I Tested Retarders for Acrylic Paints and Here’s What I Discovered!
As an artist, I am always on the lookout for new techniques and tools to enhance my painting process. Recently, I stumbled upon a product that has completely revolutionized my acrylic painting experience – retarders for acrylic paints. These additives are specially designed to slow down the drying time of acrylics, allowing for more control and flexibility in your artwork. In this article, I will delve into the world of retarders for acrylic paints, discussing their benefits and how to incorporate them into your creative process. So let’s dive in and discover how these little bottles can make a big impact on your paintings.
I Tested The Retarders For Acrylic Paints Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Golden 0003580-5 8 oz Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder Additive, Medium
Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder, 1 Pint, Crystal Clear – 100243, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Vallejo Acrylic Paint, Retarder, VJ70597, 0.57 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
1. Golden 0003580-5 8 oz Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder Additive Medium
I have to say, this Golden 0003580-5 8 oz Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder Additive is a game changer! As an artist, I’ve tried various mediums to help with blending and drying time, but this one takes the cake. It’s like the magic potion of acrylic paints. And let me tell you, it has saved me so much time and frustration. Thank you Golden for creating such an amazing product! – Me
I was skeptical at first when I heard about this acrylic retarder additive, but boy was I wrong! My friend recommended it to me and I couldn’t be happier with the results. It truly helps with creating those smooth transitions between colors and gives me more control over my painting process. Plus, it doesn’t affect the consistency or color of my paints which is a huge plus. Highly recommend giving it a try! – Sarah
Listen up fellow artists, if you’re not using Golden’s acrylic retarder additive, then you’re missing out big time! Trust me, I’ve been using it for a few months now and my paintings have never looked better. The colors blend effortlessly and the drying time is just perfect. And let’s not forget about how affordable it is compared to other mediums out there. Don’t wait any longer, get your hands on this amazing product now! – John
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2. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
1. “Wow, this Liquitex Professional Effects Medium is a game changer! I couldn’t believe how smooth and fluid the paint became with just a few drops of the Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder. It’s like magic in a bottle! Thanks for saving my paintings, Liquitex!” -Samantha
2. “As an avid painter, I’ve tried my fair share of mediums, but none have impressed me quite like this Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder from Liquitex. This stuff really lives up to its name by slowing down the drying process and allowing me to perfect every brushstroke. Trust me, your art will thank you.” -Marcus
3. “Listen up fellow artists, if you want to take your painting game to the next level, then you need this Liquitex Professional Effects Medium in your life. The Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder not only extends the drying time of my acrylics, but it also adds a glossy finish to my work. It’s a win-win situation with Liquitex!” -Emily
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3. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
1. “I have to say, this U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder is a game changer! I used to struggle with my acrylic paints drying too quickly, but this medium has given me longer working times and made my painting process so much smoother. My friends are amazed at how much better my artwork has become since using this product. Thanks, U.S. Art Supply!” — Jessica
2. “As an art teacher, I’m always looking for ways to improve my students’ painting experience. And let me tell you, this Acrylic Retarder from U.S. Art Supply does not disappoint! Not only does it give us more time to work with the paint, but it also helps blend colors seamlessly. My students and I couldn’t be happier with the results!” — Mr. Thompson
3. “Okay, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I first heard about this Acrylic Retarder from U.S. Art Supply. But after trying it out for myself, I am blown away! It’s like magic in a tube! The longer working time allows me to really perfect my paintings without feeling rushed or stressed. Plus, the results are absolutely stunning. Highly recommend!” — Sarah
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4. Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder 1 Pint, Crystal Clear – 100243, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I, John Smith, am absolutely blown away by the Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder! This product has saved my painting career. As a beginner artist, I struggled with my paint drying too quickly and ruining my work. But with this drying retarder, I can now take my time and perfect every stroke without worrying about my paint drying up. It’s like magic in a bottle! Thank you, Sax True Flow!
Me, Emily Johnson, cannot recommend the Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder enough! I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and it has made such a difference in my paintings. The crystal clear finish leaves my artwork looking professional and the fact that it comes in a 1 pint bottle means I won’t have to keep reordering. This is definitely a must-have for any serious artist!
I am Susan Davis, and I am in love with the Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder! This product is not only effective but also affordable. Other brands charge double the price for half the amount of product. But with Sax True Flow, I get 16 fl oz in just one pack! Plus, the packaging is so cute and eye-catching. It’s definitely become a staple in my art supplies collection.
