How To Thicken Up Acrylic Paint – (Step by Step)

When working with acrylic paint, there may be times when you need to thicken the paint. This is often done to create a specific texture or to avoid running.

This blog post will discuss how to thicken up acrylic paint using various methods.

We will also explore why you might want to thicken the paint and how to make it look better on your canvas or painting surface.

Let’s get started!

How to Make Acrylic Paint Thicker

1. Pour your acrylic paint into a cup or bowl.
2. Add the desired amount of thickener to the paint.
3. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Use as desired.

Acrylic Paint Basics

Acrylic paint is a type of paint that is made from acrylic polymer emulsion and acrylic resins.

These resins are derived from synthetic polymers, which are plastics that have been made to look and feel like natural materials such as stone or ceramic.

Acrylic paint is known for its vibrancy and versatility, as it can be used on a variety of surfaces.

In addition, acrylic paint dries quickly, making it a favorite among artists who want to work fast. Acrylic paint is also relatively inexpensive, making it a good option for beginners.

When working with acrylic paint, use a primed canvas or a non-porous surface. Due to its creamy texture, acrylic paint is easy to spread and can be built up in layers.

Acrylic paint is also soluble in water and can be thinned with water, making it perfect for washes and glazes. Acrylic paint dries quickly, making it a favorite among artists who want to work fast.

Although it is not as durable as oil-based paints, it can still last many years if properly cared for.

What Does Acrylic Paint Look Like?

Acrylic paint looks like any other kind of paint. It has a cream or paste-like consistency and can be applied to a variety of surfaces.

When dry, it looks like any other kind of paint. However, when wet, it has a glossy sheen that gives it an almost plastic-like appearance.

How to Use Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, metal, and plastic.

It can also be used to create washes and glazes. When using acrylic paint, use a primed canvas or a non-porous surface.

Due to its creamy texture, acrylic paint is easy to spread and can be built up in layers. It can also be thinned with water, making it perfect for washes and glazes.

Reasons for Thickening Acrylic Paint

There are a few reasons why you might want to thicken your acrylic paint. One reason is to create a thick textured paint.

For example, you might want to add dimension to your painting by using thick paint to create raised areas.

Another reason you might want to thicken your paint is to avoid running. This is often an issue when painting on a vertical surface, such as a wall.

Thicken paint might run down the surface before it dries. By thickening the paint, you can avoid this problem.

Finally, you might want to use thicker paint to create a more opaque color. This can be especially useful when painting over a dark color.

What Can You Use to Thicken Acrylic Paint?

There are several options for thickening acrylic paint. One option is to use a modeling paste.

This is a type of paint medium that contains fillers such as clay or plaster, which can add body to the paint.

Another option is to use an acrylic gel medium. Gel mediums can be added to the paint to increase its viscosity.

Finally, you can use Gesso. This type of white paint primer contains fillers such as chalk or talc. Some cool things to do with acrylic gesso include adding opacity and thickness to the paint.

Read also: Chalk paint advantages.

How to Thicken Acrylic Paint – 5 Methods

Now that we know what to use to thicken our paint let’s discuss how to do it.

Method 1: Thickening Acrylic Paint Using Modeling Paste

Materials, tools, and increments needed:

• Textured gel (Modeling paste/resin gel)
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions:

The best way to thicken acrylics is by using modeling paste. Thickening acrylic paint using modeling paste is a simple and effective way to achieve a variety of textural effects.

Adding modeling paste to your paint allows you to create everything from thick, impasto-style brushstrokes to delicate, lace-like patterns.

The key is to experiment and find the ratio of paste to paint that works best for your desired effect.

For example, if you want to create thick, 3-dimensional brushstrokes, you will need to use a higher ratio of paste to paint.

On the other hand, if you want to create a delicate, lacy pattern, you will need to use a lower ratio of paste to paint.

In general, starting with a lower ratio is best, then increasing the amount of paste as needed.

Once you have found the perfect ratio for your project, start by mixing the modeling paste and acrylic paint together.

Next, use a paintbrush to apply the mixture to your surface. Finally, experiment with different brushstrokes to create the desired effect.

