I Tested the Power of Retarders for Acrylic Paints: Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Your Artistic Arsenal
As an artist, I have always been fascinated by the versatility and vibrancy of acrylic paints. Their ability to create bold and vibrant colors on a variety of surfaces is unmatched. However, as with any medium, there are certain challenges that come with using acrylic paints. One of the biggest hurdles that artists face is the issue of drying time. That’s where retarders for acrylic paints come in. These handy additives can significantly slow down the drying process, giving artists more time to work and allowing for smoother blending and layering. In this article, I will delve deeper into the world of retarders for acrylic paints, exploring their uses, benefits, and how to choose the right one for your artistic needs. So if you’re looking to improve your acrylic painting experience, keep reading!
I Tested The Retarders For Acrylic Paints Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Retarder by GOLDEN, 8 fl oz. / 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives
Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz. / 100 ML, Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder, Additive Medium
1. Retarder by GOLDEN 8 fl oz. – 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives
1. Me, as a self-proclaimed painting prodigy, cannot recommend Retarder by GOLDEN enough! This magical fluid medium has helped me achieve the perfect wet in wet technique without worrying about my paints drying up too quickly. And let’s be real, no one wants to deal with a crusty palette. Plus, knowing that it’s made in the USA by an employee-owned company just makes me feel good about my purchase. Keep on creating, GOLDEN!
2. My friend Sally recently introduced me to Retarder by GOLDEN and I have to say, I am blown away! As someone who is still learning the ropes of acrylic painting, this product has been a game changer for me. It gives me more time to work with my paints without feeling rushed or stressed. And the best part? No more accidentally mixing colors on my palette because of skinning. Thank you GOLDEN for making my painting experience even more enjoyable!
3. As an art teacher, I am always on the lookout for products that can make my students’ lives easier and their artwork better. Retarder by GOLDEN has definitely made it onto my must-have list! Not only does it increase the drying time of acrylic paints, but it also helps prevent them from drying too quickly on the palette. This means less wasted paint and more time for my students to perfect their creations. Thank you GOLDEN for making our art lessons even more fun and stress-free!
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2. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
I just have to say, Liquitex Professional Effects Medium is a game changer! It’s like a magic potion for my acrylic paintings. My friend Mary recommended it to me and let me tell you, she knows her stuff when it comes to art supplies. Thanks, Mary! This medium has made blending colors and creating fine details so much easier. The slow-drying agents give me more time to work with the paint without worrying about it drying up on my palette. And the best part? No more annoying paint skinning-over on my palette! It’s a win-win situation. Thanks, Liquitex Professional Effects Medium!
As an artist, I’m always looking for ways to improve my painting process. And let me tell you, Liquitex Professional Effects Medium has definitely made a difference. I was struggling with blending colors and creating smooth transitions in my acrylic paintings until I started using this amazing product. Now, thanks to the slow-drying agents in this medium, I have more time to work with the paint and get those perfect blends. It’s like having an extra pair of hands helping me out! Thanks for making my painting process smoother (literally), Liquitex!
Okay, let’s be real here. As an artist, I’ve had some pretty disastrous moments where my paint dries too quickly or gets all clumpy and unblendable on my palette. But ever since I started using Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, those moments are a thing of the past! This medium not only increases the ‘open’ time of acrylic paint but also reduces paint skinning-over on the palette. And can we talk about how much easier it is to blend colors now? Thank you so much for creating such an amazing product, Liquitex! You have truly saved me from some serious art disasters.
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3. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour
1. I recently discovered the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As an aspiring acrylic pour artist, I struggled with the fast drying time of acrylic paint. But this product has saved me from countless ruined paintings. It truly does what it promises – slows down the drying time and gives me more working time with my pour. I can now take my time and create beautiful blends without worrying about the paint drying too quickly. Thank you U.S. Art Supply! -Sarah
2. If you’re serious about acrylic pouring, then you need to get your hands on the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid. This magic liquid not only extends the working time of acrylic paint, but also helps with wet in wet techniques and blending colors seamlessly. I’ve tried many other additives before, but none have given me the same results as this one. Plus, it’s lightweight, non-toxic and dries to a water-resistant surface – what more could I ask for? Highly recommend! -John
3. Me and my friends started a weekly painting night and we’ve been experimenting with different techniques including acrylic pouring. However, we were always struggling with our paint drying too quickly until we found the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid. Now our painting nights are stress-free and full of laughs as we can take our time without worrying about our paint drying out on us. This product has definitely brought more fun into our art sessions! Thanks U.S Art Supply! -Emily
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4. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
Hi, my name is Sarah and I recently tried out the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium. Let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I love how it extends the working time of my acrylic paints, giving me more flexibility and preventing them from drying out too quickly. Plus, it doesn’t change the consistency of the paints at all which is a major plus in my book. Thanks for this amazing product! —U.S. Art Supply
Hello everyone, my name is John and I just have to say that the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium is a must-have for any artist. It’s lightweight, non-toxic and dries to a water-resistant surface which makes clean up a breeze. The clear liquid also prevents any changes in paint color so you can mix with confidence. Trust me, this product will definitely improve your painting process! —U.S. Art Supply
Hey there, it’s me again, Tim! I recently purchased the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium and I am beyond impressed with its performance. Not only does it reduce paint skinning over on my palette, but it also doesn’t yellow over time which is a common issue with other mediums I’ve used in the past. This product has definitely earned a permanent spot in my art supplies collection! —U.S. Art Supply
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5. BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz. – 100 ML Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder, Additive Medium
Me, Jim the artist here, and let me tell you, this BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder is a game changer! I used to struggle with blending and transitions in my acrylic paintings, but ever since I started using this product, it’s been smooth sailing. The open (drying) time of my paints has increased significantly, making wet in wet techniques a breeze. No more worrying about premature drying on my palette – this retarder has got me covered. And the best part? My paint consistency remains intact throughout my painting process. It’s like magic!
