Tri-Art's Acrylic Mediums are accompaniments to the Finest Quality Acrylic Colours. They are designed to provide the enterprising artist with the tools needed to create an endless possibility of effects, textures and finishes. All of Tri-Art's Finest Quality - Professional Acrylic Mediums have been formu- lated with the highest acrylic (binder) to water percentage ensuring an acrylic film, that once dry, is strong and flexible with good stretch. These mediums are compatible with each other and all Tri-Art Acrylic colours and mediums. The only exception to the rule are Tri-Art Additives, which are most effective when used in correct proportions.
When wet, and in their packaging, acrylic mediums may look similar. It can be daunting and confusing when selecting a medium to use in the creative process. This is why it is very important to understand the various attributes and physical properties for each medium in order to distinguish between them and to make informed decisions about possible applications and usage. Equally important is to test one's methods and materials to ensure desired effects prior to applying to a final piece of work.
Poise is the measurement of the viscosity, or thickness, of a viscous substance. The greater the poise number the thicker the medium will be. Tri-Art's Polymer Mediums are thinner and have a smaller poise measurement than the Gel Mediums. Thinner mediums are suited for fine-detail work, glazing, thin and smooth layers. The thicker mediums are ideal for extending colour, glazing and heavier impasto or - textured applications.
GF = Gloss Reflectance Factor
Expressed as a percentage, this number represents the light reflectance factor (sheen) of the product surface. The thicker the layer the greater the refraction of light and reduction of clarity.
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Gloss Mediums are milky when wet, and dry to a glossy, translucent finish with very good clarity. When mixed with acrylic colours and mediums it may increase the gloss factor. |
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Semi-Gloss Mediums are milky when wet, and dry semi-translucent with good clarity. When mixed with other acrylic glossy colours and mediums it will slightly decrease the gloss factor. |
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Matte Mediums are milky when wet, and dry to a frosty and toothy finish with reduced clarity and gloss. When mixed with other glossy acrylic colours it will decrease the gloss factor. The light toothy finish makes them an effective surface for using with drawing media. |
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Additives completely evaporate over time and have no effect on final finish. |
Relative coverage:
VT-very transparent | T-transparent |
RT-reduced transparency | O-opaque |
Acrylic mediums will vary in their clarity and coverage. Transparent mediums will dry to a very clear and transparent film. They are ideal for creating a clear-transparent layer and to increase the transparency of a colour. Semi-Opaque mediums will dry clear with slightly reduced clarity. Opaque mediums will dry totally white or coloured.
Rheology - The viscosity and rheology of our Tri-Art Finest Quality Mediums very specifically, and accurately, describe each of their characteristic handling properties. While viscosity is measured from high to low, rheology is measured from short to long. Mediums with a short rheology will retain crisp, sharp-edge details and textures, while those with a longer rheology will have a tendency to level out and lose detail as it dries. It's like the difference between whipping cream and honey!
RHEOLOGY = short
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RHEOLOGY = long
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Packaging - Tri-Art manufactures all of our packaging on-site. Mediums that are thinner, with a smaller poise number, are packaged in cylinders with a snap cap. This allows for a controlled pouring of the medium. The mediums that are thicker, with a higher poise, are packaged in our jars. These have large openings to enable easy scooping of the medium out of the container.
Finest Quality Polymer Mediums are liquid mediums that can be used to extend and maintain the thin, smooth application of Liquid colours. They may also be used to reduce the viscosity of thick format colours. They will increase the flow of colours without compromising the acrylic paint film. Ideal for thin layer applications, collage, mixed media and fine detailed work.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Low Viscosity Polymer Medium is the ultimate medium for producing thin, level layers and fine-detail brush work. It has a water-like consistency and dries to a permanent, flexible, glossy finish. It can be tinted in any proportion with High Viscosity, Liquid Acrylics or Acrylic Inks to produce luminous glazes or reduce the paints’ viscosity. It is perfect as a decoupage and collage adhesive. Tri-Art Low Viscosity Polymer can be applied with any brush or airbrush.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Tri-Art Polymer Medium is in essence, Tri-Art Liquid Paint without pigment. Ideal for extending colours for smooth applications. It will thin thick-format acrylic paint and increase the flow of colours – perfect for fine detail work. It is extremely adhesive and can be used in collage and craft applications such as decoupage. Made with 100% acrylic emulsion, Polymer Medium will maintain brush strokes and light textures and will dry to a water resistant, flexible film. Polymer Mediums can be added to resoluble water- based paints such as watercolours and gouache to increase water resistance, flexibility and permanance.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Glazing Medium is the ideal medium for creating smooth and luminous glazes with a gloss or matte finish. It retains very subtle brush marks. It is very thin and free-flowing with good adhesion and flexibility. Its consistency allows for veils of layered colours to be applied and to still maintain a smooth and even surface. For thinner glazes it is recommended to use with Tri-Art's Finest Quality Liquid or Ink colours and apply with a wide, soft-haired brush.
