A Guide to the Different Kinds of Mediums and Gesso

There are many different mediums that can be used with painting. These mediums can alter your technique or style, the quality of your painting, or the process of creation. Not all of these mediums are neccesary to the painting process but they can definetly upgrade your artworks. Below we will discuss Grounds, Gesso, Texture Gels, Acrylic Mediums, Additives, Liquid Polymer, and Finishes.

Grounds

When it comes to painting, there are many terms and techniques used that may be unfamiliar. In this paragraph, we will be going to break down each term and how it's used. Before beginning your painting, you will want to apply a pre layer called Grounds, short for 'background'. The Ground (base) layer is used to support your painting's colour and tone. It consists of rather gesso, paint, or other wet mediums, depending on the surface it is being painted on such as panels or canvas.

Ground Layer Ground Layer Examples

Gesso

Gesso is a primer made from a combination of paint pigment, chalk, gypsum, and binder. It is used to prepare or prime a surface for painting. When painting, there are materials that can change the consistency of your paint to add texture. It can be used on a number of surfaces such as canvas, wood panel, sculptures, and many more. Gesso creates a base for the paint to stick to and show its full pigment. Specifically for canvases, Gesso prevents the paint from soaking into the fabric. Many canvases already come pre-primed however you can still purchase a raw canvas and prime it yourself. Once applied to the canvas, it should dry for around 3 days to allow for proper adhesion.

Gesso Gesso on Canvas

Texture Gels

These materials are called Texture Gels and they are used by mixing with the paint. Texture Gels have a stiff texture that makes it easy to shape and hold form. You can mix the gel with the paint on a palette and apply with palette knives to get interesting texture patterns. The gels ensure that the paint will hold its shape.

Texture Gel Texture Gel Painting

Acrylic Mediums

In the opposite effect, we have Acrylic Mediums, which are meant to thin out paints. Acrylic Mediums are best used for acrylic paints to lengthen working time. They do this by thinning out the paint to make it more fluid. Acrylic Medium is made from rather marble paste or a mixture of resin and acrylic polymer. Mediums come in many shapes and forms, they are overall meant to change the properties of a paint. Whether that be to thicken the paint, thin it out, change the texture, or the drying times. Acrylic Mediums are best for creating acrylic pour art.

Acrylic Medium Impasto Medium

Additives

Another material you can add to your paint is Additives. Instead of just adding texture, additives reduce the drag on a brush or provide anti-slip. They also make the paint flow better on a surface as well as stick better to difficult surfaces. As well as prevent bubbling or poor leveling to the coating. It is important to never use additives on their own as they are designed to be mixed, or added. Once mixed and used, it will evaporate as it cures.

Types of Additive Mediums

Polymer Medium

A Polymer Medium is mixed with the paints as it extends the paint, creates glazes, enhances gloss, and increases film integrity. This medium also intensifies colours. Polymers also provide protection from corrosion as well as add superior adherence.

Polymer Medium Painting with Polymer

Finishes

After you're done with your painting, you still have to apply a Finish. There are multiple finishes to choose from with different levels of sheen; matte, satin, or gloss. This is the final layer of the painting, it should be thin, transparent, and colourless. This layer is also meant to protect the painting from the atmosphere, a Varnish is the perfect option for protection and differing sheen levels.

Different Kinds of Finishes

If you have questions about any of our services or products, don't hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist with answers, advice, or suggestions. Learn more about Gel Medium and the services we offer by clicking here. If you want to learn more about prepping your canvas or panels, click here. For more information on Gesso click here.

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