Cheap Alternative To Acrylic Medium 4x Cheaper Than Leading Brands

A cheap and quick video on cheap medium using Ronseal Interior wood varnish, good for cheap washs, modpodge, scenic glues, and just as a good varnish
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[@GoobertownHobbies]

Hi Luke! Longtime fan here checking in. I absolutely love your attitude towards hobby supplies- so much of what we use are routine commodities that are re-branded and sold at goofy prices. It's great to peel that back and figure out what is actually in all of these little bottles :-)

[@johnlanger7852]

I loved your paint video, making paint.

[@assadlayne6446]

Love your channel GTH, definitely most calming voice 😂 I feel like there’s such an elitism to this stuff esp new people to WH40k.. I’ve been shunned at a local shop for asking newb questions about contrast paints and was totally turned off . Have been DIY my contrast paints with your stuff!

[@terramarini6880]

-The ingredient used in matte nail enamel is finely milled silica -Pledge floor finish is clear liquid acrylic, perfect for thinning acrylic paint -If you can use a rock like chalk it can be easily ground down and made into a pigment -Cherry gum or gum from any tree of the prunus variety is an acceptable replacement for gum arabic -Acetone, Alcohol and pva/ca glue can be bought in a hardware store in much larger containers for pennies on the dollar and with better dispensing mechanisms compared to "crafting brands" and their tiny bottles -almost all of the mediums I see are some combination of glue, acrylic paint/pigment, talc/plaster, and solvent. You just have to figure out the ratios and solvent base you're looking to work with just a few of the diy hacks I picked up living in a remote area.

[@aes4n]

Hi! May i ask if plaster is added to mix, would it act as sort of a modelling paste?

[@terramarini6880]

@@aes4n Yes. Plaster/gypsum powder or talc added to a mix of PVA glue, water and acrylic paint or powder pigment of your choice makes texture or modeling paste.

[@staciahblack7951]

yeh i use pledge floor cleaner for a finishing glaze on polymer clay works perfectly and alot cheaper than the dedicated glazes i said

[@Mashkoor110]

serious respect from a born again old artist on a broken shoestring budget. bless you. xx

[@MoragTong_]

You're a steward of the hobby Luke...best of luck in 2019!

[@TonyStrongman]

Thanks for sharing Luke, it takes someone like you to put two and two together and experiment at your own cost. Like Ronseal woodstain used to be used as a dip. I think time will tell on this one.. Some mediums can change the colour on application as you've found or over time... Winsor and Newton artists quality mediums are made and tested to not change colours on application or over time. Whether that bothers the painter is for them to decide, for scenery or other applications it will save a fortune. Future (Pledge) floor polish is the age old "medium" to make washes with - it's a sort of thin acrylic varnish.

[@ishnifusmeadle]

Here in the US (MAINE) ive actually seen that around. Granted not at big box stores, but rather at some smaller local hardware shops or the paint shops. That said, it's fairly uncommon and as such not too cheap. Not tooooooo expensive either though. Instead I've been using (like another commenter posted) Minwax polycrylics. Matte, satin, gloss, depending on the application. They're everywhere, consistent in price (albeit not dirt cheap, but foot enough) and easy to work with. Always looking for alternatives. Haven't seen Clearfix around yet. We do have two other products that look and behave startlingly similar though, but I haven't read a MSDS yet to see if whats in them is the same. If it is awesome, seeing as they're common in two different stores and a tiny cheaper than Clearfix thru the channel. However I may just order Clearfix anyways to help support your ability to keep the lights on in the studio hahah. Good work keep it up.

[@shirleyfernandes8709]

Hi Luke. Thank you for all the valuable tipps. Great help for new beginners. Recipe missing! Have a lovely day😊👍

[@MurderHoboRPG]

Action has gloss and mat varnish. 1.98 for 250ml in the deco section. I use those to seal my tables rock hard. And gloss and matt varnish 50ml for 60 cents in the paint section. I use them for glazes and sealing minis. Nwver used varnish as a medium. Thx for the idea Luke!

