Acrylic Mediums : How to use Acrylic Gels and Mediums

www.willkempart... How to use Acrylic mediums and gels to improve your painting techniques. In this painting lesson professional artist Will Kemp shows you step-by-step how to use Regular Gel and Extra Heavy Body Gel from Golden paints.

[@wandacooper6990]

FINALLY !! A simple explanation between each..~!! Gel = Texture, Medium = Flow Halleluyah...!! Thank you!

[@willkempartschool]

Wanda Cooper Pleased it helped Wanda, Will

[@angelaanderson2302]

Yes, gels add soooo much to my paintings. I like my colors to be vibrant and the gloss gel lets me get the best results.

[@beckyholt]

Great advice for beginners delivered in a professional yet accessible way for any beginner in this medium. Simply put, Mr. Kemp's tutorials are an absolute must for all those starting in painting in particular or art in general. Thank you so much for sharing Will. Your tutorials are a pleasure to watch even when you already know a little of the subject.

[@willkempartschool]

beckyholt Thanks very much Becky, Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much! glad to hear you're enjoying the videos. Will

[@angelaanderson2302]

I do abstract paintings and have fallen in love with gel medium. I am starting to use more modeling paste as well. If you spread a very thin layer on the canvas you can use rubber stamps to press into the paste.

[@paulawhitlock2035]

Thank you, Will. I've created some great paintings with acrylic but I have to admit my overall knowledge is spotty (because I don't do it every day). It's always good to get back to the basics in order to move forward. I love your friendly teaching style and your enthusiasm.

[@willkempartschool]

You're welcome Paula, really hope the lessons are helping your acrylics. Cheers, Will

[@Christinamaisoui]

You rock my world, Will Kemp. These videos are *unbelievably* helpful!! Thank you so much. Keep 'er coming!!

[@saltlifegull4091]

Wow, thanks. Lots of easy to understand info without wasting my time. Never knew about this, but know it's going to help my acrylic paintings! Way to go WIll!

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks very much, pleased to hear it has been helpful, mediums can make a big difference in your ability to manipulate the paint, the glazing liquid (gloss) is especially helpful. Will

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Shika, That's right, Gels are great to add texture and make your acrylic paints go further, Will

[@willkempartschool]

I like Acrylic Glazing Liquid the best as it's so versatile! Will

[@librise1274]

I have been waching now a few of your videos and I am impress how easy it is to follow you. I am french and sometimes, it is very hard to understand instruction from a foreing language; but you are so clear when you talk that I get everything you say. I can not wait to start praticing everything I learn from you. Thanks a million

[@willkempartschool]

+li brise (librise) you're more than welcome, really pleased you're finding them easy to follow. Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

@vinny111 Hi Vinny, Thanks for your comment, some artists prefer to keep it simple but I always find it's better to aware of mediums even if you don't use them. Will

[@willkempartschool]

Oh good one, they can make a massive difference when painting with acrylics, Thanks, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks mic, Glad the videos are explaining things well for you, Will

[@willkempartschool]

for creating texture in your paintings, cheers, Will

[@inky8294]

A little paint goes a long way with medium. thank you for great video. I didn't knew that since am a beginner.

[@MrFarisB]

Looking at the medium video I thought the difference and the effect was very beneficial. I was thinking if it helps in glazing and the difference between the water and gloss is huge. Very uniform distribution with the medium versus running runny out of control pool without it. Thank you for the videos I was looking for someone to show me if it was worth it. Much appreciated Will. Very nice presentation and good info.

[@willkempartschool]

Yes, you can apply a layer of Soft Gel Gloss or Glazing Liquid (which I prefer) and then work onto of it, like a 'couch' in Oil painting. Hope this helps, Will

[@venus0q1]

So grateful for all the help,lovely examples and great instructions

[@No_Transitory]

Beautiful explanation, I'm just getting into painting and had just purchased a model paste which I plan to lay down 1st then go back over with paint, but armed with this knowledge next time I purchase a medium I'll give the gels a try and mess around with the finish.

