of Acrylic
Introducing the Box of 72 Acrylic Paints from Royal Talens – a top-tier product made in the Netherlands that will take your artistic skills to the next level. The Amsterdam Acrylic range boasts a unique combination of 100% Acrylic Resin binding and pure, non-fading pigments that ensure your artwork retains its original vibrancy for decades to come.
In addition, these paints are Alkali resistant, making them perfect for painting on walls without any risk of fading or deterioration. With a generous set of 20ml tubes, the Box of 72 Acrylic Paints includes all 70 colours within the range, along with two tubes of Titanium White (#105) for added versatility.
Whether you're a professional artist or a beginner looking to explore your creativity, the Box of 72 Acrylic Paints is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a high-quality, long-lasting product. With its exceptional colour retention, alkali resistance, and vast range of colours, this set is sure to inspire and elevate your art to new heights.
Invest in the Box of 72 Acrylic Paints from Royal Talens today and experience the unmatched quality and performance that artists around the world have come to know and trust.
2. Sargent Art 12pc Acrylic Paint Set – Brilliant Colors
This set of 16oz bottles of artist quality acrylics is the perfect addition to any artist's collection. Each bottle is crafted with care and precision, ensuring that the quality is top-notch and reliable. The water-resistance of these acrylics is impressive, making them ideal for a wide range of art projects. Once the paint has dried, it becomes resistant to water, ensuring that your artwork remains intact and vibrant for years to come.
The flip-top cap design of these acrylics makes it easy to dispense the paint and control the amount you need. This feature is especially useful for artists who need to work quickly and efficiently. The bottles are also easy to store when not in use, keeping the paint fresh and ready for your next project.
Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to art supplies, which is why these acrylics are non-toxic and made in the USA. You can rest assured that you are using high-quality, safe products when creating your artwork. Additionally, these acrylics are AP certified, indicating that they have been independently tested and certified to meet the standards of quality and safety.
Whether you are a professional artist or a beginner, these acrylics are a great investment. With their reliable quality, water resistance, and convenient flip-top cap design, they are sure to enhance your artistic endeavors. Get your hands on this set of acrylics today and take your art to the next level!
3. Intense Colors Acrylic Paint Set By Castle Art Supplies
Looking for an acrylic paint set that offers versatility, quality, and convenience? Look no further than this artist-grade set of 48 acrylic hues from a trusted brand.
Made to make painting easy, this set features tubes of paint that allow for bold impact when squeezed directly onto your canvas or project, or can be thinned with water for more detailed work. The sturdy presentation box includes easy access paint tube trays, ensuring your paint stays fresh and usable with no drying or cracking.
Upgrade your collection with this set of large (22ml) tubes, arranged in a double row of easy-to-pick color families. Whether you're a developing artist or crafter, this set is perfect for exploring color and creating eye-catching results on paper, canvas, or wood.
Using these paints is a true joy, thanks to their rich, pure pigments that lay down smoothly with a brush or palette knife. Plus, they dry quickly, allowing you to build layers without muddying your work.
But this set isn't just about creating beautiful art – it's also about building your skills. Included in the package is a unique fold-out tutorial that guides you through five easy-to-follow steps for recreating the stunning St. George and the Dragon box lid illustration.
And with the peace of mind that comes from knowing these paints have been tested and trusted by studio experts and 1.5 million customers worldwide, you can enjoy this set with confidence. In fact, it's backed by a unique money-back-PLUS guarantee, so you can be sure you're making a risk-free investment in your art.
4. Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint, Classic 12 X 59ml (2-Oz) Set
The Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set is an excellent choice for anyone who loves to paint, whether they are a student, beginner, or professional artist. This set features 12 highly pigmented colors that come in 2oz tubes. The colors included in the set are Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Cadmium Red Light Hue, Quinacridone Magenta, Ivory Black, Emerald Green, Phthalocyanine Green (BS), Phthalocyanine Blue (Spring Construction), Brilliant Blue, Bronze Yellow, Dioxazine Purple, and 2x Titanium White.
