What, Why & How: Painting with GOLDEN Fluid Acrylic Mediums

[@rockykelley]

I have been using Golden mediums for decades in my paintings. I can't say enough about the quality. Fantastic products.

[@leob4860]

I loved this brand when I saw their educational videos that teach their product how to use it and what they are for that inspires confidence in me at the same time that I have to buy a product there are so many brands on the market and little instruction on how and what they are for products. thank you very much GOLDEN is a very good quality product .🙌🙌🙌

[@magereina]

thanks for the detailed explanation. so useful in clarifying which to use when.

[@kulsoomkazmy9711]

I am so in love with golden products...I know they are expensive...but I still love them💞💞

[@cinderblockstudios]

Glad to see an explanation of the GAC lineup, I've had a hard time figuring them out before. Also gotta try the new Super Matte at some point, should be a great addition to my set! The 200 in particular will help me with quite a few projects.

[@GoldenPaints]

GAC200 is unique and is the most obviously different acrylic when it dries because it is so hard, even somewhat brittle (which is why we recommend it primarily for rigid supports).

[@trishreed1176]

Awesome information! I look forward to touring the Golden factory in a couple weeks.

[@ArtistKarlaMagana]

Style + Calm and Informative. Love this/you!

[@lolitakaloustianyoung7787]

thank you for a great overview of your medium product line. I would like to know if I use a gloss or matte medium during my painting, can I then alter the finished painting with either gloss or satin varnish? (i.e. will final varnish cancel out either the matte or gloss finish created by the medium). thank you for your reply.

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Lolita, yes - the sheen you select for the varnish will be the overall sheen of your panting. We also recommend an isolation coat to help even out the sheen before varnish and provide a more consistent surface to which can help achieve a more even surface sheen with the varnish.

[@DanielaEasterProgressiveArt]

Excellent run through and reference of your products! I will share this with my students.

[@chrisfauxturkee69]

I read somewhere.that Golden's pouring mediums are derived from GAC800. But there are matte and glossy varieties. So if you wanted to have your fluid acrylics dry to a matte finish, or if you wanted the same for your heavy body paints - and wish to significantly reduce their viscosity (to a little thicker then a liquid acrylic), would Matte Pouring Medium be a good choice for.both applications?

[@artglue2]

So very helpful and you are super cool!

[@brothergrimaldus3836]

I use GAC-200 after thinning heavy body for airbrushing.

[@christinetite2829]

Thank you Patti for your informative video. Having completed an immediate transfer onto canvas (Melanie M.) Wondering which product would be better to seal/and improve clarity as image is a little fuzzy and further rubbing would compromise image. I thought clear gesso or fluid matte medium. Would appreciate your advice and watch for a response, best wishes.

[@christinetite2829]

BTW Patti, I used an ink jet copy which I found after many many failures, to be preferable to laser. I am quite surprised.

[@charlieross-BRM]

I could use some help sorting out dilutions with GAC Wetting Agent (to my knowledge this used to be called Flow Release). I have read instructions and seen people mixing it with water in ratios far stronger than what the label says. I have the thick acrylics in tubes and I want to get them thinned down to, Plan A: brush application with no strokes visible after it levels out or Plan B: Thinned to a consistency for airbrush application in multiple coats to full opacity if the brushing method leaves visible lines. I made up a bottle of water and Wetting Agent according to the label - 4 drops of WA to 8 oz. of water. Now am I safe to use that dilution to mix with my acrylics to which ever consistency I need? The project is to touch up a non-porous helmet that has a base coat of primary already laid down and I will be protecting and ensuring a high glass finish to match the original, by applying a urethane clear coat once I'm done. Thank you.

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Charlie, you have a lot of questions and this might not be the best venue for addressing them - please contact our product support team either by calling the phone number on our website or by email to [e-mail] - we offer Airbrush Medium specifically for thinning Fluid and Heavy Body color for spraying. With respect to the solution you're using, I defer to the folks in product support.

[@annettemiller128]

Very useful and informative. Thank you.

