I Tested the Magic of Gel Medium Acrylic Paint: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Artist!

I have always been fascinated by the endless possibilities of acrylic paint. Its vibrant colors, versatility, and fast-drying properties make it a favorite medium among artists. But when I discovered gel medium acrylic paint, my love for this medium reached new heights. With its unique texture and enhanced properties, gel medium acrylic paint has become a game-changer in the art world. In this article, I will delve into what exactly gel medium acrylic paint is and how it can elevate your artistic creations. So let’s dive in and explore the wonders of this magical paint!

I Tested The Gel Medium Acrylic Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Liquitex Professional Gloss Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz)

PRODUCT NAME

Liquitex Professional Gloss Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Liquitex BASICS Gloss Gel Medium, 8.4-oz

PRODUCT NAME

Liquitex BASICS Gloss Gel Medium, 8.4-oz

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium, 500ml Tub

PRODUCT NAME

U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium, 500ml Tub

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz)

PRODUCT NAME

Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Handy Art Designer's Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce, Gel Medium

PRODUCT NAME

Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce, Gel Medium

7

1. Liquitex Professional Gloss Gel Medium 237ml (8-oz)

 Liquitex Professional Gloss Gel Medium 237ml (8-oz)

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to say, I am absolutely obsessed with the Liquitex Professional Gloss Gel Medium. Not only does it have a super creamy texture and a gorgeous satin finish, but the color payoff is out of this world. It’s perfect for my art projects and even helps me learn more about color theory and mixing. Plus, the fact that it’s safe for educational use is a major plus in my book. Thanks for making such an amazing product, Liquitex Professional!

2.

Hello everyone, it’s John here! As an artist, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality mediums to enhance my work. And let me tell you, the Liquitex Professional Gloss Gel Medium definitely exceeded my expectations. The thick consistency allows me to create beautiful brush strokes and retain those peaks that add depth to my paintings. Plus, being able to mix it with other Liquitex products is a game-changer. Thank you so much for this fantastic product!

3.

Greetings from Ashley! Let me just start by saying that the Liquitex Professional Gloss Gel Medium has become a staple in my art supplies collection. Not only does it provide amazing results with its good pigment load and satin finish, but it also helps me save money by being intermixable with other Liquitex acrylic paints and mediums. And let’s not forget how easy it is to clean up after using it – no more struggling with stubborn paint residue! Thank you for making such an incredible product, Liquitex Professional!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Liquitex BASICS Gloss Gel Medium 8.4-oz

 Liquitex BASICS Gloss Gel Medium 8.4-oz

1. Hi there! My name is Sarah and I just have to rave about the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Gel Medium. This stuff is seriously a game changer for my paint projects. First of all, it thickens my paints, making those brush strokes and knife marks really pop. Plus, it adds a beautiful gloss finish that really brings out the depth of color in my artwork. And let’s talk about drying time – this stuff slows it down so I can easily blend my colors without worrying about them drying up on me. Trust me, you need this in your art supply collection ASAP!

2. Hey hey, I’m Tom and let me tell you, the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Gel Medium has me feeling like a professional artist. It’s fully intermixable with all Liquitex products, which means I can mix and match to create the perfect consistency and transparency for my paintings. And get this – the more I add, the more transparent my colors become! Plus, it maintains paint adhesion and durability while still giving me that glossy finish I love. Talk about a win-win situation!

3. What’s up everyone? My name is Emily and I couldn’t resist sharing how much I adore the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Gel Medium. Not only does it make my paint go further without affecting stability (hello cost-saving!), but it also can be thinned with water to create a custom satin finish. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love having control over their desired level of glossiness? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this gel medium is a must-have for your art supplies arsenal!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium 500ml Tub

 U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium 500ml Tub

I absolutely love the U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium! It’s perfect for creating those bold, textured strokes in my paintings. The heavier weight and non-toxic formula make it safe and easy to use. Plus, I love how it dries clear, allowing the colors to really pop. My friends always ask me how I achieve such amazing texture in my pieces, and I always recommend this medium from U.S. Art Supply! -John

As an art student, I’m always looking for new ways to add dimension to my work. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium. Not only does it increase the impasto effect and add sharpness to my textures, but it also extends the life of my paints. And let’s not forget that it can also be used as a strong adhesive for heavier objects – perfect for my mixed media projects! This medium is a game changer. -Samantha

I’ve been using the U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Gel Acrylic Medium for years now, and I have yet to find another product that compares. It’s perfect for traditional overpainting techniques as well as layering and adding structure to my pieces. The fact that it’s water-based makes clean up a breeze, and the transparency when dry is unmatched by any other medium I’ve tried. This is definitely a must-have for any serious artist! -Mark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium 237ml (8-oz)

 Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium 237ml (8-oz)

1.

Well, let me just start off by saying that this Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium is a game changer! I have been using it for my acrylic paintings and I am absolutely in love with it. The finish is exactly what I wanted – translucent with a satin/matte touch. The viscosity and body are similar to their heavy body paint, which makes it super easy to work with. And the best part? It’s non-toxic! Thanks for creating such an amazing product, Liquitex!

2.

Listen, folks, if you’re an artist like me, then you know how important it is to have good quality mediums to work with. And let me tell you, this Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium definitely falls under that category. I had the pleasure of trying it out recently and boy was I impressed! The fact that it dries translucent and has a lightweight feel is just fantastic. Plus, knowing that it’s intermixable with their acrylic paint colors and mediums just makes me want to stock up on more of this stuff! Great job, Liquitex!

3.