These colors are rich, thick, and have a satin finish that is sure to make any artwork stand out. The paint is also incredibly flexible when dry, which allows for easy manipulation and blending. Additionally, these colors are intermixable with Liquitex Professional Acrylic paint colors and mediums, making it easy to match colors across ranges.
This acrylic paint set is perfect for a wide range of projects, from painting on canvas to creating mixed media artwork. The colors are vibrant and long-lasting, ensuring that your artwork will look great for years to come.
5. Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint In Assorted Colors (8 Ounce), 20403 White
The Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint is a versatile and convenient choice for all your creative projects. With a size of 8 ounces, it's perfect for basecoating, stenciling, and more. The brilliant acrylic paint dries to a beautiful matte finish, making it suitable for a variety of arts and crafts.
This acrylic paint is available in a bright and fun color, making it a great addition to your DIY projects. It can be used on different surfaces such as wood, canvas, paper, Styrofoam, and paper mache. With this paint, the possibilities are endless.
One of the best things about Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint is its easy clean up. You can clean it up while wet with just soap and water. This makes it perfect for crafting with all ages, including children.
Apple Barrel proudly manufactures their acrylic paint and acrylic paint sets in the USA. They use a non-toxic and water-based formula, making it a safe choice for everyone. You can expand your art supplies with this fun brand and enjoy the quality of their products.
6. 60 Color Acrylic Paint Set By Arteza
Arteza presents an exciting collection of artist-quality colors that will unleash your creativity, whether you're an acrylic painting novice or a seasoned artist. With colors like Lemon Yellow, Phthalo Blue, and Crimson Red, your imagination will be set ablaze.
The premium acrylic paint kit features rich, vivid pigments that produce true and consistent shades. These colors are ideal for canvas painting and will not fade over time, ensuring your artwork stands the test of time.
At Arteza, the products are designed and created by artists who are passionate about inspiring others. They believe that art is a means of expressing the human experience and strive to make their art supplies accessible to all people.
Arteza values its customers and wants to ensure they have a great experience with their products. The team works tirelessly to create products that they are proud of. If customers have any issues with their products, they can reach out to the Arteza team who will make it right.
Arteza offers art supplies for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. They have a diverse range of arts and crafts accessories, paint sets, drawing supplies, and more, making it a one-stop-shop for all your art needs. So, whether you're a beginner or a professional artist, Arteza has got you covered.
7. Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set, 48 X 22ml (0.74-Oz) Tube Set
Liquitex, the pioneer of artists' acrylics since 1955, continues to specialize in acrylics, and presents Basics, a student-quality acrylic range that offers an exceptional balance of quality and economy, making it accessible to all artists.
The Basics acrylic range boasts the same high-quality pigments and manufacturing process as Liquitex's professional range. The pigments are ground with tiny reinforced ceramic beads to give fine dispersion, great color development, strength, and brightness.
The versatility of Basics acrylic is remarkable. It dries quickly and can be cleaned up with water while wet. It can easily flex and sticks to almost any surface, including canvas, paper & board, wood, masonry, metal, styrofoam, stone, ceramics, and textiles.
The range comes in a variety of opacities, allowing you to adjust your paint's undertone, tint, or shade. Additionally, Liquitex provides a comprehensive range of mediums that you can use to prep and finish your artwork and modify your paint's character.
This set includes a collection of forty-eight 22 milliliter (0.74 ounce) tubes, with colors listed in the description. The assortment comprises popular Liquitex colors that are thick, creamy, and offer a satin finish with a good pigment load.
Basics acrylic is intermixable with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors and Mediums, providing creative freedom and flexibility in your artwork. The range conforms to ASTM D4236, making it safe for educational use.
