As you get more experienced with your art, you know the importance of having the right materials in your tool kit. One of those materials is a floating medium for acrylic painting, which is used to help paint flow smoothly on porous surfaces. The thing is, sometimes you might need access to a floating medium substitute either because you can’t afford it or you like to experiment with different materials.
Luckily for us there are a few floating medium substitutes that you can use in your artwork. One popular substitute is Floetrol, a paint conditioner and extender that can significantly improve the flow and levelling of acrylic paints.
You can also use PVA glue as a floating medium substitute. Make sure you use an archival glue that will not yellow or change the color of the acrylic paint. The good thing about PVA is that it will merge well with the properties of acrylic paints.
Another option is making your own blank clear acrylic paint medium using simple ingredients. With these substitutes, you can achieve similar results to using a floating medium without breaking the bank.
You can also shop around for less expensive floating mediums, the one below is quite affordable.
TLDR; Floating Medium Substitute Summary
If you’re looking for a substitute for floating medium, a few options are available. One option is to use water as a substitute. Water can be used to thin down the paint and create a more fluid consistency. I have it first on my list as it is cheap, readily available and easy to use.
Water
The problem here is that water can dilute the pigment and affect the color of the paint. So, use water sparingly and test it out on a small area first. Personally I would scratch water off the list of floating medium substitutes as there are better options.
Glazing mediums (Acrylics Mediums)
Another option is to use a glazing medium. Glazing medium is a clear, glossy medium that can be added to paint to create a transparent glaze. It can also be used to thin down the paint and create a more fluid consistency. It is important to note that glazing medium can also affect the color of the paint, so test it out on a small area first.
Commercial Alternatives as a floating medium substitute
There are many commercially available floating medium alternatives that can be used in place of traditional acrylic mediums. From PVA glue to floating mediums to pouring mediums.
It’s always a good idea to experiment with any new medium before using it on an important project. You can test how the alternative medium affects the paint by mixing it in small amounts and painting with it on a test surface.
This will help you to determine how the paint behaves with the new medium and whether it meets your needs.
Pros and Cons of Each Floating medium substitute
When it comes to finding a substitute for floating medium, there are a variety of options available. Each option has its own set of pros and cons that you should consider before making a choice. Below are some of the most popular alternatives and their benefits and drawbacks.
Acrylic Paints
If you’re using acrylic paints, you can try more acrylic paints to the mixture to make them more runny. The alternative is to add water to thin them out and create a similar effect to floating medium. This is a cheap and easily accessible option that can work well for many artists.
Be aware that using too much acrylic paint and water can affect the paint’s viscosity and make it harder to control. It can also dilute the color and affect the shades and highlights you’re trying to achieve. It can also increase the chances of the dried paint cracking and peeling off the canvas.
Instead of extra acrylic paint and water, use Acrylic Flow Medium or blending gel for acrylic paints.
Pouring Mediums
If you’re specifically looking for a pouring medium substitute, there are a variety of options available. Some artists use Liquitex pouring medium as a substitute.
Other artists like using a product called silicone oil. A few drops of this in with your acrylic paint can alter the size of the paint cells making it more fluid.
Both of these options can help to create a smooth and consistent flow of paint. However, be aware that pouring mediums can be expensive and may not be easily accessible to all artists.
Crafters
For crafters, a good substitute for floating medium can be white glue mixed with water. This can help to create a similar effect to floating medium and is a cheap and easily accessible option. However, be aware that using too much glue can affect the paint’s viscosity and make it harder to control.
Abstract Art
If you’re creating abstract art, you can try using a variety of different substances as a substitute for floating medium. Some artists use hair gel, dish soap, or even honey to create a similar effect. However, be aware that these substances can affect the color and texture of the paint, so it’s important to test them out first.
Other substances like PVA glue and Glycerin
Finally, there are a variety of other substances that can be used as a floating medium substitute, depending on your specific needs. Some artists use PVA glue or glycerin to create a similar effect. However, be aware that these substances can affect the color and texture of the paint, so it’s important to test them out first.
Floating Medium Substitute – Wrap Up!
Congratulations! You’ve learned about some great floating medium substitutes that you can use in your artwork. Remember, different mediums have different properties, so be sure to choose the one that works best for your specific project.
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