[@CronosVids]

West Side Thanks for the tip! It’s always hard to find similar products when you live in a different country. But we have Action, so I’ll that out.

[@MurderHoboRPG]

@@CronosVids Action is a blessing

[@hatschmolo2923]

Yeah, Action rules! They sell pretty good quality. Its easy to find one in Germany and the Netherlands.

[@IamtheLuigi]

You can also use the accent or deep base of most house paints as acrylic medium. Just make sure you get the kind without primer. Here in Canada you can get a gallon of the cheap stuff for about $20

[@TrinaBaker]

You are amazing! I am an acrylic painter and use matte varnish a lot in my work. You just saved me sooooo much money. Cheers! 🤩

[@therarestphoenix5254]

I was looking for ways to make my own mediums because money is very tight (tighter than a virgin🥴) and stumbled across your video. Thank you so very much for sharing! You've saved me from going mad 🤪♥️

[@rasmus9311]

Oh actually had some indoor varnish laying around and it works really well to mix with my paint. Thanks a lot!

[@nesra8786]

Love that personality that shines trough the screen, also you just probably saved me a couple of hundred bucks for future projects!

[@martyp00s]

Thanks luke, been looking for a cheap medium for a while. You're a 🌟

[@sabershenanigans]

I bought a pot of matt medium last month. Looks like I'll never need to buy another one!

[@Miscast]

Super handy to know. I'll try to find some local equivalents here in Aus

[@drewmclean163]

I'll be on the lookout, too.

[@drewmclean163]

I'll be on the lookout, too.

[@megacdrw]

Hey did you find any of OZ (us) that were comparable. Bunnings had some Cabot's interiors but I've not asked to smell them in store yet.

[@craftysquirrel2958]

I’m sold ronseal it is 🧐, I only wish I could find an alternative to 3D gel medium. But the search continues... thanks for the great tip...& a new sub is born 👍🏼🤣😂!from Kirsty

[@drnh4444]

Nice one Luke... This is very helpful. I paint with acrylic paints and do ppurs but offical pouring medium is crazy expensive... Let's face it, they will all be the same stuff just mixed different and marketed differently

[@LumberingTroll]

In the US pretty much all chemicals need to have an SDS, safety data sheet, just look that up and it will tell you what's in it. I would presume you all have that or something similar in the UK.

[@clashofthedice]

I used to use interior water based varnishes on all my minis until I could afford rattle cans on a regular basis. I often toyed with the idea of trying to use them as washes but never got round to it.

[@Spoketlabolina]

Just found this by accident while searching for "make acrylic matte" Im not at all into war figurines..but Im interested in all kinds of art in general and are making everything from sketches, paintings, ceramics, glass engravings, jewelry and wood work, yeah I know its a lot and maybe confusing. I am not also going to add making of war figurines to that list but I think I would be smart to still subscribe to this channel. The info in this video is great and will probably be useful for several different projects. Ive been questioning the prices of paint mediums, it just doesnt make any sense to me if we compare it to hardwear building and paint products which are fairly cheap. Ive been wanting to use epoxy resin in future works and found the products in artshops to be insanly small for an ridiculous price. Its just doesnt make sense to me, epoxy has been around for quite a while, so currently looking for epoxy resin or something similar thats used in carpenting, or the building industry. Maybe some of you already know?

[@joshwrt2029]

Fantastic video! Deffo gonna give it a go on my minis. If you sand further away from the wall your get a nicer depth of field. Other then that I dig the new format! Looking forward to more videos. Are you gonna do a video showcasing the new board all finished?

[@krusty1796]

Thank for sharing all of this. Does it mean we can use to do the laminianish medium that you showed us in your other video? And use it to make craft "painting work"? And also for washes, will it work with all colors? And also to emulate contrast paint effect with ink ? That sound crazy ^^

[@alvaroaugustomeridio]

I use white carpenters glue mixed with water, works just as well

[@cell32005]

Awesome. Do we have any more info/description from the can of that varnish - it might help with tracking down the local equivalents ...

