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MEDIUM
Matte & Gloss Medium
Matte and Gloss mediums modify the final sheen of acrylic paint — the most basic but frequently underestimated control an acrylic painter has over their surface. Acrylic paint is naturally glossy when dry; matte medium brings it to a flat, non-reflective finish. Gloss medium intensifies colour saturation and adds luminosity. Mix the two in any proportion to achieve semi-gloss or satin. Both function simultaneously as paint extenders, flow improvers, and collage adhesives.
Properties ▾
Base: 100% acrylic polymer
Matte: Flat, non-reflective finish
Gloss: Shiny, colour-intensifying finish
Transparency: Both dry clear
Viscosity: Fluid (thinner than gel)
Safe ratio: Up to 1 part medium to 4 parts paint
Techniques ▾
Unifying surface sheen
Different pigments in acrylic paint naturally dry at different sheens — some glossy, some matte. Mixing a consistent amount of gloss or matte medium into all colours unifies the surface.
Gloss glazing: Mix a small amount of colour into gloss medium for a thin, transparent glaze. The gloss intensifies the colour beneath, creating depth without opacity.
Matte washes: Combine matte medium with flow improver and a small amount of colour for flat, even washes. The matte prevents any reflective interference with the colour reading.
Semi-gloss custom mix: Combine gloss and matte medium in equal parts for a satin finish — useful when neither extreme is appropriate.
Gloss glazing: Mix a small amount of colour into gloss medium for a thin, transparent glaze. The gloss intensifies the colour beneath, creating depth without opacity.
Matte washes: Combine matte medium with flow improver and a small amount of colour for flat, even washes. The matte prevents any reflective interference with the colour reading.
Semi-gloss custom mix: Combine gloss and matte medium in equal parts for a satin finish — useful when neither extreme is appropriate.
Gloss mediums make colours appear richer and more saturated — this is the same optical effect as wetting a dry stone. Matte mediums scatter light diffusely, which can make colours read slightly lighter and less intense. Neither is better — choose based on what the work requires.
Works in ekphra ▾
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