Acrylic Glazes 101 : A Guide for Artists

Acrylic glaze medium is a versatile and useful medium for acrylic painters. It is a clear, glossy medium that can be added to acrylic paint to create a transparent or semi-transparent effect. In this guide, we will go over the different types of glazes available, and how to use acrylic glaze medium to create different effects in your paintings.

Acrylic glaze mediums come in a few different varieties. Here are some of the most commonly used types:

1. Gloss Glaze Medium: As the name suggests, this type of glaze medium creates a glossy finish on your painting. It can be used to create a sense of depth and luminosity, and to enhance the vibrancy of your paint.

2. Matte Glaze Medium: This type of glaze medium creates a matte finish on your painting. It can be used to create a more subdued look, and to add depth and luminosity without the shiny finish.

3. Iridescent Glaze Medium: This type of glaze medium creates a shimmering, iridescent effect on your painting. It can be used to create a sense of movement and to add a touch of sparkle to your art.

4. Fluid Glaze Medium: This type of glaze medium creates a fluid consistency in paint. It can be used to create a sense of movement and to create a more transparent effect.

When using acrylic glaze mediums, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start by adding a small amount of medium to your paint, and then add more as needed. I recommend starting with a 2:1 ratio of glaze medium to paint to start out with.

Techniques to Try: 

1. Transparent Layers: To create a transparent effect, mix a small amount of glaze medium with your paint. Apply the mixture in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next one. This will create a transparent effect that allows the underlying colors to show through.

2. Glazing: To create a semi-transparent effect, mix a small amount of glaze medium with your paint. Apply the mixture in thicker layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next one. This will create a semi-transparent effect that allows the underlying colors to show through, but also adds a glossy finish to the painting.

3. Highlighting: You can use acrylic glaze medium to highlight certain areas of your painting. Mix a small amount of glaze medium with a small amount of paint and use a fine brush to paint the highlighted area. The glossy finish of the glaze medium will make the highlighted area stand out.

4. Textures: You can create interesting textures by mixing acrylic glaze medium with a coarse material such as sand or grit. Apply the mixture to your painting surface and then paint over it to create a textured effect.