[@willkempartschool]

+Eric Peacock Good one Eric, hope you enjoy experimenting with the mediums. Cheers, Will

[@LalaCat66]

Just found your videos and they are excellent for a beginner like myself. Thank you for your time and willingness to share your skill and knowledge 😊

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks venus0q1, pleased you have been enjoying the painting instructions,

[@brkonnia11]

Definitely a simple and articulate explanation of gels and their uses! Thank you :)

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased it was helpful Brian. Cheers, Will

[@jamestregilgas7476]

A quick and effective explanation ...thank you

[@willkempartschool]

Glad it helped James. Cheers, Will

[@Snowleaper]

Ah, thank you so much for this explanation! I was not sure if my teacher was talking to me about gels or mediums, but now I know that it was a gel. Thank you so much! xoxo

[@willkempartschool]

+Snowleaper pleased you found it helpful. Cheers, Will

[@bethbartlett5692]

You are the cutest, spunky, and most positive presenter! A truly uplifting experience - 5⭐'s 🎨🏆👑💫

[@ingridliebenberg68]

Hi Will, many thanks for your prompt response. Much appreciated. I will definitely try your recommendation. Thank you to for sharing your knowledge and tips with us.

[@andrearussell2712]

Thanks, you gave me the basic information I needed to know to understand that I wanted a gel rather than a medium.

[@willkempartschool]

Glad it was helpful Andrea. Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

@moonboy87 Good question, the gels will give you a bit more blending time but the texture can sometimes be a bit slippy and with the extra medium you loose opacity, I prefer to blend using a liquid mediums, 'acrylic glazing liquid (gloss)' is killer because it increases working time yet still keeps a nice consistency with the paint. I'm publishing a post on my blog later today about gels & mediums you might be interested in, Will

[@josephlowry4320]

Perfect Will! 😀😃 This is helpful for any beginners who wants to do an Vincent Van Gogh style painting.

[@madhattersoriginal6258]

Brilliant. ...direct, simple to understand and very informative. .you just got a new subscriber in New York...TYFS. Kat

[@willkempartschool]

+MadHatters Original Thanks very much Kat, so pleased you found it simple to follow. Cheers, Will

[@Sarah-l7f6o]

Thanks alot for this very explanatory tutorial!! I have now purchased the gel and the results are just so magical!!! thanks once again. Please do more tutorials with more gels and varieties. :))

[@bodhipeace]

Well done on the video, ol' chap Just an all around joy to watch and follow Not comprehensive, but focused on these mediums and how to read the labels

[@willkempartschool]

+Bodhi Rus Pleased you found it helpful Bodhi, Cheers, Will

[@alfredangelolagat9583]

So fun to learn about acrylic! It really helps me since I am not an artistic person.

[@willkempartschool]

Glad you're finding the lessons helpful Alfred.

[@bethbartlett5692]

That Red is such a Fresh Color - when mixed - it looks exactly like Watermelon - red!

[@josephlowry4320]

Now I know what I need when it comes to painting, Gel Mediums.

[@MaddyPudgey]

Really helpful, I’m just now wanting to get into painting and this made it less intimidating! Thank you

[@jannan_art]

Very helpful thank you! One question: can I use the gel to "oil" the canvas (like Utrecht retarding gel)? Would allow to blend the paints esp. in landscape paintings imo. Unfortunately Utrecht is not available in Europe so I´m looking for a substitute,,,

[@puripuribuns]

So basically, gels are supposed to help make textures with minimal usage of the acrylic?

[@raerae6422]

Much appreciated.

[@astridh.6801]

Thank you for the explanation :D I'm going to have so much fun with it :)

[@niecybbergner]

Yup straight to the point informative.. thank you!