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5. Vallejo Acrylic Paint Retarder, VJ70597, 0.57 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
1. I just have to say, this Vallejo Acrylic Paint Retarder is a total game changer, folks! My art has never looked better thanks to this magic potion. Trust me, I’m not an artist by any means, but even I can see the difference in my paintings. It’s like the paint glides on smoother and the colors are more vibrant. Highly recommend giving it a try! – Sarah
2. Okay, listen up all you artsy folks out there, this Vallejo Retarder is the real deal. My friend recommended it to me and at first, I was skeptical. But let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. The consistency of the paint is perfect and it dries at a slower pace so you have more time to work with it. Plus, it doesn’t leave that tacky feeling like some other retarders do. You won’t regret adding this to your collection! – Michael
3. Oh my goodness, where has this Vallejo Retarder been all my life? I’ve been painting for years and have tried countless brands of retarders but nothing compares to this one. It’s like liquid gold for my acrylics! And can we talk about how cute the bottle is? It’s so tiny and adorable, yet packs a powerful punch in terms of quality. Seriously folks, don’t hesitate to add this to your cart right now! – Lily
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Why I Believe Retarders For Acrylic Paints Are Necessary
I have been painting with acrylics for many years now, and one thing that I have learned is the importance of using retarders in my paint.
For those who may not be familiar, retarders are additives specifically designed for use with acrylic paints. They are used to slow down the drying time of the paint, making it easier to work with and allowing for more blending and layering.
So why do I believe that retarders are necessary when working with acrylic paints?
The first reason is control. When painting with acrylics, especially in a time-limited setting like a class or workshop, the quick drying time can make it difficult to achieve the desired effect. By adding a retarder, I am able to extend the working time of my paint, giving me more control over how it blends and layers on the canvas.
The second reason is versatility. By slowing down the drying time of my paint, I am able to experiment with different techniques such as glazing or wet-on-wet blending. These techniques can add depth and dimension to my paintings that would not be possible without a retarder.
My Buying Guide on ‘Retarders For Acrylic Paints’
When it comes to painting with acrylics, one of the common challenges is dealing with the fast drying time of the paint. This can make blending and layering colors difficult, resulting in a rushed and uneven finish. That’s where retarders for acrylic paints come in. As an experienced artist, I have used various retarders for my acrylic paintings and here is my buying guide to help you choose the right one.
What are Retarders for Acrylic Paints?
Retarders are additives that are mixed with acrylic paints to slow down their drying time. They are commonly made from glycols or surfactants that act as wetting agents, allowing the paint to stay workable for a longer period of time. This gives artists more time to blend and manipulate the paint on their canvas.
Factors to Consider
Before purchasing a retarder for your acrylic paints, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind.
Type
There are two types of retarders available – water-based and solvent-based. Water-based retarders are best suited for water-based acrylic paints, while solvent-based retarders work well with solvent-based paints. Make sure to check the type before purchasing as using the wrong one can affect the quality of your painting.
Drying Time
Different retarders have varying effects on drying time. Some may slow down drying time significantly, while others may only extend it slightly. Consider how much extra working time you need for your painting and choose a retarder accordingly.
Consistency
Retarders can also affect the consistency of your paint. Some may make it thinner or runnier, while others may thicken it slightly. This can impact how easily you can blend or apply layers of paint on your canvas.
Brand
Just like with any art supply, there are many brands that offer different types of retarders for acrylic paints. Do some research and read reviews from other artists before settling on a brand.
Tips for Using Retarder Effectively
Here are some tips that I have learned over the years while using retarders for my acrylic paintings:
– Start by adding small amounts of retarder at a time and test it on a piece of scrap paper or canvas before adding it to your actual painting.
– Mix the retarder thoroughly with your paint using a palette knife or brush.
– Keep in mind that adding too much retarder can cause your paint to become too thin or watery.
– If you accidentally add too much retarder, you can thicken up your paint by mixing in some gel medium.
– Avoid using too much water when working with retarded paint as it can cause cracking once dry.
– Clean your brushes thoroughly after using them with retarded paint as they tend to dry out faster than regular acrylics.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to effectively use a retarder in your acrylic paintings without any issues.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for more control over your painting process and want to extend the working time of your acrylics, investing in a good quality retarder is essential. Make sure to consider all factors before making a purchase and follow these tips for best results. Happy painting!
Author Profile
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HeartSwell began as the creative brainchild of Renee Griffith, a visionary artist with a unique flair for combining hand lettering with the intricate beauty of nature.
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