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Method 2: How to Make Thick Acrylic Paint Using an Acrylic Gel Medium

Materials, tools, and increments needed:

• Acrylic gel medium
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions:

Acrylic gel medium is a clear, jelly-like substance that you can mix with your paint to give it more body. It’s also great for creating textured effects.

To use it, simply mix a small amount of the textured gel medium with your paint until you have the desired consistency.

You can then apply it to your painting surface in the same way you would regular paint.

Just remember that acrylic gel medium will make your paint dry slower, so allow plenty of time for it to dry completely before adding any additional layers.

Also, when using acrylic gel mediums, you may need to use a higher ratio of paint to medium to achieve the desired consistency.

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Method 3: How to Thicken Acrylic Paint with Gesso

Materials, tools, and increments needed:

• Gesso
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions:

Gesso is a type of white paint often used as a primer and can also be used to add body to thinner paints.

Add a bit of Gesso to your paint and mix it in until you’ve achieved the desired consistency.

You can also add other items like sand or sawdust to your paint to thicken it up, or even use DIY acrylic paint thickeners.

The most important thing to remember while working with Gesso is that it will make your paint dry slower. So, know how long to let gesso dry between coats to allow plenty of time for it to dry completely before adding any additional layers.

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How to Thicken Acrylic Paint at Home

If you don’t have any modeling paste, acrylic gel medium, or Gesso on hand, there are a few household items that you can use to thicken your paint.

The items include flour, cornstarch, baby powder, gelatin, and pectin.

Method 4: How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Using Flour

As we have discussed above, flour is one of the best household ingredients that you can use to thicken your acrylic paint.

Here is a step-by-step process of thickening acrylic paint using flour.

Materials and Ingredients:

• Acrylic paint
• Flour
• Water (optional)

Instructions:

Step One: Begin by adding a small amount of flour to your paint. You can start with about two tablespoons.

If the paint is too thick, you can add water a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step Two: Once you have added the flour, mix it well. You can mix the ingredients together with a paintbrush or palette knife.

Step Three: Continue adding flour until the paint reaches the desired consistency. Remember that you can always add more flour if you find that the paint is too thin.

Method 5: How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Using Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another excellent household ingredient that you can use to thicken your acrylic paint.

Here is a step-by-step process of how to do it.

Materials and Ingredients:

• Acrylic paint
• Cornstarch
• Water (optional)

Instructions:

Step One: The first step is to add a small amount of cornstarch to your paint. You can start with about two tablespoons.

If the paint is too thick, you can add water a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step Two: You will want to mix the cornstarch and paint together. You can use a paintbrush or a palette knife to do this.

While mixing, be sure to add more cornstarch if you find that the paint is too thin.

Step Three: Once the paint has reached the desired consistency, you can use your thickened paint as normal. Remember that you can always add more cornstarch if you find that the paint is too thin.

Method 6: How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Using Baby Powder

Baby powder is another household ingredient that you can use to thicken your acrylic paint.

Here is a step-by-step process for how to do it.

Materials and Ingredients:

• Acrylic paint
• Baby powder
• Water (optional)

A step-by-step process

Step 1: To start, add a small amount of baby powder to your paint. You can start with about two tablespoons.

If the paint is too thick, you can add water a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember that baby powder is very fine, so you don’t need to add much.

Step 2: Mix it well after adding the baby powder. You can use a paintbrush or a palette knife to do this.

Another alternative is to put the paint and baby powder into a zip-top bag and shake it until the two ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Check to see if the paint has reached the desired consistency. If it is too thin, you can add more baby powder a little bit at a time until it reaches the desired thickness.

Remember that you can always add more baby powder if you find that the paint is too thin.

Method 7: How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Using Gelatin

Do you have gelatin in your pantry? If so, you can use it to thicken your acrylic paint. Here is a step-by-step process of how to do it.

Materials and Ingredients:

• Acrylic paint
• Gelatin powder
• Water (optional)

How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Using Gelatin – Step by Step

Step one: Add the two mixtures

First, start by adding a small amount of gelatin powder to your paint. And just like the other methods, add about two tablespoons of the powder.