[@willkempartschool]

My pleasure Denise. Will

[@bethmulligan2588]

I'm brand new to acrylic painting.My questions? When setting up your palette do you premix your paints w product (for fluidity & slo drying) ahead of time or do you dab & mix-dab &mix as you proceed along in painting

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Beth, I tend to use the colours straight from the tube, but yes, you can mix in some slow drying medium with the paint before you start. Cheers, Will

[@bethmulligan2588]

willkempartschool thanks for the swift reply.

[@firecracker8071]

Thank you just the advice I needed

[@kazmusa1747]

Thanku very much. Im totally confused by all these different products lol...u just explained that beautifully. Its basically a paint extender and texture additive..cheers :)

[@willkempartschool]

Really glad it helped Kaz. Cheers, Will

[@willkempartschool]

Thanks, Will

[@ingridliebenberg68]

Hi Will, I'm trying to paint dots with a 3d effect. I am using acrylic paint at the moment, but when the paint dries the dots fall flat. Could I achieve the effect I'm looking for by mixing acrylic gel with acrylic paint? if not, what would you suggest I use? Does acrylic gel affect the drying time of the paint in anyway? Thank you, regards Ingrid from Cape Town, South Africa

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Ingrid, yes, mixing in a thicker gel (like a heavy gel) will stiffen the mix so stop the dots dropping so much. The drying time is a little longer with the gels (depending on which gel) but pretty close to standard acrylics. Cheers, Will

[@canisgraffias199]

😮 ohhhh! I had no idea. Thanks for the information.

[@ElTruco007]

Great video, and love his accent!!

[@julienielsen3746]

I've been painting with acrylics since 1968. I've always used just water with my paints. Now I'm interested in using gels with a brush for an impasto oil paint look. I tried the heavy gel in gloss. Right texture with a loaded brush, but a little too glossy. I didn't know they had semi-gloss. I'll try that next. Thanks.

[@willkempartschool]

+Julie Nielsen Hi Julie to get a classical shiny oil paint look I've found it best add a gloss varnish at the end of the painting so it brings up the colour saturation and then you don't have to worry so much about different sheens when you're creating the painting. Cheers, Will

[@julienielsen3746]

Thanks!

[@gganticgary]

And all that time i had no idea what its for, thank you for explaining!

[@willkempartschool]

Happy to help!

[@willkempartschool]

Good one, Thanks for the sub! Will

[@nidatracy274]

Thank you Dolly for once somebody got to the point. Thank you thank you thank you

[@willkempartschool]

@kireji0 Thanks, hope it's helpful in your painting. Will

[@haligonia9563]

Clear and concise. thanks!

[@willkempartschool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marabauerart]

Nice and helpful Video, thank you so much

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased you found it helpful Mara. Cheers, Will

[@dpatton18]

I have water based acrylic which is extremely thin,so could I put this gel directly into the paint bottle and shake to mix or does it have to be blending on a palette?

[@willkempartschool]

Davanna Patton Hi Davanna, I always find it easier to mix onto a palette or into a shallow tray rather than trying to shake it. On some of the mediums excessive shaking with cause lots of bubbles and foam. Hope this helps, Cheers, Will

[@dpatton18]

Yes that helped. Thank you!

[@TazHall]

It kind of feels like cooking 😁 I need to get more gel medium. It also acts as excellent glue for collages

[@miriampermut1147]

super helpful video! Thanks so much.

[@willkempartschool]

Miriam Permut You're welcome Mirium, Will

[@thatsjustducky331]

When mixing the gel with paint like that:>>>>The more gel you use, the glossier it will be when it dries. Also, The shine brings objects closer. I have learned to test my mixture for the desired glossiness. I use the heavy gloss gel and have learned how to reduce it. But, bcz the stuff is $10-$13 a jar I am afraid to buy other kinds. I want to try the Matte, but I don't know what the result looks like.

