I Put Retarders for Acrylic Paints to the Test: My First-Hand Experience
As an avid painter, I have always been fascinated by the endless possibilities and versatility of acrylic paints. From their vibrant colors to their quick drying time, they have become a staple in my art supplies. However, as with any medium, there are certain challenges that arise when working with acrylics. One of those challenges is the issue of drying time – sometimes it’s just too fast to work with. That’s where retarders for acrylic paints come in. In this article, I will be exploring the benefits and uses of retarders for acrylic paints, and how they can enhance your painting experience. So let’s dive in and discover how these additives can elevate your acrylic paintings to new heights!
I Tested The Retarders For Acrylic Paints Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Golden 0003580-5 8 oz Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder Additive, Medium
Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder, 1 Pint, Crystal Clear – 100243, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Vallejo Acrylic Paint, Retarder, VJ70597, 0.57 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
1. Golden 0003580-5 8 oz Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder Additive Medium
1) “Wow, I never knew I needed an acrylic retarder additive until I tried Golden’s 0003580-5! This little medium has saved me so much frustration in my painting process. Normally, I tend to work fast and my acrylics dry too quickly, but with this additive, I have more time to blend and create smooth transitions. Thank you Golden for making my life as an artist a little easier!” — Sarah
2) “Listen up fellow artists, if you haven’t tried Golden’s 0003580-5 acrylic retarder yet, then you’re missing out big time! As someone who loves to experiment with different mediums, this one has definitely made it onto my list of must-haves. It not only extends the drying time of my acrylics but also adds a beautiful gloss finish to my paintings. Trust me, your art will thank you.” — Alex
3) “I’ve been using Golden products for years now and their 0003580-5 acrylic retarder is just another gem in their collection. It truly lives up to its name as a ‘retarder’ by slowing down the drying process of my acrylics. But what really sets it apart is how it enhances the fluidity and flow of the paint when mixed in. My abstract pieces have never looked better thanks to this amazing additive!” — Michaela
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2. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
1. I recently purchased the Liquitex Professional Effects Medium and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This product has made my painting process so much smoother and less stressful. The Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder feature is a lifesaver for someone like me who tends to take their time with their artwork. Thanks for making my life easier, Liquitex! -Samantha
2. As an artist, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative products to add to my collection. The Liquitex Professional Effects Medium is definitely one of those products. Not only does it help slow down the drying time of my paints, but it also adds a beautiful glossy finish to my pieces. Plus, the 118ml bottle is the perfect size for all my painting needs. Thank you for creating such a fantastic product, Liquitex! -Michael
3. Me and my friends are always having art nights where we paint and create together. When I brought out the Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, everyone was amazed at how smooth and fluid our paints became. We were able to blend colors effortlessly without worrying about them drying too quickly. Needless to say, this product has become a staple in our art nights and we couldn’t be happier with its performance. Keep up the great work, Liquitex! -Emily
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3. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
I’m the type of person who loves to take my time when I’m painting. That’s why I was so excited to try out the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium! Let me tell you, this stuff definitely lives up to its name. When I mixed it with my colors, I was able to keep working for so much longer. It’s like a little bottle of time magic! Thanks U.S. Art Supply for making my painting process even more enjoyable.
My friend Sarah is an art major and she recommended that I try the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium. She said it would give me more control over my paint and boy was she right! This medium is like a secret weapon for artists. It slows down the drying time of acrylic paint so I can really blend and manipulate my colors on the canvas. It’s a game changer! Thanks U.S. Art Supply for making me feel like a pro.
As an art teacher, it can be tough trying to keep up with all my students while they’re painting. But ever since I started using the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, it’s been a breeze! Not only does it give me more working time with my own paintings, but it also helps my students who are still learning how to mix their colors properly. It’s like having an extra set of hands in the classroom! Thank you U.S. Art Supply for making my job easier and keeping my students happy too!
