Acrylic paint additives can improve the properties of acrylic paints for model painting. These additives can thicken, extend, or stabilize the paint. They can also create special effects or modify the paint’s colour.
Acrylic additives are acrylic mediums without acrylic binders. Mediums can be readily used until the desired paint is reached, where additives need to be added in the correct proportions; otherwise, the colour and adhesion of the paint can be weakened.
This article will guide you through the basics of using acrylic paint additives for model painting and other acrylic painting projects.
What are acrylic paint additives, and what do they do?
Acrylic paint additives are substances that can be added to acrylic paint to change or improve its properties. These substances can be either synthetic or natural, and they are typically in a liquid form.
Additives can be used to change the consistency of the paint, making it thicker or thinner. They can also extend the paint’s drying time or cause it to be more resistant to fading. Additionally, some acrylic additives can be used to change the colour of the paint or to create special effects.
How to use acrylic paint additives for model painting?
When using acrylic paint additives for model painting, it is vital to add them in the correct proportions. Adding too much or too little of an additive can weaken the colour and adhesion of the paint.
It is also important to note that not all acrylic paint additives are compatible. For example, adding a thickening agent to paint that already contains a drying agent can cause the paint to become gummy and difficult to work with.
To avoid problems, we have created a table below that will allow you to prevent various combinations that can lead to problems with your paint.
When adding substances to acrylic paint, it is essential to use only a tiny amount, as too much can weaken and be used to change the paint’s colour or create special effects.
When adding substances to acrylic paint, it is essential to use only a small amount, as too much can weaken the colour and adhesion of the paint. It is also necessary to test the paint on a scrap piece of material before using it on your project, as some additives can change.
What are some common acrylic paint additives?
Many types of acrylic paint additives are available on the market, and each can be used to achieve different results.
Some of the most common acrylic paint additives include:
Thickeners: These substances make the paint thicker and opaquer. Common thickening agents include clays, gels, and resins.
Flow Improver / Wetting Agents: These substances make the paint more fluid and easier to work with. Wetting agents also help the paint to level out and prevent it from developing brushstrokes.
Drying / Retarding Agents: These substances are used to extend the drying time of the paint. Common drying agents include glycerine, sorbitan esters, and urethanes.
Stabilizers: These substances make the paint more resistant to fading and other types of damage. Common stabilizing agents include UV inhibitors and resins.
Colourants: These substances are used to change the colour of the paint. Common colorants include dyes and pigments.
Special Effects Additives: These substances create special effects, such as textured finishes or glossy surfaces. Common special effects additives include glitter and metallics.
Advantages of using acrylic paint additives
There are many advantages to using acrylic paint additives. Additives can improve the properties of the paint, making it easier to work with and more durable. They can also create special effects or change the paint’s color.
Some of the most common advantages of using acrylic paint additives include the following:
- Improved Paint Properties: Additives can improve the consistency, drying time, and resistance to fading of the paint.
- Special Effects: Some additives can be used to create special effects, such as textured finishes or glossy surfaces.
- Colour Changes: Additives can be used to change the color of the paint, making it easier to achieve the desired look.
- Ease of Use: Additives can make the paint easier to work with, as they can improve the consistency and flow of the paint.
Tips for using acrylic paint additives
There are a few things to remember when using acrylic paint additives.
- First, it is essential to add the additive in the correct proportion. Too much or too little of an additive can weaken the colour and adhesion of the paint. The details and ratios will be defined on the back of the bottled additive that you are using. It is essential to ensure that you follow these instructions, or you will risk compromising your paint.
- When adding substances to acrylic paint, it is essential to use only a small amount, as too much can weaken the colour and adhesion of the paint. It is also necessary to test the paint on a scrap piece of material before using it on your project, as some additives can change the color or properties of the paint.
- Do not use oil-based additives with acrylics as they are not compatible. Using oil-based additives will cause the paint to become oily and runny.
How do I choose the suitable acrylic paint additive for my project?
Many types of acrylic paint additives are available on the market, and each can be used to achieve different results. When choosing an additive for your project, you must consider what effect you are trying to achieve.
If you want to improve the consistency of the paint, you may want to choose a thickening agent. If you want to change the colour of the paint, you may want to select a colorant. And if you create a special effect, such as a textured finish or a glossy surface, you may want to choose a special effects additive.
It is also essential to consider the proportions in which you will add the additive to the paint. Too much or too little of an additive can weaken the colour and adhesion of the paint. The details and ratios will be defined on the back of the bottled additive that you are using. It is essential to ensure that you follow these instructions, or you will risk compromising your paint.
When in doubt, starting with a small amount of any additive is always best, and increasing it until you achieve the desired results.
The bottom line
Acrylic paint additives can be used to improve the properties of the paint, making it easier to work with and more durable. They can also create special effects or change the paint’s color. When using acrylic paint additives, it is essential to use only a small amount, as too much can weaken the color and adhesion of the paint. It is also necessary to test the paint on a scrap piece of material before using it on your project, as some additives can change the color or properties of the paint.