[@magnuskarlsson8655]

Thank you for this informative video. I have a question: is the clear tar gel completely clear/transparent? I'm asking because I used Liquitex super heavy gel because I wanted to create some texture, but I also wanted it to be completely clear/transparent so that the image underneath the gel medium would be fully visible, but unfortunately I found it to be a bit too cloudy. Do you think Golden's clear tar gel would work better for this purpose?

[@GoldenPaints]

Clear Tar Gel dries to a nice gloss transparent finish. It is important to note that all acrylic gels and mediums will be cloudy until the moisture fully evaporates out of the film. Depending upon your environment and the thickness of the application, this can take longer. The Clear Tar gel will also tend to level and smooth out when it dries, so for textural applications a gel might be better suited, but the Tar Gel will have better clarity if needed. As a general rule, Gloss tends to dry with the most clarity and will deepen color. Satin and Matte sheens will dry hazy due to the matting solids within them which will lighten colors.

[@artygirl5331]

Thanks Patty, this was very informative

[@Shannonishere]

So awesome! I love fluid mediums! Quick question though, can you get a similar effect with the matte fluid medium and high flow acrylic like you can when using high flow with a gel matte medium? Thanks

[@mariussrr4890]

Hi. I have seen that you have presentations of more than 3 liters. I would like to know where I could buy them and which of these is better to mix with your fluid colors. Thank you!

[@nadinesmoske1838]

Painting with oils on a photograph printed on canvas: Which “medium” I can use (or no medium) for an improved outcome and minimum pigments interference with the pre- finish photographic canvas

[@cheriesmith5140]

Random question- can you mix mediu.s in with house paint? Ty

[@barbaragriswold9894]

Hi I just saw your video and didn't see my golden color pouring medium color did I miss it hope I didn't buy the wrong one I thought I saw a artist use it with other stuff to make cells I love cells I do blooms and after I finish bthe bloom I have negative spaces I would love to fill them up with cells.can you help me. So sorry this is so long I'm 85 and a New art tryer.i just love it😍😘

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Barbara, this video was created before GOLDEN offered Color Pouring Medium. CPM Matte and Gloss were introduced in 2019.

[@Apollonia222]

One more question regarding Fluid Matte Medium mixed with Fluid Acrylics: Can I add a water/wetting agent solution to thin paints down which already are mixed with Matte Fluid Medium?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello BH, you can ask as many questions as you like! (Just be patient about the answers in KZbin - [e-mail] if you want a quicker response) - You may use water to any of our paints or mediums, and Wetting Agent is only really necessary when you need the paints to soak into a surface - most important: Add just a small amount of Wetting Agent to water - NOT directly into paint. Wetting Agent is way too concentrated to be added directly into paint. This will be true for straight paint or mixtures of paint and medium (or straight acrylic medium)

[@gbear768]

very helpful and great info! You don't mention matte medium as used as an adhesive. Is one better than another?

[@GoldenPaints]

Yes, gloss is generally better than matte because it is pure binder. Matte and semi-gloss products have the addition of matting agents which don't contribute to adhesion. They will work as adhesives, but not as well as gloss.

[@gbear768]

thank you, that's really helpful!

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Gina, sorry to be so late in my reply. Yes, there is a difference between gloss and matte when using them as adhesives. Gloss will always be the better adhesive simply because matting solids don't contribute to the adhesive quality of the binder (which is naturally gloss), they actually dilute it. In many cases, the difference won't be enough to matter - but if you have both, use the gloss medium as an adhesive - then coat it with matte if you want a matte finish on top.

[@gbear768]

Thanks Golden! great info!

[@christinetite2829]

Hello Patty, I successfully completed an immediate image transfer to gessoed canvas, as the image was still fuzzy after much paper rubbing I applied a coat of your gloss medium which clarified it well. As I am using the black and white image as an underpainting is it safe to then complete the picture in oils? Thank you for taking the time to respond, I am anxious to confirm it will be ok. Best wishes :-)

[@johnmulligan9299]

I only use Golden (and Vallejo)!