[@dominiqueanderson5313]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@willkempartschool]

My pleasure Dominique

[@jannan_art]

Wow - very quick answer! Thanks a lot for the tip, I go on and try it! Subscribed :-)

[@reecehudson5913]

How flexible are these gels once they dry? Do they crack? And can they be sanded? Thanks, awesome video 🙂

[@willkempartschool]

it depends on the gel, most do remain flexible if you press hard with your thumbnail, but others are designed to be sculpted afterwards, like Golden Sandable Hard Gel. Cheers, Will

[@whyducks1]

Helpful thank you.

[@JennyJardin]

So helpful! Is there a way to change "regular" gel into "soft gel'? Not sure if I should add water or some sort of medium. (I have gloss medium/varnish, matte medium, glazing medium and pouring medium) Thanks again.

[@willkempartschool]

+JennyJardin Hi Jenny, for adding into paint you ca dilute it with water to achieve a similar consistency but for using as an isolation coat before varnishing its best to use the actual soft gel gel rather than trying to dilute it. Cheers, Will

[@lynnearlyriser]

Thank you for a great explanation.

[@willkempartschool]

Pleased it helped Lynn. Will

[@Randaakarim]

Thank you for this. So if I wanted to try out palette knife painting but I'm worried about using too much paint, can I just use the gel medium to sort of double my amount of paint and be free to get the thick textures?

[@willkempartschool]

Yes, you can add the medium to double the paint but you will loose some of the opacity/coverage due to the dilatation of the paint by the added medium Will

[@ale3avouri773]

thanks will you are the best.can you show to us the mixing of red colour ???? light and dark ??? pleaseeeee

[@willkempartschool]

+Ale3 Avouri Hi Alee3, if you have a look on the channel there is a how to mix pink and purple video that might help. Cheers, Will

[@barbaralenox7092]

Thanks for this - very helpful. I have a question... would there be any benefit to using a medium without pigment? I have a section that came out a bit dark and flat. The color is ok, but "luminosity" might improve it. I was thinking that glazing with medium alone might brighten it up. I feel like additional color on there would not be helpful. Can you comment, please?

[@willkempartschool]

+Barbara Lenox Hi Barbara, for adding saturation to a colour youu can apply a gloss varnish at the final stages which will always bring back the most saturated colour. Cheers, Will

[@barbaralenox7092]

Ok that's good to know. Many thanks for the advice and your awesome videos.

[@kateschlueter9051]

Great information, love it!! Have you got a video about mediums? I hesitate to but transparent acrylic paint or just buy opaque acrylic paint and mix it with medium glossy. What do you suggest?

[@willkempartschool]

kate Schlueter Hi Kate, this video is one of 3 that looks at mediums, the transparent paint will give you more luminosity between layers when glazing, but a similar effect can be achieved with opaque paints thinned down, so you can start with that see if that's the effect you're after and then look into more transparent pigments when needed Cheers, Will

[@missytamik9209]

Question, if I wanted to add the heavy gel to my painting after everything is painted, like a top layer to add texture, do I do this before or after varnishing?

[@willkempartschool]

Add the heavy gel before the varnish

[@annasmall6000]

Thank you. Very helpful video

[@willkempartschool]

My pleasure. Will

[@Tanna-Marra]

Thank you; so very helpful!

[@maelatsa7424]

Do you have a video that compares oil paint with acrylics?

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Mae, I don't have a video but do have an article: willkempartschool.com/what-is-the-difference-between-oils-vs-acrylic-paints/ Cheers, Will

[@pattylemelt8122]

Thank you! I never really delved into mediums and gels so I'm glad you showed the results up close!

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Lawrence, there is a mixing skin tones video on my channel, hope it helps, Cheers, Will

[@mallikasuresh5218]

Ok so i got a new brand of acrylic paint just yesterday and when i tried to work with it it was just wierd..not like regular acrylic....now i realise that it is acrylic gel . Thanks

[@willkempartschool]

This only for use with acrylics, not oils.

[@livewell2fold]

Great job! Love your accent. :)

[@pseudonymoussmith2249]

Thank you man.

