How to Add Texture with Acrylic Gel Mediums

Acrylic gel mediums are an excellent way to add texture and dimension to your paintings. Whether you want to create bold impasto effects or subtle layers of texture, gel mediums give you the flexibility to experiment and bring a tactile quality to your work.

Here’s how to use acrylic gel mediums to add texture to your paintings.

1. Choosing the Right Gel Medium

Gel mediums come in various viscosities, from soft to heavy-bodied. Soft gels provide a smooth, subtle texture, while heavy gels allow you to build thick, bold layers that resemble impasto. Each gel type serves a different purpose, so it’s important to choose the one that suits your creative goals.

Tip:
For subtle texture, use soft or regular gels. For thick textures, opt for heavy or extra-heavy gels.

2. Building Layers with Gel Mediums

Gel mediums are perfect for building texture in layers. You can apply them to your canvas using a palette knife or brush and build up the surface over multiple layers. Once dry, acrylic gels maintain their shape and add a three-dimensional element to your painting.

Tip:
Apply gel mediums in layers, allowing each one to dry before adding the next. This creates a sense of depth and dimension in your painting.

3. Mixing Gel Medium with Paint

One of the most versatile ways to use gel mediums is by mixing them directly with acrylic paint. This thickens the paint and allows you to create bold, sculptural strokes while maintaining colour vibrancy.

Tip:
Mix gel medium with paint to create impasto effects without losing the intensity of the colour.

Final Thoughts

Acrylic gel mediums offer endless possibilities for adding texture and depth to your paintings. Whether you’re creating thick, bold layers or adding subtle texture, gels give you the flexibility to explore new dimensions in your work.

Keep splashing colours! 😊🎨✨