[@coelacanth9311]

Very helpful!

[@donnal.hanrahan2824]

Awesome info thank you!!!

[@emojobes]

What kind of medium can I use to mix with paint to recolor soles of sneakers?

[@jenshen71]

I have baby at home and am wondering if Golden paints and Medium can be used in home where little kids are around or should it be in a ventilated room like the Oil. Thanks

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Jennifer! That's a great question, ventilation is never a bad idea, but it should not be necessary with acrylic mediums unless you're space is very confined and you are using a large amount.

[@VeronicaRodriguez-hc7cd]

Thank you! Very useful

[@howdy268]

very informative and helpful

[@mspergafit]

Very informative....thank you

[@hiba]

very helpful.. yet I need one suggestion please help.. I want to mix some fluid medium with mica powder.. which one will give best effect like the golden's "gold deep fluid" ?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Hiba, the best suggestion I can make here is to email this question to [e-mail] - and they'll give you the most informed answer.

[@FuriedHearts]

What would be the best medium to use to turn Heavy Body paints into the Fluid acrylics? I accidentally got heavy body when I meant to get fluid. Instead of returning them I figure I can just use a fluid medium to turn them into fluid acrylics. What would be the closest way to mimic this?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Stephen, any fluid acrylic medium will help reduce the thickness of Heavy Body paint - but at the price of pigment concentration. To minimize that you would need the thinnest possible fluid medium, like GAC100 or possibly High Flow Medium.

[@sahmerebellamy9981]

Does this make the paint more flexible, I paint on denim

[@OrioleBeagle]

Which Golden medium should you use for tole painting?

[@GoldenPaints]

Thanks for your question, @OrioleBeagle. For typical tole painting our Fluid Acrylics should be the best choice and adding a medium would not be necessarily required. If painting on ceramics or stone, additions of GAC 200 to your acrylics paints can help to make the paint layers more durable and less prone to accidental scratching. If using thicker acrylic paints, like Heavy Body, High Flow Medium can be used to thin down to a more fluid consistency. Feel free to email us at [e-mail] for more specific recommendations.

[@sabveilleux8864]

I have been using Golden glazing liquid with acrylics MAINLY for transparency build up but I find it sticky...what can I use instead ? will I get the same results with gloss/matte liquid (don't care about drying time). Thank you

[@GoldenPaints]

I assume the consistency is also unimportant - so any acrylic gel or fluid medium will extend color for a glaze that you may build upon (layer). Gloss or Fluid Matte Mediums, GAC100 or GAC500, as well as High Flow Medium, or one of the acrylic gels. IF you did care about workability and drying time, any of the OPEN mediums will function similar to Glazing Liquid - but I am not sure they will improve your stickiness issue though. All worth trying to see which works best for you.

[@ad-talk1902]

Can I mix it with regular varnish and golden extra heavy gel matt?

[@GoldenPaints]

We generally don’t recommend blending varnish with painting mediums and gels. However, if this particular ‘regular varnish’ is basically an acrylic medium, i.e. a permanent water-based acrylic product, it might be possible to blend it with our gels and mediums. We would recommend testing on a small scale and applying the blends onto a sacrificial surface, to see how the mixtures dry.

[@ad-talk1902]

@@GoldenPaints thank you

[@MaestroTJS]

So would the GAC100 be like a thinner version (more watery/lower viscosity) of the gloss medium? I have Golden heavy body paints and am curious which one to get to make them thinner. Do these products extend the drying time at all?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Maestro! The simple answer to your question is that any acrylic medium that is thinner than Heavy Body paint can be used to make it thinner. However, Gloss Medium and GAC100 are very different and I would specifically avoid "more watery" as a term to describe a lower viscosity medium as it implies that there is additional water in the product which is not the case. The lower viscosity has more to do with the amount or lack of a thickening agent, which in the case of Gloss Medium is the ingredient that also gives it "longer rheology" (makes it more stringy, or like syrup) there are other differences but that is the one most easily observed. If you are looking for an extender/thinner for Heavy Body that also extends drying time, I would start with Glazing Liquid, or any of the OPEN Mediums. Of course, you can direct any questions you have to [e-mail] for a more thorough expert answer.