[@willkempartschool]

You're welcome!

[@kwelyroos71]

I am trying to make waves with craft acrylics on top of blocks to use as place card holders for my wedding.. I bought the heavy gel. Will the craft acrylic work??

[@qigong1001]

Can the gel be used as a primer to smooth out a stretched canvas (hide the canvas texture)? Instead of going through the hassle of gesso/sanding. Will it stick directly to a cotton canvas?

[@willkempartschool]

Slap Stick Not really, it wouldn't give you a nice surface to paint onto.

[@edeaglehouse2221]

Slap Stick That is what gesso is used for. It seals the canvas and gives a smoother surface for your painting.

[@thetake27]

cheers mate I need this...

[@queststonesllc8853]

thanks!

[@MM-un8ew]

Can you please tell on what surface you mix gel anf paint?

[@willkempartschool]

It's a tear off paper palette

[@antonsk8536]

Can jells change the colour of the acrylic if you use to much? Awesome videos I've learned lots! Keep uploading

[@willkempartschool]

Gels will slightly lighten a colour but not massively. Will

[@itsgoingtobeokay3884]

you're awesome

[@willkempartschool]

Lepetitprince Thanks!

[@covid-19inthistogether96]

Thank you!

[@willkempartschool]

Craftin Kate You're welcome Kate. Cheers, Will

[@bananajo1234]

which medium do you like to use the most?

[@samatabitha]

Hi Will I have heavy gel and need medium gel for a project i am working on. can I add water to heavy gel instead of buying a new pot of medium gel?

[@willkempartschool]

Hi Sam, yes, you can dilute with a little water. Cheers, Will

[@karingrubanoski8889]

great info

[@tonydelossantos2355]

Is it okay if the brand of acrylic paint is different from the medium I use? thanks for your response. I'm looking forward to your future tutorials! :)

[@willkempartschool]

+tony delos santos Hi Tony, yes that's fine to use different brands, products from the same manufacturer will always work together, there might be slight differents in viscosity/drying times between brands. Cheers, Will

[@tonydelossantos2355]

+willkempartschool Thanks alot!! last question that's running on my mind. After a layer of coating using gesso, can I mix an acrylic paint with gesso to serve as a tonal background??

[@willkempartschool]

+tony delos santos yes, you can mix in acrylic with the gesso. Cheers, Will

[@tonydelossantos2355]

+willkempartschool Thank you so much!! I'm quite ready for it. Cheers!

[@bananajo1234]

I noticed you use oil paints a lot, would you still recommend using that medium for acrylics?

[@gabsl1552]

so if u add the gel with the pink, it doesn't change the color right?

[@willkempartschool]

Gabby P. It will change the colour very, very slightly lighter due to the white of the medium, but once mixed together that's very close to the final colour. Cheers, Will

[@gabsl1552]

thank you very much. :)

[@localchile2467]

Thanks!

[@sherry9284]

WhooHoo! Thank you! 😊

[@ceromundo]

Can you give me some ideas on using Goldn Gel "Heavy Gel" (Gloss)

[@samanthawijesinghe4351]

how can i use gel in collage work ?

[@Margot4454]

thank you for the very useful info ! I still have this funny dilemma : I bought extra heavy gel whereas I wanted the regular one. Now, I can of course use it as intended for the heavy body gel but I still need the regular one (e.g. sealing layers od mixed media). I know diluting with water is not the solution but do you have any other advice ? or simply "go and buy the right one" ? :))))

[@willkempartschool]

+Margot4454 Hi Margot, you could dilute with water to mimic a regular gel, but for creating an isolation coat I would purchase the soft gel gloss separately. The soft gel gloss needs diluting with water to create a good consistency for an isolation coat and if the heavy gel was diluted to mimic the consistency I don't feel it would offer the same protection or adhesion to the paint surface. Cheers, Will

[@Margot4454]

+willkempartschool wow, that was quick ! thank you :)