Schubart Acrylic Gel Medium

Acrylic gel medium can be used to create texture, mix with paint for various effects, act as a glue, or even for image transfer, offering versatility in mixed media and painting techniques. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to use acrylic gel medium:

1. Creating Texture:

·                     Mixing with Materials:

Apply a thick layer of gel medium to your surface and sprinkle on materials like sand, sawdust, or beads for a unique texture. 

·                     Stamping:

Apply a thick layer of gel medium, let it dry until flexible, then stamp or press a rubber stamp or bubble wrap into it for a debossed effect. 

·                     Layering:

Apply gel medium over dried paint and then scrape away some of the medium with a palette knife or brush to create texture. 

2. Mixing with Acrylic Paints:

·                     Thickening Paint:

Add gel medium to acrylic paint to create a thicker, more textured paint consistency. 

·                     Extending Paint:

Use gel medium as a paint extender, allowing you to use less paint while still achieving desired results. 

·                     Creating Glazes:

Mix gel medium with paint to create thin, transparent glazes, allowing colors to blend and layers to show through. 

3. Using as an Adhesive:

·                     Collage:

Use gel medium as an adhesive for mixed media collage, adhering paper, fabric, and other materials to your artwork.

·                     Joining Surfaces:

Apply gel medium to both surfaces you want to join and let it dry, creating a strong, acrylic-based bond. 

4. Image Transfer:

·                     Transferring Images:

Apply a thin layer of gel medium over or under an image, let it dry, dampen the paper, and remove it to transfer the image onto the gel medium.

·                     Applying to Surfaces:

Once the image is transferred, the gel medium with the image can be applied to various surfaces.

5. Other Uses:

·                     Masking: Apply gel medium to areas you want to protect from paint, allowing for a clean, precise application of paint. 

·                     Sealant/Protective Layer: Use gel medium as a final protective layer or sealant for your artwork. 

Tips for Working with Gel Medium:

·                     Experiment:

Try different types of gel medium (gloss, matte, heavy, etc.) and techniques to find what works best for you. 

·                     Control Viscosity:

You can adjust the viscosity of gel medium by adding water or another medium. 

·                     Allow Drying Time:

Ensure that each layer of gel medium is completely dry before applying the next layer or painting over it. 

·                     Clean Up:

Gel medium can be cleaned up with water, so be sure to have a clean brush and palette ready.