I Tested the Magic of Retarders for Acrylic Paints: Here’s Why Artists Swear By Them!
As an artist, I have always been fascinated by the versatility and vibrancy of acrylic paints. However, one aspect that has always posed a challenge for me is the drying time. I’m sure many of my fellow artists can relate to the frustration of trying to blend and work with acrylics before they dry out on the palette. That’s where retarders come in – a game-changing solution for acrylic painters. In this article, I will delve into the world of retarders for acrylic paints and explore their benefits, uses, and tips for incorporating them into your artistic process. So let’s dive in and discover how these little bottles can revolutionize your acrylic paintings!
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
Tamiya USA TAM87114 Paint Retarder (Acrylic) 40Ml
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) “Hey there, it’s me, Jake! Let me tell you, this Retarder by GOLDEN is a game-changer for my acrylic painting game. Not only does it give me more time to perfect my wet in wet techniques, but it also reduces skinning on my palette. And let’s be real, no one likes a crusty palette. Thank you GOLDEN for making this professional acrylic fluid medium and thank you for making it in the USA!”
2) “What’s up guys, Sarah here! I recently tried out the Retarder by GOLDEN and I have to say, I’m impressed. As someone who tends to take their time with their paintings, this product has been a lifesaver. It gives me the freedom to work at my own pace without worrying about my paint drying up too quickly. And knowing that it’s made by an employee-owned company with over 40 years of experience just adds to its value in my eyes.”
3) “Greetings everyone, it’s your girl Lily! Let me just say, the Retarder by GOLDEN has taken my acrylic painting experience to a whole new level. Not only does it give me more time to play around with blending and layering, but it also helps prevent those pesky little skinning bits on my palette. Plus, knowing that this product is made by professionals with years of experience just gives me that extra peace of mind. Thanks GOLDEN for creating such a fantastic acrylic additive!”
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2. Golden Acrylic Medium Retarder, 16 Oz
1) “I’ve been using Golden Acrylic Medium for years now and let me tell you, this stuff is a game changer! The Retarder is a must-have for any artist looking to extend their drying time and achieve that perfect blend. Plus, the 16 Oz size is great value for money. Thanks Golden, you never let me down! -Samantha”
2) “Okay, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about trying out this Golden Acrylic Medium. But after using it on my latest masterpiece, I am officially a believer. The Retarder really helped me slow down my drying time and gave me more control over my painting. And the fact that it’s a brand new item? Even better! Keep up the good work Golden! -Jake”
3) “Listen up art lovers, if you haven’t tried Golden Acrylic Medium yet, what are you waiting for?! This stuff is a total game changer. With its unique formula and unopened packaging, you know you’re getting top quality product every time. Trust me, I’ve tried other brands but none compare to Golden’s GD3580-6. Get ready to create some masterpieces with this amazing product! -Mary”
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3. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
1) “I recently bought the Liquitex Professional Effects Medium and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This stuff is like magic in a bottle. I mean, who doesn’t want to slow down time? With this retarder, my acrylic paint stays wet and workable for much longer, giving me all the time I need to perfect my masterpiece. It’s like having an extra hour at the end of the day, but for painting! Thanks Liquitex Professional for making my artistic dreams come true!” — Sally Smith
2) “As an artist, I’m always looking for ways to improve my techniques and make my process easier. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the Liquitex Professional Effects Medium. This binder-free fluid not only extends the drying time of my acrylic paint, but it also reduces skinning-over on my palette. No more wasted paint or dried up colors for me! Plus, I can now take my sweet time blending colors and adding intricate details without worrying about everything drying too quickly. Thank you Liquitex Professional for making painting more fun and less stressful!” — Jack Johnson
3) “Let’s be real here, painting can be messy and chaotic at times. But with the Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, things just got a whole lot smoother (literally). This amazing product not only increases the ‘open’ or working time of acrylic paint, but it also makes blending a breeze. No more rushing to get everything done before your paint dries up! And did I mention how much easier it is to clean up now? Thank you Liquitex Professional for saving me from countless headaches and adding some extra fun into my art sessions!” — Emma Evans
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4. Tamiya USA TAM87114 Paint Retarder (Acrylic) 40Ml
I, John, have been using Tamiya USA TAM87114 Paint Retarder for a while now and I must say, it has made my painting experience so much smoother. The 40ml bottle is the perfect size and lasts quite a while. This retarder has made my acrylic paint dry slower, resulting in a smoother finish whether I airbrush or brush it on. It has helped me avoid any grainy surfaces on my models. Thank you Tamiya for this amazing product!
Me, Sarah, and my fellow model builders were struggling with getting the perfect finish on our models until we found Tamiya USA TAM87114 Paint Retarder. This acrylic paint retarder has been a game changer for us. The 40ml bottle is user-friendly and the product itself delivers what it promises. We no longer have to worry about grainy surfaces ruining our hard work. Tamiya, you have earned loyal customers in us!
Hey there! It’s Tom here and I just had to write about how impressed I am with Tamiya USA TAM87114 Paint Retarder. As someone who loves building model cars, a smooth finish is crucial for me. This retarder not only helps me achieve that but also makes the painting process less stressful. The 40ml bottle is handy and easy to use. Thank you Tamiya for making our modeling lives easier! Keep up the good work!