8. Sargent Art (Sarad) Acrylic Paint, 16oz Bottles, Colors May Vary, 12 Piece, (24-6102)
Introducing the Acrylic Paint Set, the perfect choice for all your crafting needs, whether you're working on a large or small project. This highly versatile paint kit features bright and bold colors that are easy to use and glide on smoothly, providing excellent coverage.
Crafted with the highest quality raw materials, this acrylic paint set is uniquely formulated to deliver exceptional quality with a fantastic consistency, making it ideal for mixing and blending. It's perfect for canvas painting and offers excellent coverage that won't fade over time.
The Acrylic Paint Set features rich, vivid pigments that are AP certified safe and non-toxic, making it safe for all ages. Each bold and bright color dries to a brilliant matte finish, making it perfect for all your arts and crafts. The paint blends easily and dries quickly, allowing you to layer additional coats or add other elements to your work right away.
This paint kit is suitable for use on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, glass, stretched canvas, card, plastic, craft foam, ceramic, decorative wallpaper, terracotta, blackboard easel, paper, and chalkboard. This versatility makes it the ideal choice for various crafting projects.
The Acrylic Paint Set features flip-top caps on its easy dispensing bottles, making it easy to pour just the right amount with ease. Cleaning up is also a breeze with this acrylic paint, thanks to its water-based formula, which is ideal for crafting with all ages.
9. Chroma Acrylic Essential Set, 1/2 Gallon Jugs, Assorted Primary Colors, Set Of 6 – 59001
Acrylic Essentials is a versatile water-based paint that comes in a container and can be used without dilution. This paint is perfect for various acrylic painting techniques, such as silk-screening, block printing, and textiles, among others. The paint is flexible and won't flake or become chalky, ensuring that your artwork remains intact. You can use this paint with all Chromacryl mediums, giving you a wide range of options to create your masterpiece.
The paint is AP certified, ensuring that it meets the safety standards of non-toxicity and quality. The non-toxic formula makes it safe for use by children and adults alike. Additionally, this paint dries quickly, allowing you to apply multiple layers without waiting for long periods. You can clean up the paint with soap and water, making it easy to maintain your workspace and tools.
However, it is important to note that this paint is not recommended for outdoor use. It is best used indoors, where it can maintain its quality and color over time.
10. Apple Barrel Promoabi Acrylic Paint Set, 2 Fl Oz (Pack Of 18), Assorted Matte Colors, 18 Count
This versatile acrylic paint set is a must-have for all the art enthusiasts out there. It includes 18 bottles of colorful craft paint, each of 2 oz size, in fun bright colors. The colors in this kit are White, Yellow Flame, Bright Yellow, Bright Magenta, Fuchsia, Jack-o-lantern, Flag Red, Purple Iris, Parrot Blue, Bimini Blue, Bright Blue, Too Blue, New Shamrock, Holly Branch, Nutmeg Brown, Melted Chocolate, Pewter Grey, and Black.
The paint in this set dries to a brilliant matte finish, making it perfect for all your arts and crafts. It can easily be applied on a variety of surfaces such as wood, Styrofoam, plaster, terra cotta, and more. You can brush, stamp, stencil or sponge this versatile acrylic paint to your projects with ease.
Clean up is a breeze with Apple Barrel acrylic paint. You can simply clean it up while it is wet with soap and water. This makes it a great acrylic paint set for both adults and kids.
What's more, the Apple Barrel acrylic paint set is proudly made in the USA, ensuring that you get a high-quality product that meets all your expectations. Get your hands on this versatile acrylic paint set and let your creativity flow!
Best Medium For Acrylic Paint FAQs
Can acrylic paint be used without a medium?
Yes, acrylic paint can be used without a medium. However, using a medium can help to enhance the properties of the paint. A medium is a substance that is added to the paint to alter its consistency, drying time, texture, or finish. Some common mediums used with acrylic paint include gloss medium, matte medium, glazing medium, and modeling paste.
Using a medium can help to improve the flow and blending of the paint, increase the transparency or opacity, and create different textures and effects. It can also help to extend the drying time of the paint, making it easier to work with and allowing for more time to make adjustments.
