Mediums offer control over viscosity and gloss factor, and maintain film integrity, flexibility, and adhesion of all acrylic paint formats.
Water – Adding water to acrylics will;
Increase transparency by extending the colour.Produce watercolour-style or staining effects.Reduce viscosity, film integrity, and gloss factor of acrylic colours.
A good practice is to always add a little bit of medium to the water. Water breaks down the paint film and adhesion of acrylics, and can result in an uneven matte finish, or even resisting and beading on glossy or non-absorbent surfaces. So it is possible to add too much water… unless it’s the result you are going for.
Polymer Mediums – Polymer medium would be recommended when;
Control over sheen is desired.Maintain brush strokes and light textures.Extend volume.Increase the flow of colours without compromising the acrylic film (film integrity, flexibility, adhesion, and permanence).Add depth and enhance colour chroma.
Allowing layers to dry before adding the next layer can lend well to clean colour glazing and other techniques such as washing or wiping off paint while it is still wet without interfering previous layers. Ideal for thin layer applications, collage, mixed media and fine detailed work. Polymer Mediums are available in Gloss, Semi-Gloss and Matte finishes. Glazing Mediums are available in Gloss and Matte finish. Low Viscosity Polymer Medium is only available in a Gloss finish.
Gel Mediums – are thick and creamy in consistency, with the ability to hold amazing peaks and a wide variety of textures. Ideal for thick layer applications, collage, and mixed media. Low viscosity gel, modeling gel, and gel mediums are all available in gloss, semi-gloss, and matte finishes.