Acrylic Mediums & Varnishes

Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile mediums you can work with. Once you start adding an acrylic medium into your process, you open up a whole new range of ways to create. For instance, you can:

• Adjust the flow of your acrylic paints
• Play around with the viscosity
• Build up textured effects using gel mediums

You can also take more control over drying time, which should make it easier to work at your own pace. Additionally, if you’re into layering, you can thin your paint down for washes or glazes. Or even make it more transparent for softer blends. There are also media designed for fabric that you might like to try.

Once your piece is finished, it is a good idea to apply varnish. Doing this will help to protect your artworks and give them a consistent sheen. You can go for a gloss, matte, or glossy finish depending on the look you want. Both help your colours stay strong over time.

At Eckersley’s, you’ll find a solid range of acrylic mediums and varnishes from leading brands like Liquitex, Atelier, Winsor & Newton, and Derivan on our website and in-store. Each product is carefully formulated to help you achieve different types of effects.

You can shop the full range online or check out our inspiration page for ideas, tips, and ways to experiment with mixed techniques. If you prefer to see things in person, head into your local store anywhere in Australia and chat with our team. They’ll walk you through the types of media available and help you pick the perfect one for what you’re working on.

H2: What Does an Acrylic Medium Do?

An acrylic medium changes how your paint behaves without messing with the color. You can use it to increase flow, adjust viscosity, or help you create specific effects. Some mediums make your paint more transparent. This can be ideal for layering. Others make it thick so you can build up strong textures. It also gives you more control over how your work dries, which is particularly handy if you’re working on a larger surface.

H2: When Is The Best Time to Use Acrylic Gel Medium?

A gel medium is a good option when you want more body in your paint. It comes in a few different types, including soft, regular, and extra heavy body. All of which are great for impasto techniques.

If you like seeing your brushstrokes stand out in your art, this is where gel really helps. It holds shape well and keeps those textured effects in place once everything has dried. It’s also useful when you want to extend your paint without using large amounts.

H2: How Do I Choose the Right Acrylic Paint Medium?

The best way to decide upon the right acrylic paint medium for your style is to know what finish you want to achieve. For instance, if you want something smooth, you'll need to pick a medium that improves your flow. However, if you are intent on layering, then a thinner or more transparent medium works well for glazes and washes. Should you want bold texture, thicker options like gel or heavy body mediums will do the job. You may find it helpful to experiment with a few different types to find what suits your style.

H2: How Do You Add Shine with Acrylic Gloss Medium?

If you want to add shine to your work, you'll need to use a gloss medium. It provides a simple way to add shine. It also brings out the depth in your colours to leave you with a smooth surface that reflects light nicely.

H2: What Are Some Essential Paint Mediums for Acrylic Artists?

There are plenty of kinds of acrylic mediums that artists can use. One of the most popular is matte mediums. They are known to soften the finish. Another is flow mediums, which make painting feel easier. Then there are thicker options that help build a strong texture. Many artists use a mix of all three in their work.