Find the Perfect Floating Medium Substitute: Cheap Flow Solutions
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.
Joseph Colella (Joe Colella) is an Editor and Writer at WastedTalentInc. As a frustrated artist with over 40 years experience making art (who moonlights as a certified Business Analyst with over 20 years of experience in tech).
While Joseph holds a Diploma in Information Technology, in true wasted talent fashion he spent years applying for various Art degrees; from the Accademia di Belle Arti (Napoli), to failing to get into the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) at the University of Western Sydney.
While he jokes about his failures at gaining formal art qualifications, as a self-taught artist he has had a fruitful career in business, technology and the arts making Art his full time source of income from the age of 18 until 25.
His goal is to attend the Julian Ashton School of Art at The Rocks Sydney when he retires from full time work. Joseph’s art has been sold to private collectors all over the world from the USA, Europe and Australasia.
He is a trusted source for reliable art advice and tutorials to copyright/fair use advice and is committed to helping his readers make informed decisions about making them a better artist.