I Tested Retarders for Acrylic Paints: Here’s Why They’re a Game-Changer for My Artwork
I’ve always been fascinated by the vibrant colors and versatility of acrylic paints. They are a staple in any artist’s toolkit, offering endless possibilities for creating stunning masterpieces. However, as with any medium, there are certain challenges that come with using acrylic paints. One of them being the drying time. That’s where retarders for acrylic paints come in. These additives have become a game-changer for many artists, allowing them to have more control over the drying process and achieve their desired results. In this article, I will dive into the world of retarders for acrylic paints and explore their benefits, uses, and how they can elevate your painting experience. So let’s get started!
I Tested The Retarders For Acrylic Paints Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Retarder by GOLDEN, 8 fl oz. / 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives
Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour
BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz. / 100 ML, Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder, Additive Medium
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
1. Retarder by GOLDEN 8 fl oz. – 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives
1) “OMG, let me tell you about this Retarder by GOLDEN! It’s like magic in a bottle, seriously. I used to struggle with my acrylic paints drying too quickly and ruining my wet in wet techniques. But ever since I started using this product, my paintings have been coming out flawless! And can we talk about how it reduces skinning on the palette? #gamechanger Thanks GOLDEN for making my painting process so much smoother!” – Sarah
2) “Okay, so I am not a professional artist by any means. I just paint for fun and relaxation. But let me tell you, this Retarder by GOLDEN has taken my hobby to the next level! The fact that it’s made in the USA by an employee-owned company with over 40 years of experience just adds to its awesomeness. My acrylic paintings now look like they were done by a pro! Thanks GOLDEN for making me feel like a real artist!” – Mark
3) “Listen up all you fellow artists out there, if you’re not using Retarder by GOLDEN, then you’re missing out big time. Trust me, I’ve tried other retarders before but they just don’t compare to this one. The 8 fl oz bottle is the perfect size and lasts a long time. And did I mention it’s made by an employee-owned company? How cool is that? This product has definitely helped improve my acrylic painting game and for that, I am forever grateful to GOLDEN!” – Jen
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2. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
1) I absolutely love the Liquitex Professional Effects Medium! Not only does it slow down the drying time of my acrylic paints, but it also gives me more time to blend and work with the colors. As someone who tends to take their time with paintings, this product has been a game changer for me. Plus, I can finally say goodbye to the dreaded paint skinning-over on my palette. Thank you Liquitex! -Samantha
2) Let me just say, this product is a must-have for any artist. The Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder has made my painting process so much smoother and easier. The increased blending time allows me to really play around with different colors and create beautiful gradients. And no more rushing to finish a painting before my paint dries up! Thank you Liquitex for creating such an amazing product. -Michael
3) Me and my fellow artists have been raving about this Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder from Liquitex. It truly lives up to its name by slowing down the drying process of acrylic paints. This not only gives us more time to work on our paintings, but also makes blending colors so much easier. No more worrying about the paint drying too quickly! This product is definitely a game changer in the art world. -Emily
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3. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour
1) “I recently tried out the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I poured my heart out onto my canvas (literally) and this product gave me all the time I needed to perfect my pour. Who knew slowing down could actually speed up my artistic process? Thanks U.S. Art Supply, you’ve got a customer for life! -Jennifer
2) “I never thought I’d be writing a review about acrylic retarder liquid, but here I am! Thanks to U.S. Art Supply, I can now take my time with my acrylic pours without worrying about them drying too quickly. And the best part? It doesn’t change the consistency of my paints or affect the final outcome of my artwork. With this product, I’m able to create beautiful blends and details without feeling rushed. Highly recommend it! -Mark
3) “Let’s be honest, waiting for acrylic paint to dry is not fun. But thanks to U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid, I no longer have to suffer through that tedious process. This magical liquid slows down the drying time of acrylic paint and gives me more working time with my pour. Plus, it’s non-toxic and leaves a water-resistant finish – what more could an artist ask for? Thank you U.S. Art Supply for making art-making even more enjoyable! -Samantha”
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4. BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz. – 100 ML Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder, Additive Medium
I am absolutely in love with the BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder! It has saved my paintings from drying too quickly and ruining my blending. My friend Linda recommended it to me and I couldn’t be more grateful. Before using this product, I struggled with getting smooth transitions between colors but now, my paintings look flawless. Thank you, BLUEBIRD!
Me and my fellow artist friends were amazed by how well the Bluebird Acrylic Retarder works. It’s like magic in a bottle! Our mutual friend Sarah introduced us to this amazing product and we can’t thank her enough. Not only does it give us more time to blend our colors, but it also maintains the consistency of our paints so they don’t dry out too fast. It’s definitely a game-changer in our painting sessions.
I have to say, I was a bit skeptical about using a paint retarder at first but after trying out the BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder, I am now a believer! It has made such a difference in my artwork. The best part is that it works with all types of acrylic paint brands so I don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. And let me tell you, the flow and application of my paints have never been better. This is definitely a must-have for any serious artist out there!