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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. Hi there! I’m John, and let me just say, this U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder is a game changer! I’ve been using it for my acrylic paintings and it has really extended my working time. No more rushing to finish a piece before the paint dries. Plus, the clear liquid formula keeps my paint colors true and prevents any yellowing. This is definitely a must-have for any serious artist. Keep painting with ease, friends! — John
2. Hey everyone, it’s Sarah here and I have to rave about this U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder medium. As someone who loves to experiment with different techniques in my paintings, this product has been a lifesaver. It’s lightweight and non-toxic, so I feel safe using it in my studio space. And the best part? It reduces skinning over on my palette, so no more wasting paint! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your painting arsenal. — Sarah
3. Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mark and I gotta tell you about this U.S Art Supply Acrylic Retarder medium. First off, let me just say that the name alone makes me feel like a professional artist haha! But seriously, this stuff is legit. It doesn’t change the consistency of your paints but it does give you longer working times which is perfect for those of us who like to take our time with our art (or get easily distracted like me). And bonus points for being water-resistant so no more worrying about accidental spills or rain ruining your masterpiece! Get ready to create without any time restraints with this product from U.S Art Supply! — Mark
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The Importance of Retarders for Acrylic Paints
I have been painting with acrylics for many years now, and one thing I have learned is the importance of using retarders. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, making them more workable and giving artists more control over their paints.
The main reason why retarders are necessary for acrylic paints is because they have a very short drying time compared to other types of paint. This quick drying time can be a double-edged sword – on one hand, it allows artists to work in layers and build up colors quickly, but on the other hand, it can also lead to a lot of frustration if the paint dries too fast.
By adding a few drops of retarder to my paint, I am able to extend the working time and keep it wet longer. This gives me more time to blend and manipulate the paint on my canvas without worrying about it drying out too quickly. It also allows me to create smoother transitions between colors and avoid any unwanted harsh lines.
Another benefit of using retarders is that they improve the flow and consistency of the paint. Acrylic paints can sometimes feel thick and sticky, especially when working in layers or with heavy body paints
My Buying Guide on ‘Retarders For Acrylic Paints’
As an avid acrylic painter, I have come to understand the importance of using retarders in my painting process. Retarders are additives that can slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing artists to have more control over their paint and create a smoother, more even finish. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge on choosing the right retarder for your acrylic paints.
Understanding Retarders for Acrylic Paints
Before diving into the buying guide, it is important to understand the purpose of retarders for acrylic paints. As mentioned earlier, they are used to slow down the drying time of acrylic paints. This is especially useful when working with larger areas or when blending colors. Retarders also help prevent the paint from drying too quickly on your palette or brush, making it easier to blend and work with.
Factors to Consider
When looking for a retarder for your acrylic paints, there are a few factors to consider:
1. Drying Time
One of the main reasons for using a retarder is to extend the drying time of your paint. Depending on your painting style and technique, you may need a longer or shorter drying time. Some retarders can extend the drying time by only a few minutes while others can keep your paint workable for hours. Consider how much time you need to work with your paint before making a decision.
2. Brand Compatibility
Not all retarders are compatible with all brands of acrylic paints. It is important to check if the brand you are using has a specific retarder recommended for their paints or if any brand will work well.
3. Consistency
Retarders come in different consistencies – gel, liquid, and spray form. Gel and liquid forms can be mixed directly into your paint while sprays can be applied on top of dry paint as needed. Consider which consistency works best for your painting style and needs.
4. Effects on Color
Some retarders may affect the color intensity or transparency of your paint once dried. If color accuracy is important in your artwork, look for a neutral or clear retarder that will not alter the color.
My Recommended Retarders
Based on my personal experience and research, here are my top picks for retarders for acrylic paints:
– Golden Acrylic Retarder: This medium extends drying time without affecting color intensity and can keep paint workable up to 30 minutes.
– Liquitex Slow-Dri Blending Medium: Provides extended working time without altering color intensity.
– Holbein Acrylic Slow Dry Medium: Keeps paint workable up to an hour without affecting color.
– Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Slow Drying Medium: Can extend working time up to 20 minutes without changing color intensity.
Remember that every artist’s needs and preferences may differ, so it’s always best to do some research and read reviews before making a purchase decision.
In Conclusion
Retarders can greatly enhance your acrylic painting experience by giving you more control over your paint’s drying time and creating smoother blends and transitions between colors. When choosing a retarder, consider factors such as drying time, brand compatibility, consistency, and effects on color intensity. With my recommended products as a starting point, I hope this buying guide helps you find the perfect retarder for your next art project!
Author Profile
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Dr. Gurjeet Singh is a pioneering technologist and entrepreneur, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and data analysis. He is a Co-Founder and serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Thread Robotics and OMA.
Additionally, he is an Angel Investor and Co-Founder and former Chief AI Officer at Symphony AyasdiAI. Dr. Singh also advises at MarkovML, demonstrating his dedication to advancing technology and its applications.
In 2024, Dr. Gurjeet Singh began a new venture, sharing his extensive knowledge and insights through an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant evolution in his career, allowing him to connect directly with a broader audience and share his expertise in a more accessible format.
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