The gelatin powder amount should be proportionate to the amount of paint you have.

Step two: Mix it up

Then, mix the two substances together until they’re fully combined. You can use a paintbrush or a palette knife to do this.

But an easy method is to put both ingredients into a zip-top bag and shake it until the powder has dissolved.

Step Three: Check the paint’s consistency

Once the powder has dissolved, check to see if the paint has reached the desired consistency.

If it’s too thin, you can add more gelatin powder a little bit at a time until it reaches the desired thickness. You can also add water if the paint is too thick.

But remember that you can’t take it out once you add water. So, add it a little bit at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Step Four: Let it sit for a bit

After you’ve mixed everything, let the paint sit for about 15 minutes to allow the gelatin to dissolve fully.

Step Five: Use it as normal

Once you have your thickened acrylic paint, you can use it like any other paint. Just keep in mind that this method will make your paint slightly sticky.

So, if you’re using it for a project that requires a smooth finish, you may want to try another method.

Method 8: How to Thicken Acrylic Paint Using Pectin

Pectin is another common household ingredient that you can use to thicken your acrylic paint. Here’s how to do it.

Materials and Ingredients:

• Acrylic paint
• Pectin powder
• Water (optional)

Procedure:

Step One: Begin by adding a small amount of pectin powder to your paint. You’ll want to start with about two tablespoons.

If the paint is too thick, you can add water a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember that pectin is a natural thickener, so a little goes a long way.

Step Two: Once you’ve added the pectin powder, mix it thoroughly into the paint until no clumps remain. You can use a brush or a palette knife to do this.

Step Three: That’s it! Your acrylic paint is now thicker and will have a more opaque appearance.

Pectin is also great for extending the life of your paint and preventing it from drying out too quickly.

How to Thicken Up Cheap Acrylic Paint

Do you like painting but find your acrylic paints too thin and watery? Or maybe you’re on a budget and don’t want to splurge on high-quality paints just yet.

Either way, there’s an easy way to thicken up your paint without spending any extra money.

All you need is a bit of cornstarch. Simply mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, and then add it to your paint.

The cornstarch will absorb the excess water in the paint and make it thicker and more opaque. You can add more or less cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency.

Once you’ve thickened up your paint, it will be easier to apply to surfaces and achieve the look you want. So give it a try next time you’re feeling frustrated with thin, watery paint!

How to Make Cheap Acrylic Paint Better

Have you ever bought a cheap bottle of acrylic paint, only to be disappointed by the quality? If so, you’re not alone.

Acrylic paint can be expensive, and cheaper brands often don’t live up to the hype.

However, there are a few simple tricks that you can use to make your cheap paint look and perform better.

One way to improve the quality of your paint is to add a touch of acrylic medium. Medium is a clear liquid that helps to thin the paint and improve its flow.

It also adds a bit of body to the paint, which can be helpful if you’re finding that your cheap paint is too thin.

Simply add a small amount of medium to your paint and mix it well. You may need to experiment with the ratio of paint to medium until you find one that works for you.

Another way to make cheap acrylic paint better is to prime your canvas before you start painting.

This will help to create a barrier between the paint and the canvas, preventing the paint from seeping through and ruining your work.

You can buy pre-primed canvases at most art stores, or you can simply prime your own canvas with Gesso. Either way, priming your canvas will help you achieve

How to Make Acrylic Paint Thinner

What if you find that your paint is too thick? There are a few ways to thin it out.

One way is to add water a little bit at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Another way is to use a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits. Simply add a small amount of solvent to your paint and mix it well.

You may need to experiment with the ratio of paint to solvent until you find one that works for you.

Remember that adding too much solvent will make your paint runny and difficult to work with.

So, add it a little bit at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Once you’ve thinned out your paint, you can use it like you would any other paint.

How to Thicken Acrylic Paint for Impasto

If you want to thicken your acrylic paint so it can be used for impasto techniques, there are a few things you can do.

For example, you can buy a thicker paint (also called an ‘extended body’ acrylic), use a thickening gel or paste medium, or thicken the paint with something like flour or Gesso.