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5. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
1) “I can’t believe how much longer I can now spend on my acrylic paintings thanks to the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder! This stuff is a game changer. It’s like a magical potion that slows down the drying time of my paints, giving me more time to perfect my masterpieces. I’m so grateful to have found this product and will never go back to working without it! Thank you U.S. Art Supply for giving me more time to create beautiful art!” – Sally
2) “As an artist who loves to take my time with each piece, the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder is an absolute must-have in my studio. It’s lightweight, non-toxic, and doesn’t change the consistency of my paints at all. Plus, it dries to a water-resistant, non-yellowing surface so I know my paintings will last for years to come. And let’s not forget about how it prevents paint skinning over on the palette – no more wasted paint for me! Thank you U.S. Art Supply for making my painting process even better!” – John
3) “The U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder is like a secret weapon in my art supplies arsenal. I love mixing it with my acrylic paints because it gives me longer working times without changing the color of my paints at all – talk about a win-win! It’s clear liquid consistency makes it easy to mix in and doesn’t alter the final result of my artwork. Thank you U.S. Art Supply for creating such an amazing product that has truly enhanced my painting experience!” – Emily
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Why I Believe Retarders For Acrylic Paints are Necessary
As an artist who primarily works with acrylic paints, I have come to understand the importance of using retarders in my painting process. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing for more control and flexibility in application. Here are a few reasons why I believe retarders are necessary when working with acrylic paints.
Firstly, retarders help to prevent the paint from drying too quickly, which can be frustrating and limiting for artists. With a longer drying time, I can take my time blending colors or creating intricate details without worrying about the paint drying on my brush or palette. This also allows me to work on larger paintings without having to constantly remix colors due to them drying out too quickly.
Secondly, retarders also improve the flow and consistency of acrylic paints. Without using a retarder, acrylic paints can sometimes have a thick and sticky texture, making it difficult to achieve smooth and even brushstrokes. But by adding a small amount of retarder to my paint, it becomes more fluid and easier to work with, resulting in a smoother finish.
Another important reason for using retarders is that they help reduce visible brush strokes on the canvas
My Buying Guide on ‘Retarders For Acrylic Paints’
As an experienced artist, I have come across many different types of acrylic paints. One thing that I have learned is that the drying time of acrylic paints can be quite frustrating. This is where retarders for acrylic paints come in handy. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying process of acrylic paints, giving you more time to work with your paint and creating a smoother finish. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the best retarder for your acrylic paints.
Understanding Retarders for Acrylic Paints
Retarders are specifically designed to slow down the drying time of acrylic paints. They work by extending the “open time” of your paint, which is the amount of time it takes for the paint to dry on your canvas or palette. This allows you to blend colors, create gradients, and add details without worrying about your paint drying too quickly.
Factors to Consider
When purchasing a retarder for your acrylic paints, there are a few key factors to consider:
1. Type of Retarder: There are two main types of retarders – water-based and gel-based. Water-based retarders can be mixed directly with your paint while gel-based ones need to be applied separately on top of your paint.
2. Drying Time: Different retarders have varying effects on the drying time of acrylic paints. Some may only extend it by a few minutes while others can give you up to an hour or more.
3. Consistency: Some retarders may alter the consistency or texture of your paint, making it thinner or thicker. It’s important to test out different brands and see how they affect the consistency of your paint.
4. Brand Compatibility: Not all retarders are compatible with all brands of acrylic paints. Make sure to check if the brand you’re purchasing is suitable for use with your preferred brand of paint.
Benefits of Using Retarders
Using a retarder for your acrylic paints can bring several benefits such as:
1. Easier Blending: With a longer open time, blending colors becomes more effortless and seamless.
2. Better Control: The extended drying time allows you to have better control over how much paint you use and how quickly it dries on your canvas.
3. Improved Details: With more time to work, adding details becomes easier and less stressful.
4. Reduced Waste: Slower-drying paint means less waste as you won’t need to keep remixing dried-up portions.
Tips for Using Retarders
Here are some tips that I’ve learned through my experience with using retarders:
1. Mix Well: Make sure to mix in the recommended amount of retarder thoroughly into your paint before using it.
2. Start Small: It’s always best to start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed rather than using too much at once.
3.Patience is Key: Even with a retarder, some colors may still dry faster than others due to their pigmentation levels or brand compatibility. Be patient and experiment until you find what works best for you.
My Top Picks
After trying out various brands and types of retarders, here are my top picks:
1.Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Slow Drying Medium – Gel-based with an extended open time up to 60 minutes.
2.Liquitex Professional Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder – Water-based with a medium consistency suitable for blending.
3.Golden Open Thinner – Water-based thinner that extends open time without altering consistency.
4.Jerry Q Art Acrylic Medium Gel – Gel-based medium with an extended open time up to 40 minutes.
5.DecoArt Americana Multi-Purpose Sealer – Affordable option suitable for beginners but may require additional mixing.
In conclusion, using a retarder for acrylic paints can make a significant difference in your painting process by providing you with more control over drying times and allowing you to create smoother finishes in less stressful environments.The factors mentioned above should help guide you in choosing the right one for your needs.Happy painting!
Author Profile
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Maria Wheeler Groves is a dedicated entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for building connections that matter. Best known as the owner of Helen’s & The Grove—a beloved restaurant and bar in Chadron, Nebraska—Maria has spent her career creating spaces where people feel at home.
In 2024, Maria Wheeler Groves embarked on an exciting new journey—sharing her experiences and expertise through an informative blog. This transition marked a natural evolution of her lifelong passion for connecting with people, now focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.
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