Hi Everyone!
I am starting this Sunday with the Liquitex medium section. I am going to take this section a bit slower. I know I have difficulty with what medium goes with what and where. A short introduction of what I will be covering.
Liquitex offers the broadest possible range of acrylic mediums. The best way to understand mediums the book separates them in to sections.
Prep; Surface preparations set the foundation for stable and permanent color applications by sealing and adding tooth to almost any painting surface. Liquitex offers five different types of acrylic gessoes to accommodate all types of work.
Pain-t; Within the painting category, there are several different types of products you would use in addition to the color itself. These are Fluid Mediums, Gel Mediums, Additives and Texture Gels. These painting mediums allow an artist to adjust the working and optical properties of the paint film to accomplish an astonishing variety of techniques and applications.
Finish; Varnishes are applied over a completed piece of work to change or unify the surface of sheen and protect the painted surface from the environment and ultraviolet light.
All of Liquitex Mediums are:
- Permanent
- PH neutral when dry
- Non-yellowing and water resistant when dry
- Flexible, non-cracking
- Ideal for improving adhesion
- Formulated for long term durability
- Manufactured with the best quality resins available.
- Developed by specialized chemists, with 50 + years of experience 1 Except Modeling Paste2 and SoulvanD
The Difference Between Additives and Mediums
An Additive is something that changes the chemical of "inner working" of the paint film. Additive should be used sparingly, in only the amount needed to generate the desired effect. In general Liquitex recommends adding no more than 25% of any additive to your acrylic paint.
A medium changes the working properties of the paint, and it includes a resin binder for additional stability. Because mediums maintain or enhance the stability of the paint film, they can be used in any amount you desire.
Essential information about using acrylic mediums
For best results, always test before using. Mix Liquitex Mediums into acrylic color to add flexibility, adhesion, and long term stability. Liquitex mediums extend the volume, while most also increase the transparency of the acrylic color. A thin film of (1/16") of Liquitex medium may take between 1/2 hour to 24 hours to initially dry, while thicker film (1/4") may take up to 5 days. It always depends on the relative humidity. The use o Palette Wetting Spray or an air mister and humidifier will slow the drying time of all Liquitex mediums. Avoid any oily, oil painted, greasy or waxy surfaces. To improve adhesion when painting on any hard or slick surface such as glass, metal, enamel or hardboard. Sand surfaces prior to applying any medium. Vigorous brushwork over textured areas may cause bubble to for within the paint film. Do not over work during application. If mediums are brushed heavily during drying, it may cause clouding. Once the film is clouded and dry, it can not be clarified or removed, If an area is missed, allow the surface to dry and then cover with another coat of medium.
That is what I have for now. Next week I will go over Preparation and the 5 different types of Gesso
Nicole/Beadwright
Honor and integrity
in art, in life.