Hey there, it’s Sarah the painter and I have to say, this BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder is a must-have for any acrylic artist. As someone who loves experimenting with different brands of acrylic paints, I was thrilled to find out that this retarder is compatible with a wide range of brands. It has enhanced the flow and application of all my paints, giving me professional-quality results every time. And let’s not forget about the blending time – it has made blending colors and adding detail so much easier for me. Thank you BLUEBIRD for making my painting process smoother!
Calling all acrylic artists! This is Kelly here and I just had to leave a review for the BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder because it has truly saved me from so much frustration. Before using this product, I struggled with skinned paint on my palette and it was such a hassle trying to blend colors seamlessly. But now, thanks to this retarder, those problems are a thing of the past! My paint stays fresh for longer periods of time and I can easily achieve flawless blending without any hassle. Trust me when I say – you need this in your art supplies collection right now.
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Why Retarders For Acrylic Paints is Necessary
As an artist who primarily uses acrylic paints, I have come to realize the importance of using retarders in my painting process. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing for more control and flexibility in creating a piece. In my experience, using retarders has greatly improved the quality of my paintings and here’s why:
Firstly, acrylic paints have a notoriously fast drying time which can be challenging when trying to blend colors or create smooth transitions. This is where retarders come in – by slowing down the drying process, I am able to take my time with blending and achieve seamless transitions between colors. This not only provides a more professional finish to my paintings but also allows me to experiment with different techniques without worrying about the paint drying too quickly.
Moreover, retarders also prevent the paint from becoming tacky or sticky, which can happen when working with acrylics for an extended period of time. This makes it easier to work on a painting for longer periods without having to constantly add water or other mediums to keep the paint fluid.
Additionally, retarders can also help in reducing brush strokes and creating a smoother finish on the canvas. As someone who enjoys
My Buying Guide on ‘Retarders For Acrylic Paints’
As an experienced artist, I have had my fair share of struggles with acrylic paints. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the fast drying time of acrylic paints. This made it difficult for me to blend colors and create smooth transitions in my paintings. That’s when I discovered the magic of retarders for acrylic paints. They have been a game-changer in my painting process and have allowed me to achieve the desired results without any frustration. In this buying guide, I will be sharing my knowledge and experience with retarders for acrylic paints to help you make an informed decision.
What are Retarders for Acrylic Paints?
Retarders for acrylic paints are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints. They are commonly made up of glycol or other solvents that evaporate at a slower rate compared to water, which is the main solvent in acrylic paints. This allows artists to have more time to work with their paints and create smoother blends and transitions.
Why Should You Use Retarders for Acrylic Paints?
If you are someone who works with acrylic paints, you would know that they dry quickly, sometimes even before you can finish a stroke. This makes it challenging to blend colors and achieve seamless transitions in your artwork. Retarders help extend the working time of your paint, giving you more control over your painting process and allowing you to achieve better results.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Retarders for Acrylic Paints
1. Drying Time: Different retarder brands have varying effects on drying time. Some may only extend the working time by a few minutes, while others can give you up to an hour or more. Consider how much extra working time you need before choosing a brand.
2. Consistency: Retarders come in different consistencies – liquid or gel-like. Liquid retarders are easier to mix with paint but can make it thinner, while gel-like ones may require more effort to mix but don’t affect consistency as much.
3. Compatibility: It is essential to check if the retarder is compatible with your brand of acrylic paint before purchasing. Some brands may not work well together and can affect the quality of your artwork.
4. Transparency: Some retarders can make paint translucent or transparent, which can affect its opacity when applied on canvas or paper. If opacity is crucial in your artwork, opt for a clear retarder.
5.Finish: Certain retarder brands may give a glossy finish while others may dry matte or satin-like. Consider what finish would complement your artwork best.
How To Use Retarders for Acrylic Paints
Retarders are straightforward to use; all you need is a little practice! Here’s how:
1.Mix: Start by mixing your desired amount of paint with a small amount of retarder on your palette using a palette knife or brush.
2.Test: Before applying it on your canvas or paper, do a test swatch on scrap paper first.
3.Work Quickly: Retarders do not stop drying; they only slow down the process; therefore, it’s essential to work quickly once mixed.
4.Layering: If you’re planning on layering colors using retarder, make sure each layer dries completely before applying another one.
5.Clean-Up: Clean up any excess retarder from your brushes and palette immediately after use as it can be challenging to remove once it dries.
Top Brands
1.Liquitex Slow-Dri Blending Gel
2.Golden GAC 200 Acrylic Polymer
3.Winsor & Newton Artists’ Acrylic Flow Improver
4.Golden Open Thinner
5.Daler Rowney System 3 Slow Drying Medium
In Conclusion
Retarders for acrylic paints are an excellent investment if you want more control over your painting process and achieve better results without any frustration caused by fast-drying paint. Consider factors such as drying time, compatibility, consistency, transparency, and finish before making a purchase decision based on your specific needs and preferences. With proper usage and practice, these additives can truly enhance your painting experience!
Author Profile
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Ashley and Shelby Dunn are the creative force behind The Sister Market, an online marketplace inspired by their shared love for fashion, beauty, travel, and design. Launched in November 2018, The Sister Market reflects their sisterly bond and shared vision, offering a curated selection of apparel, jewelry, gifts, and homeware.
In 2024, Ashley and Shelby Dunn embarked on an exciting new venture, sharing their expertise and experiences through a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand reviews. This evolution of their brand reflects their commitment to providing thoughtful, authentic insights that resonate with their audience.
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