What makes acrylic paint smooth?
What makes acrylic paint smooth?
I'm experimenting with paints. I've found that Golden heavy body paints are thick and useful for texture.
But, liquitex soft body paints feel practically like ink in that I can easily draw lines using a liner brush.
Just adding water to the thick paint doesn't achieve the same thing. Is there some sort of material I can add to thick paint to achieve the same effect so I don't need to stock up on multiple types of every color?
Hey,
there are a couple of materials you can try adding to your paint to achieve a similar effect to the Liquitex soft body paints.
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Acrylic Mediums: Acrylic mediums are specifically designed to modify the characteristics of acrylic paints. They come in various types, including gloss, matte, and satin finishes. To achieve a smoother consistency, you can try adding a flow medium or a glazing medium to your thick paint. These mediums will not only thin down the paint but also improve its flow and leveling properties, making it easier to create smooth brushstrokes and lines.
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Retarder: Acrylic retarder is another useful additive that slows down the drying time of acrylic paint. By adding a small amount of retarder to your thick paint, you can increase its workability, giving it a more fluid and smooth texture. This can be particularly helpful when you want to work on longer, detailed strokes without worrying about the paint drying too quickly.
Both acrylic mediums and retarders can be found in art supply stores or online, and they come in different brands, so you can choose the ones that best suit your preferences and budget. By experimenting with these additives, you can achieve the desired smoothness in your paint without having to stock up on multiple types of every color.
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