Choose the right… PAINT MEDIUM

Aa paint medium is a great way to add variety to the surface of oils, watercolours or acrylics. Find the right one for you with our guide below

WHAT IS A PAINT MEDIUM?

A paint medium is an additive, usually an oil or a paste, that can be mixed with your paint to alter the properties of it in some way. It should not be confused with references to the different types of “painting mediums”, which are the types of paint, such as oil, watercolour, gouache and acrylic.

WHY ARE THEY USEFUL?

Paint mediums give artists greater control over the application and finish of the paint. Different mediums can be used to variously alter the consistency, texture, sheen and drying time of your paintings – or chosen sections of them.

ARE THERE DOWNSIDES TO USING THEM?

Some paint mediums naturally have a slight yellow tint to them. This can have a slight effect on the finish of the painting, particularly in the lighter colours. “Non-yellowing” paint mediums are usually labelled as such.

Paint mediums can also cause issues when layering paints (particularly oil paints) as the drying times of different layers can be affected. As such, it is important to observe the “fat over lean” rule, which means using more medium (and so less pigment) in the lower layers, so that they dry first and prevent the top layers from cracking.

WHICH MEDIUMS ALTER A PAINT’S DRYING TIME?