We're in beta — ekphra launches officially on August 19, 2026 with Art Meets Word at Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery. Thank you for your patience as we polish things along the way.
Art Lab
Colour Lab | Materials | Creative Healing | Art History | Medium | Flow Improver
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MEDIUM
Flow Improver
Flow improver — also called flow aid or flow release — reduces the surface tension of acrylic paint without significantly thinning its colour or binder. A small amount allows paint to spread smoothly and evenly, preventing drag, streaking, and brush marks. It is the essential additive for fine detail work, watercolour-style washes, and any technique requiring clean, even coverage on an absorbent surface.
Properties ▾
Base: Surfactant solution Effect: Reduces surface tension Usage: A few drops per mix — very concentrated Drying: No significant effect on drying time Finish: No effect on sheen Compatibility: All acrylic paints — use sparingly
Techniques ▾
Detail work
Add 2–3 drops to thinned paint for fine line work. The paint flows from the brush tip cleanly without beading or dragging on the surface.

Watercolour-style washes: Combine flow improver with matte medium and heavily diluted paint. The flow improver prevents the paint from pooling unevenly on the surface, giving a clean wash similar to watercolour behaviour.

Staining technique: On raw canvas or unprimed paper, flow improver allows paint to stain the fibres evenly — creating flat, absorbed colour without visible brush marks.

Even flat coverage: Add a few drops when painting large areas of flat colour. Eliminates streaking caused by drag or uneven surface tension.
Flow improver is highly concentrated — use it in drops, not spoonfuls. Too much and the paint becomes watery, loses adhesion, and may bead or resist the surface. The goal is smooth flow, not thinning.
Works in ekphra ▾
No works found yet — artists using Flow Improver will appear here.
Notes ▾
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