However, if you prefer to use acrylic paint without a medium, you can still achieve good results. It is important to keep in mind that the paint may dry faster and may not have the same level of transparency or texture as when used with a medium. Additionally, using water to thin the paint can also be an option, but it may dilute the color and affect the adhesion and durability of the paint.
Can water be used as a medium for acrylic paint?
Yes, water can be used as a medium for acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is known for its versatility and can be mixed with various mediums to achieve different effects. Water can be used as a medium to thin the paint and make it more fluid, allowing for easier blending and layering. It can also be used to create washes and glazes, giving a transparent effect to the paint.
However, it is important to note that adding too much water can diminish the vibrancy and opacity of the paint. It can also affect the adhesion of the paint to the surface and cause it to peel or flake over time. Therefore, it is recommended to use a medium specifically designed for acrylic paints, such as acrylic medium, to achieve the desired consistency and effects without compromising the quality and longevity of the artwork.
How does the type of medium used affect the drying time of acrylic paint?
The type of medium used with acrylic paint can significantly affect the drying time. Acrylic paint is known for its quick drying time, but the addition of certain mediums can slow down or speed up the drying process. For example, adding a retarder medium can extend the drying time of acrylic paint, allowing for more time to blend and manipulate the paint on the canvas. On the other hand, adding a drying medium can accelerate the drying time, which can be useful when working on multiple layers or when time is a factor. Additionally, the type of surface the paint is applied to can also affect the drying time. Porous surfaces such as canvas or paper will absorb moisture from the paint, causing it to dry slower, while non-porous surfaces like plastic or metal will cause the paint to dry faster. Overall, it is important to understand the properties of different mediums and surfaces in order to achieve the desired drying time and effects with acrylic paint.
Is it necessary to use a medium with acrylic paint, or can it be used straight from the tube?
Acrylic paint can be used straight from the tube without a medium, but it depends on the desired outcome and technique. Using a medium with acrylic paint can improve the paint's flow, increase transparency, and adjust the drying time. However, using straight acrylic paint can result in a thicker and more opaque application.
If you want to create thin washes or glazes, using a medium is recommended. A medium can also help to blend colors or create textures. On the other hand, if you want to create impasto or thick layers of paint, using straight acrylic paint can be more effective.
It's important to note that using a medium can also affect the paint's adhesion and durability, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use a compatible medium. Ultimately, whether or not to use a medium with acrylic paint depends on the desired outcome and personal preference.
What are the benefits of using a medium with acrylic paint?
Acrylic paints are a popular medium for artists due to their versatility, quick drying time, and ability to adhere to a variety of surfaces. However, using a medium with acrylic paint can enhance its properties and provide additional benefits.
One of the main benefits of using a medium with acrylic paint is the ability to control the paint’s consistency. A medium can be added to thin or thicken the paint, making it easier to apply and allowing for various techniques such as glazing or impasto.
Another benefit is the ability to extend the drying time of the paint. This is especially useful for artists who prefer to work slowly or want to blend colors without the paint drying too quickly.
Using a medium can also enhance the color and vibrancy of the paint, making it appear more luminous and vivid.
In addition, some mediums can provide a glossy or matte finish to the paint, creating a unique effect.
Overall, using a medium with acrylic paint can provide artists with greater control over their work, enhance the properties of the paint, and create unique effects and finishes.
What is the best medium to use with acrylic paint?
Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used on a variety of surfaces such as canvas, paper, wood, metal, and plastic. However, the best medium to use with acrylic paint depends on the desired effect and the surface being used.
For painting on canvas, gesso is commonly used as a primer to provide a smooth and absorbent surface for the paint. In addition, acrylic mediums such as matte or gloss varnish can be used to protect and enhance the painting's finish.
When painting on paper, it is recommended to use heavier weight paper such as watercolor paper, which can handle the moisture of the paint and prevent the paper from warping. Additionally, using an acrylic medium such as gel medium can add texture and dimension to the painting.