[@MaestroTJS]

@@GoldenPaints Thank you very much for your response! I will have a closer look at those on your website and see if there are any videos pertaining to that that you have uploaded.

[@roseribeiro9707]

Oiii i onde compro essa tinta

[@hastingr4310]

Can I mix the goldens low dry medium with this one?

[@GoldenPaints]

Not sure which medium you want to mix with which - sounds like Glazing Liquid with another fluid medium... which in all likelihood would work fine. Please test and experiment before trying any new product or technique on an important artwork, but particularly for a thin application most product combinations will be fine.

[@heatherrobinson3816]

Can you add GAC 200 to acrylic to make it more sandable when dry?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Heather, GAC200 certainly will make any acrylic harder, but I can't speak to whether it will be sufficient or advisable to sand it. You have an excellent question and deserve an excellent answer, so I suggest calling our product support team using the number on our website or send an email to [e-mail]

[@Apollonia222]

Can I use as much Fluid Matte Medium to thin or extend Fluid Acrylis as I want or is there a specific ratio I need to know?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello BH, use as much as you like! There are no limits, only your preference for how far you want to extend the color - as it will become more transparent the more medium you add (this is the definition of a glaze). If you're looking for a more fluid consistency you can use High Flow Medium, also as much as you like.

[@lasarith2]

Will Gac 900, bond to Poly-Acrylic Faux Fur (fun fur)

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Iasarith - GAC900 should bond to anything regular acrylic paints or mediums will bond to (so it is easy to test, and we recommend testing everything first) but you might also want to discuss your project with our product support team (their help is free!) either call the number on our website or send an email to [e-mail]

[@INQUIRINGMINEZ]

Is the GAC 100 also an acrylic polymer?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Kris, yes - GAC100 (all the "GAC" products are acrylic polymers - they are each slightly (or in some cases dramatically) different from each other in properties and performance. 100 is possibly the most versatile or "general purpose" of the group. You'll find a description of each here: www.goldenpaints.com/products/medium-gels-pastes/special-purpose-mediums

[@INQUIRINGMINEZ]

@@GoldenPaints can it be used to seal concrete or is gac 200 best.

[@yakkyuu12]

Can any of these be used like Gesso( preping a surface) --- for PLASTIC products????

[@GoldenPaints]

It depends what kind of plastic as some plastics do not have good adhesion to acrylics. If adhesion is good, then sure! - you can prepare with whatever product meets your visual and aesthetic need. But if adhesion is bad, then we recommend plastic primer first. Here is an article about testing adhesion: justpaint.org/will-it-stick-simple-adhesion-testing-in-your-studio/

[@Lexielouwho]

What is the difference between golden color pouring medium gloss and golden gloss pouring medium?

[@GoldenPaints]

Color Pouring Medium (Gloss and Matte) is formulated to be mixed with colors and poured - pretty much as you see done by many artists, it is really thin and will flow and level pretty quickly. Gloss Medium, is much higher viscosity than Pouring Medium and won't work well for pouring because it will lay down thicker and have a much greater tendency to craze.

[@tuberdawn]

Thank you!

[@eleliondeuspoderoso5139]

onde eu encontro o material aqui no Brazil, muito lindo o trabalho.

[@GoldenPaints]

Há um localizador de lojas em nosso site que mostra Casa do Artista e Pintar Materiais Artisticos tanto em São Paulo.

[@Gshkent]

What about gloss glazing medium

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello! We have a separate video about Glazing Liquid and how to use it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnPdanZjbb-oq9E

[@Argendiego]

Hello, I was priming a canvas with golden gloss medium on a layer of acrylic gesso with the idea to paint with ink, but now I want to paint with acrylic, so is a good idea to paint with acrylic on the gel gloss medium surface?...