Finest Quality Gel Mediums can be used to extend colours without compromising the acrylic paint film. They are available in different finishes and viscosity; low to extremely high, giving artists the ability to decrease or increase the thickness of their colours and control the gloss factor. Use to add depth, create textures, control finish and enhance colour chroma. Ideal for thick layer applications, collage and mixed media.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Low Viscosity Gel has all the flexibility and adhesive power of the Tri-Art Gel Medium with less of the high texture holding capacity. This gel, while still thick, is easy to manipulate, will hold smooth textures and will extend and add body to liquid acrylic colours. It is fully compatible with all other Tri-Art Acrylic colours and mediums and can be diluted with water or Tri-Art Polymer Mediums.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Gel Mediums are, in essence, high viscosity paint without pigment. Formulated from 100% pure acrylic polymer emulsion, Gel Mediums are capable of holding every texture detail from high peaks to a fingerprint, and stays flexible even in thick applications. Their superior adhesive quality also makes them the ideal mediums for collage and mixed media.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Modeling Gel is an ultra-thick gel capable of holding extreme texture. Use to extend and thicken the viscosity of colours. Best applied with spreading tools, this gel is ideal for collaging heavy objects and creating heavy impasto. This medium stays flexible even in thick applications. To maintain optimum clarity, build up heavy textures by applying in relatively thin layers, allow each layer to clarify between coats.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Nepheline Gels are semi-transparent mediums used to create granular textures. They mix easily with Tri-Art Acrylic colours and mediums to create a variety of effects. Nepheline Gels boast the same flexibility and adhesive qualities as other Tri-Art professional Gels and can provide an interesting surface for mixed media applications and interesting textured grounds.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Self-leveling Gels are the ideal medium for creating thick, level glazes or string-like extrusions without brush strokes. Honey-like, It flows over areas of inconsistent textures to create a more uniform surface and dries very smooth. These gels dry to a level, high gloss or matte film.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Dry Media Ground is a medium that seals a surface and dries to an extremely matte finish with a fine, even tooth. It is able to accept colour and is the ideal surface for drawing media.
Modeling Paste is the ideal medium for creating surfaces. It will achieve stiff peaks and crisp, rigid textures. It can also be incised into while wet to achieve engraved surfaces.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Modeling Paste is a premium quality medium that can be used to create textured surfaces on a number of grounds. It is useful for building up surfaces and has a very high viscosity that allows for achieving stiff peaks and crisp, rigid textures. It can also be used to fill cracks and can be sanded and lightly carved once fully cured. It is an ultra-thick medium that is best applied with spreading tools to create textures and heavy impasto.
As it contains calcium carbonate, matting agent and Titanium White pigment, Modeling Paste dries to a matte, opaque and extremely white finish. Modeling Paste can be used alone or in combination with Tri-Art Gesso to create textured grounds.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Modeling Paste Clear is a premium quality medium that can be used to create textured surfaces on a number of grounds. It is an ultra-thick medium that is best applied with spreading tools to create textures and heavy impasto.
Containing large quantities of calcium carbonate and matting agent, this medium has a very short rheology, allowing for heavy impasto applications with superior peak and detail holding capabilities. Grey-white when wet, Clear Modeling Paste will dry translucent, matte and can be tinted with Tri-Art Acrylic colours in any quantity. Remains flexible in thick, layered applications. When fully cured can be carved into and sanded.
Tri-Art's Additives are water-based products designed to slow down the drying time of acrylic paints. They are additives that will completely evaporate from the paint film over time and have no effect on the final finish of paints. Ideal for plein-air painting, airbrush spraying, glazing, working with acrylic-ink pens and printmaking.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Retarder is a thin water-based product designed to slow down the drying time of acrylic paints. It is ideal for using with acrylic paints when plein-air painting. Mixed with acrylic colours and mediums at up to 15%, it increases open-time and allows for greater manipulation.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
This thick gel format of Retarder is formulated for use with Tri-Art's High Viscosity paints and mediums. Ideal for plein-air painting, mono printing and any other technique that requires paint to be wet for longer periods of time. For optimal results do not use more than 20% Retarder Gel with any quantity of paint.