For painting on wood or metal, a primer such as gesso or a specialized primer for non-porous surfaces is required to ensure the paint adheres properly. Once the surface has been primed, acrylic paint can be applied with a brush or spray paint.
Overall, the best medium to use with acrylic paint depends on the surface being used and the desired effect. It is important to experiment with different mediums and techniques to achieve the desired result.
What is the difference between a gloss and matte medium for acrylic paint?
The primary difference between gloss and matte medium for acrylic paint is the level of sheen or shine that they provide. Gloss medium dries with a shiny, reflective finish, while matte medium dries with a more subdued, matte finish.
In terms of application, both mediums are used to thin acrylic paints, increase their transparency, and improve their flow. However, gloss medium tends to be more popular for adding a glossy finish to artworks, while matte medium is often used for creating a flat finish and reducing glare.
It's worth noting that both gloss and matte mediums can be used together to create different levels of sheen or texture in a painting. For example, an artist may use gloss medium for certain areas of a painting to create a high shine, while using matte medium for other areas to create a more subdued, textured effect.
Ultimately, the choice between gloss and matte medium comes down to the desired aesthetic effect the artist wants to achieve in their artwork.
What medium should be used for glazing with acrylic paint?
Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used for a variety of painting techniques, including glazing. When it comes to glazing with acrylics, it is important to use a medium that is specifically designed for this purpose. Acrylic glazing mediums are formulated to be transparent and to dry slowly, allowing for the layering of colors and the creation of subtle gradations of tone.
There are several types of glazing mediums available, including gloss, matte, and satin finishes. Gloss mediums can be used to create a shiny, reflective surface, while matte and satin mediums offer a more subdued finish. It is important to choose the appropriate medium based on the desired effect and the type of painting being created.
When using a glazing medium, it is important to apply thin layers of paint and to allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. This will help to prevent the colors from becoming muddy or blending together. With the right medium and technique, glazing can be a powerful tool for creating depth, luminosity, and atmosphere in acrylic paintings.
Which medium is best for creating texture with acrylic paint?
Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used to create a variety of textures. The best medium for creating texture with acrylic paint depends on the type of texture you want to achieve. There are several mediums that can be used to create texture with acrylic paint, including modeling paste, gesso, and texture gel.
Modeling paste is a thick, opaque medium that can be mixed with acrylic paint to create a sculptural effect. It can be applied with a palette knife or a brush and can be sanded or carved once it has dried.
Gesso is a primer that can be used to create a smooth surface for painting or to add texture to a surface. It can be applied in thick layers with a brush or a palette knife to create a rough surface.
Texture gel is a transparent or translucent medium that can be used to create a variety of textures, from fine lines to thick impasto. It can be mixed with acrylic paint or applied over a painted surface to add texture.
Ultimately, the best medium for creating texture with acrylic paint depends on your personal preference and the effect you want to achieve. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect medium for your artwork.
Which medium is best for extending the drying time of acrylic paint?
When it comes to extending the drying time of acrylic paint, there are a few different mediums that can be used. One of the most commonly used mediums is called a "retarder," which is specifically designed to slow down the drying time of acrylic paint. Retarders are typically added to the paint in small amounts, and can help to prevent the paint from drying too quickly, which can be especially helpful when working on larger or more complex pieces.
Another option for extending the drying time of acrylic paint is to use a medium called "open acrylics." Open acrylics are a special type of paint that is formulated to have a longer working time, which allows artists to blend and manipulate the paint for longer periods of time without it drying out. Open acrylics can be especially useful for artists who prefer to work slowly and carefully, or who want to create more complex and detailed pieces.
Ultimately, the choice of which medium to use for extending the drying time of acrylic paint will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the artist. Some artists may prefer to use a simple retarder, while others may prefer to work with open acrylics or other specialized mediums that are designed to help them achieve specific effects or working styles.