[@nickpodehl6364]

Great video as always Luke! Thanks for the info. Any chance you could give an idea of the basic ratios for a matte varnish wash? I tried it and it turned out rubbish. Thanks for all your amazing videos!

[@benthegud8431]

Thanks for the info I'm just getting into making terrain and painting minis and these videos are saving my wallet

[@wallofsoundandmusic345]

Love the more frequent uploads Luke. Great stuff!

[@baileyneal6242]

Thanks luke that gonna save me money when it comes to sealing my atrocious paint job on my armies.

[@redgreen09]

sounds good a look in to and on that i look at new stuff you post when posted

[@supercoolled]

Cheers Luke just ordered some 750m on ebay £11 can't wait t try it save me a bloody fortune oh free post toooooo

[@patty1509]

Very interesting! Can I use it for acrylic paintings in canvas?

[@juststeph6701]

Yes

[@christopherfoo9334]

Mate.. tasting the medium.. way to put your body on the line for subscribers!

[@Godonstilts]

It's actually really good for your hair and skin, it gives you a really nice sheen.

[@rudboypaintbrawl]

And it's how he got that awful rush few months earlier :D Absolutely mad lad and I respect that but Luke needs to get some additional insurance just in case of more serious shit.

[@leonverdonschot3727]

And thanks again. I now have to pour a big tin over in a smaller tin at work.

[@alanrennox7340]

Hey Luke, would you say this Ronseal (with ink) would work as well as the cheap dip wash you made a few years ago? Cheers man, keep up the good work.

[@angelicahurtado8459]

I'm using glycerin cause I read on it being an alternative before watching this video. Cause of the virus, the art supplies including the medium, are mostly gone. I hope it works cause it wasnt cheap.

[@nigtturner]

So if you use this in your mod porch do you use gloss because the other darken you medium great vids

[@starhassoon1486]

Hi darlin I'm a fluid artist and I was wondering does this work on acrylic paints as well cuz at the moment I'm using floetrol as a medium does this come in a gloss or even a high-gloss by any chance do you know and thank you for this

[@abelpaoli6836]

Hey Luke, what happened to your video on making airbrush cleaner & thinner? I've looked everywhere and can't find it! HELP!

[@garrobond0017]

Thanks luke two tins bought, legend you are again many thanks.

[@bevotto8279]

Hi there. I am looking for a recipe on how to make black medium for water based oil painting.

[@potterscottagecrafts407]

Hi there Luke, I want to make a heavy matte gel medium, what can i mix with the varnish to achieve this? Looking forward to you're reply. x

[@acrylicchemist1432]

How well do you think you could airbrush it?

[@Revolution-tl5wo]

Just so I'm clear, are you saying you can use an oil-based polyurethane (varnish) as an acrylic (water-based) gel medium? It doesn't cause any sort of fisheye or other problems when you paint it on?

[@MaxB-o6h]

You would use a water based polyurethane with acrylic as it’s also water based. You’ll see it’s same white color as in the video

[@jerryhartmann4654]

Do you think the varnish would work as an alternative to Mod Podge Dimensional Magic?

[@beeezlebub]

Fantastic. Any luck with other brands of it?

[@rivetzndakka1519]

Ayup Luke. Do you have your own version of typhus corrosion? I'm getting through loads at the moment. These tips are great. Cheers mate.

[@PursuingHeaven]

Is Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish Matte the same stuff as your Ron Seal? Also, can this be used to replace matte medium in mixed media journals or will it be too strong and tear up the paper? I am not into doing journals yet because the price of the matte medium to lay down the foundation of backgrounds is crazy, but I want to get into it. I can use mod podge to seal it at the end but even the matte mod podge is too thick and shiny for the base layer. I think this works for your figures but I am wondering if it will just dissolve the paper?

[@RandoBox]

Referencing your DIY washes video, would you use the same amount of this stuff as the Winsor & Newton?