Available in: 60mL, 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Flow release is a medium aimed specially at airbrush acrylics and acrylic inks. It is a potent, low viscosity retarder that greatly reduces the surface tension of the paint or ink while slowing the drying process. The addition of Flow Release to Acrylic Inks and Airbrush Acrylics makes penning, brushing and spraying smoother and easier without beading, crawling, or compromising their chroma or longevity. When used with an airbrush it will significantly decrease the tendency of clogging at the tip of the gun. The amount of Flow Release required will greatly depend on the tool that is used and the humidity levels in the studio when applying.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Silk Screening Base is a water-based product designed to adapt Tri-Art acrylic colours to the silk screening process. It is also an excellent base for block printing. This product is designed for use on paper and other fine-art supports and is not suitable for silk screening on clothing. This medium significantly retards the drying process of acrylics facilitating the cleaning of the screen. The gel-like consistency of the medium produces a crisp print with no bleeding. Combine with High Viscosity or Liquid acrylic colours at a 1:1 ratio. Clean silk screen and tools with soap and water. To remove stubborn dried paint, soak the screen in warm water for a few hours then scrub away the remaining paint.
The Finest Quality Finishes offer artists the option to unify the surface luster of a finished painting, add depth and increase colour chroma.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Final Finish is a self-leveling polymer, designed to unify the luster of a finished painting. Clear drying, this medium can be applied in successive layers to provide a glossy, semi-gloss or matte surface. Apply in thin coats and allow for 12 hours between coats.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Top Coat Soft is a 100% pure water-based urethane suitable as a finishing layer on flexible substrates. Thin and liquid in consistency, Top Coat Soft exhibits the same glass-like clarity as Top Coat Hard, yet is slightly more tacky and sensitive to abrasion. Once dry, it will remain flexible even in multiple layers. To produce thick coats and maintain maximum clarity, apply in thin layers allowing a curing time of 12 to 24 hours between coats. Stir prior to use.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Top Coat Hard is a 100% pure acrylic dispersion suitable as a finishing layer on hard substrates, sculpture and crafts. This very hard, washable, scratch resistant finish is intended for use on rigid surfaces.
Not recommended for flexible, pre-gessoed surfaces or substrates. Use on low quality canvas and substrates could cause uneven shrinkage, warping or even snapping of stretcher bars.
Top Coat Hard is self-leveling and can be brushed, poured, or sprayed to produce a thin protective finish. Remains semi-flexible even in multiple layers. To produce thick coats and maintain maximum clarity, apply in thin layers allowing a curing time of 12 to 24 hours between coats. Stir prior to use.
Gesso prepares surfaces for painting and other applications. Priming a surface with gesso is highly recommended for all
surfaces. Foremost it provides a ground surface for paint to adhere to, reflect or absorb light and protects the substrate
which is very important for painting with oils. It also seals and prevents paint from being absorbed directly into the
surface, therefore reducing the amount of paint consumed.
Tri-Art’s Finest Quality Gessos are made with a high concentration of 100% acrylic emulsion and contain calcium carbon-
ate for the best strength, adhesion, coverage and flexibility. It is a suitable pH neutral ground for both acrylic and oil
paints. It is water permanent when dry and will not crack, rub, flake or lift from the substrate. Gesso is traditionally white
and opaque in coverage, it provides a reflective layer that enhances colour vibrancy.
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
Available in: 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2.3L, 3.78L, 16L
visual appearance of the substrate.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
Opacifying Medium is a liquid mediums that will radically opacify transparent and semi-opaque colours without white! Retains the true hue of the colour while providing added hiding power. Hollow acrylic micro-spheres work to scatter the light, creating a dry-hide effect. Milky and translucent when wet, Opacifying medium dries optically opaque and matte. Can be mixed with Tri-Art Acrylic colours in any proportion.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
This product has improved lightfastness and weatherability compared to conventional polymers. Indirectly provides protection to the painted surface it is covering. Dries to a gloss, semi-gloss or matte clear, water-permanent film.
Available in: 120mL, 250mL, 500mL, 1000mL, 2L, 3.78L, 16L
UV Reactive Polymer reacts under black light with glowing bright- ness, while remaining virtually invisible in normal light. A liquid medium that dries to a permanent, flexible, matte or gloss finish. Must be viewed with Black Lighting to experience full visual effect.
Working with the philosophy of our re-harvesting pigment and particulate from our waste water to make our Sludge, we have developed a unique series of acrylic mediums.
Opaque Particles, Consistent Shape and Size of Particles
Opaque Particles, Consistent Shape and Size of Particles, Lightly - walnut tinted medium
Variety in the shape and size of particles
Transparent, Consistent Shape and Size of Particles
All Tri-Art products have been carefully tested and researched so as to adhere to standards of the highest quality. As the variety and scope of artistic expression, material combination and methods is ever increasing, no guarantee as to the performance of any of our products can be given. To ensure the best possible results, we strongly recommend that all products be tested prior to application. Tri-Art Manufacturing Incorporated takes no responsibility and will accept no claims for damages or unsatisfactory results ensuing from the direct or indirect application of its products.