Finding new ways to work with acrylic paint…

[@TheArtistsMoon]

I recently found that mixing acrylic retarder with water in a spray bottle and applying that to the canvas and my palette really helps! You could mix it into your bucket of water and apply it with your large brush for even longer working time. I use about 1 part retarder to 8 parts water but you can play with the ratio quite a bit. Just don't use too much undiluted retarder as that may stop the paint from drying at all.

[@BG-nm5xt]

So he means the paint is partially dry, then he adds a layer of water?

[@valeriebarnett7956]

Thank you for useful tip will pass it along. Here in Oz paint dries very quickly.35° today.

[@eileenschurer7861]

Open acrylics dry much slower, not sure what quantity they come in, but they play more like oil.

[@estanoapagnie9656]

I find doing using acrylic on damp canvass you are able to manipulate the acrylic more. More maneuverability of the story. Estanoa.

[@07052Hoffman]

I use water applied with a spray bottle.

[@psrosemary]

Using M Harding clear gesso between layers, is sort of similar to "oiling out"...and increases the working time.

[@treemerryweather]

YAY!!!! now I'm fired up!!!! also where do they sell chunky brushes like yours?

[@psrosemary]

Marine supply stores!

[@treemerryweather]

thanks so much @@psrosemary

[@berylstott9165]

i think its a wallpaper paste brush

[@treemerryweather]

@@berylstott9165 I looked at masonry brushes and marine brushes and they are both very much like the brush in the video, in terms of the handle and the ferule while the bristles were sometimes natural and others synthetic...I'll look at wallpaper brushes too, thanks beryl

[@rhondadore2686]

A fine mister and a soft rag also can make super-soft edge transitions. In a background, it can make the whole thing ethereal.

[@celinacosta3072]

Yes acrylic drys fast one thing that help me is to brush with water or spray the back of the painting .

[@cidcreative]

Interesting! Do you also spray the front of your paintings? Thanks :-)

[@kathyryan7768]

A spray bottle and rags for taking paint back , kind of like an eraser when you're unsure.

[@janenef]

Of course there are products available that slow the drying process. 4 months of the year I paint wifh acrylics on a high dry desert. Paints dry super fast. I have been using water or a little flotral, which is cheap. . I am enjoying the progress on this new painting of yours.

[@arturhakobyan6850]

Other option is using thick layers of paint. One can add a bit of propylenglicole it slows drying of paint. Also mist sprayers can be used to keep paint dry. In my palette ( a candy plastic box) I mist the water over paint, cover with lid and it stays wet for several days. I can redo the mist in several days to keep it wet longer. So you can put a picture in a conteiner lay it dawn on the floor mist the water and it can stay wet longer...

[@theartistjodievans]

It’s funny how we all have such different styles. I use acrylic BECAUSE it dries and I layer. I want it to dry. It can’t dry fast enough. Lol

[@johncarmanarts]

Agree. Other than eliminating fumes and easier cleanup-no small things-why else acrylic over oil? But always great to hear new tips.

[@cidcreative]

I take it that you use transparent layers. That's what I want to do :-)

[@lesagray6270]

As always Nick, Thank You! What a great idea and must try! I'm finding creating paints with dried pigments and simple Soft Gel Gloss Medium creates a beautiful lustrous paint. Make it as thick or thin as you like 🌻

[@debbiegarland7124]

Hi, I use a retarder medium, slow dry medium or open acrylics to slow drying time. You shouldn't add too much water to acrylics so as to protect the binders.

[@marthakey50]

If you don’t mind what kind of brush is that ? Is use it is for construction?

[@vickyb9918]

Search for “deck stain brush”

[@lesagray6270]

I saw a reply that you can buy them at a Marine supply shop 🌻

[@BlueyNile]

propylene glycol is a great retardant for acrylic

[@karimacintyre8306]

But do you make good money, did you take a course in painting an stuff can you let .me know so can figure this out and let me know Ty so much, ?????

[@noumine]

Try Slow-drying medium by Liquitex also.

[@tendr247]

I mix acrylic with glycerin and water…sometimes add glue

[@tendr247]

I also mix tube paint with craft paint and I DO spray paint with a gloss base but my acrylic paint still will go over it though I’m told not to do that,

[@thehappypotter9612]

Thanks, Nix! I have used glaze medium on small dry areas for better application of new paints, but from what I have experienced with acrylics I think the water will work better. Definitely putting this into practice.

[@embellishedessence908]

I wish this was demonstrated in real time

[@almost_asterisk]

Thank you 🌞👍