[@Impossible_Emporium]

Are there any Australian equalivants? Accent, Dulux, or Wattyl?

[@shaynedp]

Do you water it down with water? And have you put it through an air brush? How did it do

[@epicdungeontiles]

Awesome thanks, I'll have to grab a tin to give it a try! :)

[@johndavis1548]

Luke do you know if 'wilko' home brands would do the same thing ?

[@tomatoes3]

Yes they do something very similar

[@traceyhilder3426]

Hi john did you give it a try before I buy

[@WaschyNumber1]

Is ther a gold color that's budget acrylic? 🤗

[@cailinsuiledonn]

Hi , just came across your video where researching HOME MADE Matt Medium . I'm a mixed media artist and use a lot of Liquitex Matt Medium as a gluing agent for scrapbooking etc, do you think this would work? Appreciate advise before I go & buy this version, thanks so much

[@gondogeek]

In my neck o the woods : 250ml clear satin for 40.62$ canadian. Bloody hell!!!

[@traceyhilder3426]

Much appreciated Luke I’m always looking for saving money for sure ,

[@electrogoblin7554]

Hi mate. Have you tried the 'diamondhard' non trade version or is there an unwanted additive? Having difficulty finding the trade version online or in the big DIY places.

[@jodiwest7957]

I'm looking for an equivalent to my Golden Fluid Matte Medium for fast image transfers. Fluid Matte Medium has a fast drying element. Do you have any input?

[@Chainmailninja]

Any idea what you'd add for a substitute to gel medium? That's what I'm currently on the hunt for!

[@ademade4392]

Can you use the “non trade” version that says its diamond hard, or is this an additive to be avoided?

[@leonverdonschot3727]

Have you allready used sanding dust from MDF as sand on your bases? Works perfect and it costs nothing but a piece of MDF and sandpaper

[@leonverdonschot3727]

@@GeekGamingScenics grout. Is that the tile glue or the stuff that you wash between the tiles?

[@leonverdonschot3727]

Thanks in dutch it's called a whole lot different.

[@MichaelMcClelland1]

In theory, could one add talc or pumice to gloss medium to make your own matte medium?

[@GamingMansion]

I still fail to understand what's the point of using medium when painting miniatures :D Is it to get opaque color and for better transition in between colors?

[@simarshall2474]

Luke, where do you get this from? You mentioned your local hardware store, big places like Wickes and B&Q only seem to do the 'diamond hard' stuff which is twice the price. Any suggestions?

[@simarshall2474]

@@GeekGamingScenics Awesome, cheers mate. We've got a howarth timber down the road, I'll have a wander.

[@timmoors2038]

Hey luke do you have a glaze medium recipe

[@deannarmos9254]

Love your ideas! Can’t wait to try this!

[@ryannaidoo8566]

Love what you do dude, its seriously a big help

[@michelevitarelli]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@silvermoon9789]

Cant find this product anymore.Any alternative?

[@kielia727]

I need a heavy matte gel that will glue things to a canvas. Have you tried working talc , cornstarch or some such into the varnish to thicken it ? If so , did it work or did it weaken the product ?

[@TAP7a]

Don't use anything that will biodegrade easily, or interact with water! If it's a water interactive thickener, any additional layers on top of your thickened layer will simply reactivate it and make a gloopy mixed mess. If it biodegrades then... it biodegrades. Nurgle may be pleased, but your nose, your model, and the people around it won't be.

[@kielia727]

@@TAP7a ,thank you .

[@PeninsulaPaintingProjects]

So this can be used to; thin paint, make washes and as a varnish protector?

[@PeninsulaPaintingProjects]

@@GeekGamingScenics well fuck me, you are good!

[@eniarekul]

@@GeekGamingScenics Wow! Top tip. Thanks mate!

[@raz619.]

Wet pallet paint to brush up to date best of your know how x

[@MurderHoboRPG]

Love the new thumbnails

[@WisdomShortvids]

luke awesome man soooo much cheaper than off the shelf

[@Flux_One]

Can you paint in layers with this acrylic/varnish recipe?