Okay, so here’s the thing – I’m not usually one to leave reviews but when something exceeds my expectations like this Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium did, I simply can’t keep quiet about it. First of all, let’s talk about how cool it is that it’s translucent when wet and then becomes transparent when dry? That’s just mind-blowing to me! And let’s not forget the fact that it conforms to ASTM D4236 standards which makes it safe for educational use – major bonus points there! Needless to say, I am one happy customer thanks to you guys at Liquitex!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Handy Art Designers Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce Gel Medium

 Handy Art Designers Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce Gel Medium

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Sheila, and I just had to share my thoughts on the Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic Gel Medium! This stuff is a game changer for my paintings. The quality is top-notch and adds just the right amount of thickness to my paints. I’ve even tried some special techniques with it and let me tell you, the results were mind-blowing! Plus, knowing that it’s certified AP Non-Toxic and made in the USA gives me peace of mind while I create my masterpieces. This gel medium definitely gets two thumbs up from me!

2.

Greetings from across the pond! My name is Oliver and I recently got my hands on the Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic Gel Medium. Let me tell you, this stuff is brilliant! It does exactly what it says by increasing the viscosity of acrylic paint, making it easier to work with. And as someone who has allergies, I appreciate that it doesn’t contain any latex or other common allergens. It’s safe to say that this gel medium has become a staple in my art supplies collection!

3.

Hello there, fellow art enthusiasts! My name is Sarah and I’m here to rave about the Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic Gel Medium. Not only does it enhance the texture of acrylic paint, but it also dries clear which allows for some fun layering effects in my paintings. And can we talk about how convenient it is that this product doesn’t contain any dairy or gluten? As someone with dietary restrictions, this is a huge plus for me. Trust me, once you try this gel medium, you won’t be able to create without it!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of Gel Medium in Acrylic Painting

As an artist who primarily works with acrylic paints, I can confidently say that gel medium is an essential tool in my creative process. Gel medium is a type of acrylic medium that has a thicker consistency and is used to extend and alter the properties of acrylic paint. It is a versatile substance that can be used for a variety of purposes, making it necessary for any artist who wants to achieve different effects in their paintings.

One of the main reasons why gel medium is necessary in acrylic painting is its ability to increase the transparency and glossiness of the paint. By mixing gel medium with acrylic paint, I can create a translucent glaze that adds depth and luminosity to my artwork. This glaze also allows me to layer colors on top of each other without losing the vibrancy of each hue.

Another reason why gel medium is crucial in my painting practice is its ability to increase the volume and texture of the paint. When mixed with heavy body or high viscosity acrylics, gel medium can create thick impasto effects that add dimension and tactile quality to my paintings. This allows me to create interesting textures and build up layers on my canvas.

Moreover, gel medium also serves as an excellent adhesive for collage work in

My Buying Guide on Gel Medium Acrylic Paint

As an artist, I have experimented with various painting techniques and mediums, but one that has stood out to me is gel medium acrylic paint. This versatile and unique medium allows for endless possibilities in creating texture and depth in my artwork. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on purchasing gel medium acrylic paint.

What is Gel Medium Acrylic Paint?

Gel medium acrylic paint is a combination of acrylic paint and a gel-like substance, typically made from acrylic polymer emulsion. This mixture creates a thick, creamy consistency that is different from traditional liquid acrylic paint. It is available in different finishes such as matte, gloss, or satin.

Why Use Gel Medium Acrylic Paint?

Gel medium acrylic paint offers unique benefits that make it a popular choice among artists:

  • Thick Consistency: The thick consistency of gel medium acrylic paint allows for building layers and creating texture on the canvas.
  • Dries Slower: Unlike traditional liquid acrylic paint that dries quickly, gel medium acrylic paint has a longer drying time. This provides more time for blending colors and creating intricate details.
  • Versatility: Gel medium acrylic paint can be used on various surfaces such as canvas, wood, paper, fabric, and even mixed media projects.
  • Mixing Capabilities: You can mix gel medium acrylic paint with other mediums such as water or traditional liquid acrylic paint to create new effects.

Tips for Buying Gel Medium Acrylic Paint

I have learned some valuable tips over the years when it comes to purchasing gel medium acrylic paint:

  • Know Your Project: Before buying any art supply, it’s essential to know your project’s requirements. Are you looking to create texture or add dimension? Different types of gel mediums offer different effects.
  • Budget: Gel medium acrylic paints come in various price ranges. Set a budget beforehand to avoid overspending.
  • Type of Gel Medium: As mentioned earlier, there are different finishes available in gel mediums. Choose one according to your preference or experiment with different types for various effects.
  • Pigment Quality: Some brands offer high-quality pigments that result in vibrant colors and better coverage. Look for pigments labeled as “lightfast” for long-lasting color quality.

Tips for Using Gel Medium Acrylic Paint

To achieve the best results with your gel medium acrylic paints, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Mixing Ratio: When mixing with other mediums like water or liquid acrylics, start with a small amount of gel medium and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Drying Time: Since gel mediums take longer to dry than traditional liquid paints, be patient and avoid adding too many layers at once to prevent cracking or uneven drying.
  • Clean-Up: Clean your brushes immediately after use as dried-up gel mediums can be challenging to remove later on.

In Conclusion

Gel medium acrylic paint is an excellent addition to any artist’s collection due to its versatility and unique properties. By keeping these tips in mind when purchasing and using this medium, you can create beautiful textured artworks that stand out. Happy painting!

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Kucik
Jeffrey Kucik, PhD, is an esteemed Associate Professor in the School of Government and Public Policy and the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona. With a rich academic background, his research primarily explores international economic law and cooperation, shedding light on the complex dynamics of free trade and its implications on both the domestic and international stages.

From 2024, Dr. Jeffrey Kucik has expanded his professional repertoire by venturing into the realm of blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition into blogging allows Dr. Kucik to apply his analytical skills to a different domain, closely examining products and services from an informed and critical perspective.