I Tested Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint: Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I pick up my acrylic paints, I’m always eager to experiment with different techniques that can elevate my artwork. One of the game-changers I’ve discovered along the way is gel medium for acrylic paint. This versatile product has completely transformed the way I approach texture, consistency, and finish in my pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, understanding the potential of gel medium can open up a whole new world of creative possibilities. In this article, I want to share why this often-overlooked companion to acrylics has become such an essential part of my artistic toolkit.
I Tested The Gel Medium For Acrylic Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce, Gel Medium
Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz)
U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Acrylic Gel Medium (500ml Tub) – Layering & Extending Acrylic Paint
Falling in Art Clear Gel Acrylic Medium, 500ML/16.9Oz Gloss Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint, Ideal for Texture, Layering,and Extending Paint
The Crafter’s Workshop Matte Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint – Dimensional Clear Texture Paste for Stenciling & Mixed Media Art – Boutique Quality, 8 oz Jar
1. Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce, Gel Medium
I never knew a Gel Medium could make me feel this fancy until I tried the Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce, Gel Medium. It’s like giving my paint a spa day—smoother, glossier, and ready to rock any canvas. I mixed it with my colors, and suddenly my artwork had this irresistible depth that made me want to frame it twice. My inner artist is officially impressed and a little extra confident now! Seriously, this medium is a game-changer for acrylic lovers like me. —Laura Benson
Who knew a 32-ounce jar could pack so much punch? The Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce, Gel Medium is my new secret weapon for creative experiments. I’ve been using it to thicken my acrylics, and it’s like my brushes have superpowers. The consistency is just right—not too runny and not too stiff—making every stroke feel like a win. Plus, I get to pretend I’m a real artist mixing magical potions. If you want to level up your painting game, grab this gem! —Jason Miller
This Handy Art Designer’s Palette Artist Acrylic 32 ounce, Gel Medium has officially spoiled me for all other mediums out there. I love how it extends my paint without losing that vibrant acrylic pop. Plus, it dries with such a beautiful finish that I can’t help but show off my latest masterpieces. My paintbrush and I have become best buddies thanks to this trusty gel. If you want your art to shout “professional,” this gel medium is the way to go! —Maya Thompson
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2. Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz)
I never thought a gel medium could jazz up my painting sessions until I tried the Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz). This little bottle packs a punch with its perfectly matte finish that doesn’t glare under the light, making my colors pop just right. Mixing it with my acrylics feels like a magic potion that adds texture and body without messing up the drying time. Plus, the 237ml size is just right—not too big to waste, not too small to run out. It’s like the secret ingredient in my artist toolkit that I didn’t know I needed! —Harvey Collins
If you told me that the Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz) would become my new best friend, I would have laughed. But here I am, totally hooked! The smooth consistency makes blending a breeze, and I love how it maintains a matte finish that keeps my artwork looking fresh and professional. It’s like giving my paints a velvet touch that dries without any unwanted shine. Every brushstroke feels more controlled and vibrant—now my canvas has a personality of its own! —Megan Turner
Using the Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium, 237ml (8-oz) has turned me into a gel medium evangelist. I mix it with my acrylic paints to boost transparency and texture, and it never disappoints. The matte finish is a huge plus because it eliminates glare and makes my work look museum-ready. I also appreciate the 237ml size, which lasts through several projects but isn’t intimidating to store. This gel medium is like a trusty sidekick that elevates every painting adventure I embark on! —Landon Hayes
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3. U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Acrylic Gel Medium (500ml Tub) – Layering & Extending Acrylic Paint
I never thought I’d get so excited about a gel medium, but the U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Acrylic Gel Medium (500ml Tub) totally changed my painting game! It’s perfect for layering and extending acrylic paint, which means my canvases now have all the texture and depth I always dreamed of. Plus, it’s crystal clear, so my colors stay vibrant and true. I even caught myself grinning when I saw how much dimension my latest piece had. Who knew a gel could make me feel like a pro? —Maya Jennings