[@usha6012]

excuse my dumbness but can you use this as substitute for like fabric or textile medium when painting with acrylics on a fabric?

[@sionmarcsimpson7487]

Another great tip bro! But I can only find Satin online in this brand and its like 13 quid...not 9 any chance can post a link please bud?

[@sionmarcsimpson7487]

@@GeekGamingScenics But is there a matt equivalent mate? I want to try it in normal acrylic painting instead of liquidex pouring medium or Flotrol. Flotrol is American I think and costs a bomb here!

[@sionmarcsimpson7487]

@@GeekGamingScenics Oh ok bro. I can only find Satin online, tried Ebay etc. I'll keep looking. Do you think it would work as a Pouring medium man?

[@sionmarcsimpson7487]

@@GeekGamingScenics Thanks buddy. Im gonna give it a whirl. Ive made all the cheap alternative products youve be kind enough to share with us all man. And they all work awesome. Thank you and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions mate Love, love love.

[@Spekd]

Dude you should have been my chemistry teacher!

[@jayarmstrong9504]

Who the heck is Matt Medium?

[@ocantao]

It's a DM who is half as good as Matt Colville or Matt Mercer

[@sandmanhh67]

Hes the middle brother in a set of three. Theres also Matt Short and Matt Long

[@JohnnyBComplex]

Alter Ego of the unimpressive costumed crime fighter Dulldevil?

[@Buchinator12]

spiritual liege psyker matt ward

[@CaptainBipto]

I think he is related to Matt Daemon.

[@WargamingLobby]

I've been using something similar for years! Problem is, what I use is a Japanese product that nobody would care about outside the country! Take-away message: have a quick look around the paint isle of your home depo. You may find something similar even if it's branded with a different name.

[@CreativeRails]

Nice Luke, what a great idea.

[@dannyeccles1894]

What do you thin that stuff down with? water or ico?

[@IDICBeer]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing

[@Crabbers_paints]

Great info mate. Definately be giving this a go

[@TheLukemcdaniel]

I don't do many large dios or landscapes, so in 20 or 30 year when I empty out the bottle of liquitex i currently have, I'll give this a try.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Cheers Luke , Nice one !

[@frankblaker8294]

Thanks yet again Luke,

[@gwenhavlichek5025]

What is the recipe please? I can’t seem to find it.

[@brightdarkness420]

does the brand matter ? i live in belgium and prolly cant find that brand

[@ljk8059]

Jeeez, another crazy helpful video. Nice one.

[@herbiehopkins]

Thank you!

[@Talbaz]

and now, where to get it or stuff like it in the U.S.A

[@kurogiza]

Not sure whether Minwax Polycrylic varnish will do the trick? I have some at home, will give it a try.

[@Talbaz]

@@kurogiza let everyone know how it turns out!

[@roberthaddon5069]

I use Polycrylic in my wood working projects. I like it it, but it’s not cheap.

[@bencoomer2000]

This is why you're my favorite. Cool find.

[@bigbangattack97]

compared to vallejo medium thinner for $4.99?

[@Imjustthatgracegurll]

Bless you...my broke ass wants to paint but I can’t afford to go all out!

[@JPWestmas]

There is marble dust matte medium too.

[@AndyP126]

Is this stuff available in the US?

[@euansmith3699]

I miss the sweaty palm wipe you used to end your videos intros with. The new fade to black is more professional though.

[@resin_Hd]

Looks very good. But sadly being a UK product, when I look for it here (US), 750ml will cost me almost $80.00 (£62.75). Oh well... :(

[@acrylicchemist1432]

@LukeAps, which Minwax product is the most similar?

[@leewoodin1802]

@@GeekGamingScenics any water based varnish will be near enough the same

[@leewoodin1802]

@@GeekGamingScenics is that down to the thickness of the product or the opacity ? tried a few different water based one before but thats been on doors and windows :)