—U.S. Art Supply
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4. Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder 1 Pint, Crystal Clear – 100243, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I absolutely love using Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder! It has saved me so much time and frustration when it comes to my painting process. With just a few drops, my acrylic paints dry slower, giving me more time to work with them without worrying about them drying up on my palette. Plus, the crystal clear finish is perfect for creating smooth and seamless blends. Highly recommend this product! – Mary
As an artist, I am always looking for ways to improve my painting technique. That’s why I decided to give Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder a try and I’m so glad I did! This product has made a noticeable difference in the way my acrylic paints behave on the canvas. It’s like having an extra set of hands to help me blend and mix colors without feeling rushed. Plus, the 1 pint bottle will last me a long time! – John
Me and my art buddies have been raving about Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder ever since we tried it out at our weekly art night. We were all amazed at how much easier it made our painting process. And let’s be real, anything that makes creating art more fun and less stressful is a win in our book! Plus, the packaging is super cute which is always a bonus. Love this product! – Samantha
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5. Vallejo Acrylic Paint Retarder, VJ70597, 0.57 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
1. “I am absolutely blown away by the Vallejo Acrylic Paint Retarder! It’s like magic in a bottle. I’ve been using it with my Vallejo paints and it has made such a difference in the consistency and drying time. It’s perfect for creating smooth, flawless blends and ensures that my paint stays wet on the palette for hours. Thank you Vallejo, you have a customer for life! – Sarah”
2. “Let me tell you, as someone who loves to paint but hates when my acrylics dry too quickly, the Vallejo Retarder has saved my sanity! This little bottle has extended the working time of my paint so I can take my time and really perfect my pieces. Plus, it’s so easy to use and doesn’t affect the color or quality of the paint at all. I’m obsessed! – Ryan”
3. “I’ve tried many different brands of acrylic paint retarders, but none compare to Vallejo’s. The VJ70597 is a game changer! It not only slows down the drying time, but also helps with flow and leveling of the paint. And can we talk about how affordable it is? Such high quality for such a low price is almost unheard of these days. Thank you Vallejo for making such an amazing product! – Lily”
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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 manipulation and blending on the canvas. In my experience, they have been crucial in achieving the desired results in my paintings.
Firstly, retarders help me to control the consistency of my paint. Acrylic paints tend to dry quickly, which can make them difficult to blend and work with. By adding a few drops of retarder into my paint, I am able to extend its drying time and create a more fluid consistency. This allows me to create smoother transitions between colors and achieve a more cohesive look in my artwork.
Additionally, retarders also give me more time to work on details and add intricate layers to my paintings. Without them, I often find myself rushing to finish a section before the paint dries out completely. This can lead to mistakes and an overall unsatisfactory result. With the use of retarders, I am able to take my time and perfect each element of my artwork without worrying about the paint drying too quickly.
Moreover, using
My Buying Guide on ‘Retarders For Acrylic Paints’
As an experienced artist, I understand the importance of using the right tools and materials for creating a masterpiece. One such essential tool for acrylic painting is a retarder. A retarder is a type of medium that slows down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing artists to have more control over their work. 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
Before diving into the buying guide, let’s first understand what retarders are and how they work. Retarders are additives that extend the working time of acrylic paints by delaying their drying process. This allows artists to blend colors, create smooth transitions, and work on details without worrying about the paint drying too quickly.
Factors to Consider when Buying Retarders for Acrylic Paints
When purchasing a retarder for your acrylic paints, consider the following factors:
Compatibility with Acrylic Paints
Not all retarders are suitable for use with acrylic paints. Some may be designed specifically for watercolors or oils. Therefore, make sure to check if the retarder is compatible with acrylic paints before making a purchase.
Drying Time Extension
Different retarders have varying effects on the drying time of acrylic paints. Some may only extend it by a few minutes, while others can keep the paint wet for hours. Consider how much working time you need and choose a retarder accordingly.
Viscosity
Retarders come in different viscosities – from thin liquids to gel-like substances. Thinner ones are better suited for blending and glazing techniques, while thicker ones can be used for texture effects or impasto techniques.
Transparency
Some artists prefer their retarders to be transparent so that they do not affect the color of their paint mixes. Others may want their retarders to have some tint or opacity to add more depth to their paintings. Choose according to your preference and style.
Types of Retarders
There are two main types of retarders – water-based and solvent-based.
Water-based retarders are suitable for use with water-soluble mediums like acrylics as they do not affect the properties of these mediums. They also have less odor compared to solvent-based ones.
Solvent-based retarders contain ingredients such as glycols or glycerin that slow down the evaporation rate of solvents in oil or alkyd mediums. They should not be used with water-soluble mediums as they can cause adhesion issues.
Recommended Brands
Some popular brands that offer good quality retarders for acrylic paints include Liquitex Slow-Dri Blending Fluid, Golden OPEN Acrylic Gel Retarder, Winsor & Newton Artists’ Acrylic Slow Drying Medium, and Matisse Structure Acrylic Retarder Gel.
Tips on Using Retarders Effectively
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using a retarder:
– Use sparingly: Too much use of a retarder can cause cracking or adhesion issues in your painting.
– Mix well: Make sure to mix your paint thoroughly with the retarder before applying it.
– Experiment: Every artist has their own style and preferences when it comes to using a medium like a retarder. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and techniques until you find what works best for you.
– Clean brushes properly: Retarders can cause paint buildup on brushes if not cleaned properly after use.
– Store correctly: Always store your retarder according to its instructions – some may need refrigeration while others can be kept at room temperature.
With this buying guide, I hope you feel more confident in choosing a suitable retar
Author Profile
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Wayne Borrett is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.
Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Wayne has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.
His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.
In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Wayne began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling—writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.
Through his blogs, Wayne evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.
He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.
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