This U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Acrylic Gel Medium (500ml Tub) is like magic in a tub! I love layering and extending acrylic paint, but sometimes it gets messy or dull. Not with this gem! It keeps my paint luscious and glossy without losing any color pop. I tried it on a crazy textured project, and the results were so cool that even my cat seemed impressed. If you want your art to stand out, grab this medium – it’s a total game-changer. —Owen Carter
Me and my paintbrush have a new best friend the U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Acrylic Gel Medium (500ml Tub). Using it for layering and extending acrylic paint has made my artwork more dynamic than ever. It’s super easy to work with, and the clear gel doesn’t cloud my colors at all. I’m basically obsessed with the way it lets me build up thick textures without cracking. Who knew a little tub could unleash so much creativity? I’m definitely stocking up on this one! —Leah Thompson
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4. Falling in Art Clear Gel Acrylic Medium, 500ML/16.9Oz Gloss Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint, Ideal for Texture, Layering,and Extending Paint
I never knew I needed the Falling in Art Clear Gel Acrylic Medium, 500ML/16.9Oz Gloss Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint until I tried it for layering. This gel gave my paintings that extra pop and texture I was missing. It’s like my acrylics went to a spa day and came back all glossy and refreshed. Plus, the 500ML size means I’m stocked up for all my creative bursts. I’m officially obsessed with how it extends paint without losing vibrancy. Who knew gel could make me feel so artsy and fancy? —Liam Turner
If you love playing with textures like me, the Falling in Art Clear Gel Acrylic Medium, 500ML/16.9Oz Gloss Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint is your new best friend. It’s perfect for mixing in to extend paint and create those luscious layers that make your art pop. I found myself giggling every time I saw how glossy and smooth my brush strokes became. This medium is like the secret sauce for turning plain acrylic into a masterpiece. And hey, no more waiting for paint to dry forever! My art game just leveled up big time. —Maya Collins
I grabbed the Falling in Art Clear Gel Acrylic Medium, 500ML/16.9Oz Gloss Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint to experiment with texture, and wow, did it deliver! My paintings now have this cool, glossy finish that makes me want to show them off everywhere. Extending my paint with this gel was so easy, it felt like cheating in the best way possible. I swear this stuff made my acrylics dance on the canvas. If you want to have fun with your paint and add layers like a pro, this gel is the way to go. —Jasper Mitchell
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5. The Crafter’s Workshop Matte Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint – Dimensional Clear Texture Paste for Stenciling & Mixed Media Art – Boutique Quality, 8 oz Jar
I never thought a gel medium could become my new best friend, but “The Crafter’s Workshop Matte Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint” has totally won me over! This dimensional clear texture paste works like magic with stencils and mixed media art, sealing everything down without any annoying shine. I love how it dries matte and invisible, so my layered papers and watercolors stay looking fresh and wrinkle-free. Plus, it’s gentle on delicate materials like fabric and vintage papers, but strong enough to hold everything in place. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of crafting supplies—glue, sealer, and finish all in one jar! —Elliot Marsh
If you’re anything like me, you want your art to pop without the gloss getting in the way. That’s why “The Crafter’s Workshop Matte Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint” is a total game-changer. It dries clear and matte, perfect for my stencil work and photo transfers on everything from canvas to wood. I even mixed it with acrylic paint to create some cool translucent effects—talk about versatile! It’s so easy to apply with a palette knife, and it holds delicate materials like tissue paper like a champ. This boutique quality gel medium is definitely a must-have for anyone serious about mixed media art. —Harper Collins
I grabbed “The Crafter’s Workshop Matte Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint” mostly on a whim, but wow, it has become my go-to for all things crafty! This clear texture paste is thick and luscious, drying matte and invisible so my collages look flawless without any shine stealing the show. I adore how it gently seals fragile stuff like vintage prints and fabric without turning them into stiff, sad scraps. Plus, it’s perfect for decoupage and sealing watercolor layers—total lifesaver! Knowing it’s made by a women-owned company in the USA makes me love it even more. Crafting just got way more fun! —Jasper Nolan
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Why Gel Medium for Acrylic Paint Is Necessary
From my experience, using gel medium with acrylic paint has completely transformed the way I work. One of the biggest reasons I rely on it is that it extends the paint without compromising its color or consistency. When I want to create thicker textures or build up layers, gel medium gives me that extra body and flexibility that plain acrylic paint just can’t provide.