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Argendiego! Acrylic paint will work over gesso or Gloss Medium. It is only a matter of how absorbent you want the surface to be. Gesso will be more absorbent than gloss medium, but acrylic will stick to it(self) perfectly.

[@Argendiego]

@@GoldenPaints Thank you for helping me!...

[@QuietStarBand]

thanks for the explanations...I'm finding the medium selection rather complex. Is there a written chart or page I can print out?

[@GoldenPaints]

We are working on something like that. The trick is organizing materials in a way that helps people understand their differences, without overwhelming them with details and technicalities. That said, some of the products in the range are made for very specific purposes and offer unique qualities that make them hard to categorize.

[@Manuelgonz1101]

On the back of the container of GAC 900 it states that it has formaldehyde,this is known to cause cancer. How would I use the fabric medium without getting cancer?

[@GoldenPaints]

One should only be concerned if allergic to formaldehyde, as the amount released is very small.

[@khairimohammad4712]

Hye can gac100 use ad binder for natural clay paint preparation

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Khairi! GAC100 should work as a binder with clay, dry pigments and dry pigments. We encourage you to test any materials before committing to an important project, and contact our product support team with any questions you have: [e-mail]

[@khairimohammad4712]

@@GoldenPaints just for comfirmation.. this g100 also act as thickener,defoamer and dispersant right?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Khairi, you seem to be referring to some other products we sell (found here: www.goldenpaints.com/products/custom-products/custom-mediums---additives ) - GAC100 is more of a general purpose acrylic polymer and would probably thin most acrylic paints when added.

[@shrutisharma3351]

hi...can this medium be used with camel or fevicryl acrylic colors?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Shruti, I am not familiar with either of those brands. However, if they are acrylic products they should be compatible. Just look for an indication on their label, as you'll find on GOLDEN mediums, that states "100% Acrylic polymer emulsion" or similar. And you should always test your materials to see if and how they perform.

[@shrutisharma3351]

GoldenPaints thanks u so much for ur reply..

[@fayecol2005]

can someone please make a video explaining what ASTM means and what the different series mean D:

[@martig1000]

Can you explain me something? What is equivalent to venetian turpentine in your products?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Martig - within acrylics, to create a glossy (possibly hard) finish there are a number of mediums that will give that effect. You should discuss your question with our product support folks, they are familiar with both oils and acrylic and can give you the best possible answer. Either call the main number on our website or email [e-mail]

[@martig1000]

@@GoldenPaints Thank you for your response.

[@techne9]

What about GAC 700?

[@GoldenPaints]

There is currently no GAC700, that was discontinued a few years ago. Did you use that medium? And, if so, what about GAC700 made it the best choice for you?

[@CourtneyHoelscher]

Why isn't there GAC 300, 600 or 700?

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Courtney! There was a GAC700 until 2016 when we discontinued it because the product did not offer enough unique qualities or capabilities and there was insufficient demand for the product. Why we skipped over naming any product GAC300 or 600, I don't know, it could be we're saving those numbers for the next special variation on acrylic polymer that artists might find useful. Perhaps that is the importance of having number available: an openness to what science and technology has to offer artists in the future.

[@ZE308AC]

They need to make a GAC1,000

[@bonesgirl302]

I bought GAC 800. The directions say 9 parts GAC to one part paint. I’m sure it’s a great product, but extremely costly.

[@VicBxxx]

Shame you didn't refer to the old names for gacs as therefore didn't help me at all as I have the old labelled items - useless presentation for me therefore very frustrating!

[@GoldenPaints]

Hello Victoria, we are very sorry if this was frustrating to you. Within the fluid mediums, none of the "GAC" (numbered) product had a name change. The only significant name change in the group of products presented here is that of Polymer Medium now being called Gloss Medium. Super Loaded Matte Medium is now Super Matte Medium, but that should be readily apparent if you have old and new labels. If you need any assistance at all, please call our product support team (free) at the number on our site, or email [e-mail]

[@lolitakaloustianyoung7787]

Thank you!