Gloss Gel

Gloss gel FAQs

Other artists have asked us...

• Why are some acrylic mediums milky, some translucent and some clear when wet?

  Some acrylic mediums are milky because of the water content within the emulsion. Others include matting agents that make them appear milky, while other mediums are formulated with a clear resin, giving them greater clarity both wet and dry.

• My colors look dull and chalky. How do I brighten them?

  Liquitex acrylics naturally give you a rich and vibrant satin finish - aside from matte Acrylic Gouache - so it may be that you’re adding too much water and spreading (underbinding) the paint film. Try adding Gloss Medium or Gloss Gel instead of water and you'll amplify color vibrancy and depth rather than detracting from it.

• I’ve just made an acrylic skin with Liquitex Soft Body and Flow Aid. How do I adhere it to a support?

  Canvas, wood, Masonite and fabric are all great surfaces for acrylic skins. Just coat the back of the skin with either Liquitex Gloss Medium, Gloss Gel or Gloss Heavy Gel. Then quickly position it onto the support with the wet side down and press. Help the sticking process by leaving it to dry under a weight - simply cover the skin with wax paper before adding weight to prevent sticking. If you're adhering to wood or Masonite, your skin can be stapled to your support, in addition to, or instead of gluing with mediums.