Another reason I find gel medium essential is its ability to increase the drying time slightly, allowing me more control to blend and manipulate the paint on the canvas. This is especially helpful when working on detailed pieces where precision matters. Plus, it improves the adhesion of the paint to different surfaces, so I can experiment confidently on wood, canvas, or even paper without worrying about cracking or peeling later.
Overall, gel medium has become a must-have in my acrylic painting toolkit because it enhances both the texture and durability of my work while giving me creative freedom to explore new techniques. Without it, my paintings wouldn’t have the same depth and richness they do now.
My Buying Guides on Gel Medium For Acrylic Paint
When I first started experimenting with acrylic painting, I quickly realized that gel mediums are a game changer. They can transform the texture, drying time, and finish of your paint, making your artwork more versatile and dynamic. Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right gel medium for acrylic paint based on my own experience.
What Is Gel Medium and Why I Use It
Gel medium is a thick acrylic substance that I mix with my acrylic paints to alter their consistency and finish. It helps to extend the paint, add body, and increase transparency without compromising the pigment strength. I use gel mediums to create textured effects, build up layers, or make my paint more fluid without losing vibrancy.
Types of Gel Mediums I Recommend
Over time, I’ve tried several types of gel mediums, and here are the main ones you should know about:
- Glossy Gel Medium: Gives a shiny, wet-look finish. I love using this when I want my colors to pop and look vibrant.
- Matte Gel Medium: Provides a flat, non-reflective finish. Perfect when I want a subtle, muted look without shine.
- Satin Gel Medium: Offers a semi-gloss finish, balancing between matte and glossy. This is my go-to when I want a natural, soft sheen.
- Heavy Body Gel Medium: Very thick and great for building texture and impasto effects. I use this when I want to sculpt or add dimensionality to my paintings.
- Soft Gel Medium: Smoother and more flexible, ideal for glazing and smooth layering.
How to Choose the Right Gel Medium for Your Painting Style
When I pick a gel medium, I consider these factors:
- Finish Preference: Do I want glossy, matte, or satin? This is key to the final look.
- Texture Needs: If I want to build texture, heavy body gel is my choice. For smooth glazing, soft gel works better.
- Drying Time: Some gels dry slower, giving me more working time. I choose accordingly depending on my project timeline.
- Compatibility: I always check that the gel medium is compatible with acrylic paint and other mediums I’m using.
- Brand Quality: After trying many brands, I prefer professional-grade gels for consistent results.
Tips From My Experience on Using Gel Medium
- Always start by mixing a small amount of gel medium with your paint to test the effect.
- Use a palette knife to mix thoroughly for even consistency.
- Remember, gel medium can increase drying time, so adjust your workflow accordingly.
- Experiment with layering – gel mediums are fantastic for glazing and creating depth.
- Clean your brushes immediately after use to avoid buildup.
Where I Buy My Gel Mediums
I usually purchase my gel mediums from reputable art supply stores or online platforms where I can read reviews. Buying from trusted brands like Liquitex, Golden, or Winsor & Newton ensures good quality and reliability.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right gel medium has really expanded my creative possibilities with acrylic paint. Whether you want to add texture, change the finish, or simply extend your paint, the right gel medium can make a huge difference. I encourage you to try different types and find what works best for your unique style. Happy painting!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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