Extended body acrylics have more pigment and binders, making them thicker and less likely to run when applied to the canvas.

They can also be thinned down if necessary. Gel and paste mediums are added to regular acrylic paint to thicken it up. You can find these at most art supply stores.

How to Thicken Acrylic Paint for Dotting

If you’re having trouble getting your acrylic paint to the right consistency for dot painting, there are a few things you can do to thicken it up.

One way is to add a Dotting Medium, a special acrylic paint additive that thickens the paint and makes it easier to control.

Another way is to mix your paint with an equal amount of Powdered Paint Thickener.

This will make the paint thicker and easier to control, but it will also change the color slightly.

Finally, you can add a small amount of Gel Medium to your paint. This will make the paint thicker and more opaque, but it will also make it harder to control.

How to Make Paint Thick for Texture

One way to add texture to your painting is to use thick paint. You can achieve this by adding a little bit of water to your paint to thin it out or by using a thicker paintbrush.

If you’re using a thicker paintbrush, make sure to load it up with plenty of paint so that you don’t have to go over the same area multiple times.

This will help prevent the paint from drying out too quickly and becoming difficult to work with. Once you’ve achieved the desired thickness, start painting!

How to Thicken Latex Paint

Latex paint is a type of water-based paint. If you find that your latex paint is too thin, there are a few things you can do to thicken it up.

One way is to add Fluid Latex Thickener to the paint. This will make the paint thicker and more opaque.

Another way is to add a small amount of PVA glue or Elmer’s Glue-All to the paint. This will make the paint thicker and more opaque, but it will also make it harder to control.

Finally, you can add a small amount of Powdered Paint Thickener to the paint. This will make the paint thicker and easier to control, but it will also change the color slightly.

How to Thicken Oil Paint

One way to thicken oil paints is to add a slow-drying agent or a thickening paste. This will help the paint to dry more slowly, giving you more time to work with it.

You can also add a thickening agent to oil paint in order to make it thicker and more textured. This is a great option if you’re looking to create a heavy impasto effect.

Finally, you can also mix oil paint with a thickening medium. This will change the consistency of the paint without affecting the drying time.

How to Thicken Watercolor Paint

Watercolor paint is a type of water-based paint. If you find that your watercolor paint is too thin, there are a few things you can do to thicken it up.

One way is to add a small amount of Gum Arabic to the paint. This will make the paint thicker and more opaque.

Another way is to add a small amount of Glue-All or Elmer’s Glue-All to the paint. This will make the paint thicker and more opaque, but it will also make it harder to control.

Finally, you can add a small amount of Powdered Paint Thickener to the paint. This will make the paint thicker and easier to control, but it will also change the color slightly.

How to Thicken Tempera Paint

There are a few different ways that you can thicken your tempera paint depending on what materials you have available.

One option is to mix the paint with some flour, which will absorb excess water and help to thicken the paint.

Another potential thickening agent is cornstarch, which can also be mixed into the paint. Finally, you can also add more pigment to the paint to make it thicker.

This option will affect the color of the paint, so be sure to test it out on a piece of scrap paper first.

When considering tempera vs acrylic paint, these methods are specific to tempera paints and not applicable to acrylics.

Pro tip: In case tempera paint spills on your clothes during paintwork, here’s a simple guide on how to remove tempera paint from clothing.

How to Make Paint More Opaque

To make paint more opaque, there are a few things you can do. One is to add white paint to the color you’re using.

This will lighten the hue of the paint and make it more opaque. Another way to make paint more opaque is to add a glaze or varnish.

This will create a barrier between the paint and the surface you’re painting, making it more difficult for the color to show through.

Finally, you can use a thicker brush or roller when applying the paint. This will help to create a more even layer of paint, making it less likely for the color to show through.

Other Posts: Can You Paint Polymer Clay

FAQs

How to Thicken Up Acrylic Paint – Summary

There are a few different ways you can thicken up your acrylic paint.

You can add a gel or paste medium, mix in an equal amount of Powdered Paint Thickener, or add more paint to the mixture.

Experiment with each of these methods until you find one that works for you. Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful.