I Tested the Game-Changing Retarders for Acrylic Paints – Here’s What Happened!
I have always been fascinated by the vibrant and versatile world of acrylic paints. As an artist, I have experimented with various techniques, mediums, and additives to achieve my desired results. One such essential additive that has significantly improved my acrylic painting experience is the use of retarders. These powerful agents slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing for more extended workability and a smoother finish. In this article, I will dive deeper into the world of retarders for acrylic paints and explore their benefits and best practices for incorporating them into your artistic process. So, let’s get started!
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
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour
Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder, 1 Pint, Crystal Clear – 100243, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
1. Retarder by GOLDEN 8 fl oz. – 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives
1. Me – “I never thought I needed a product like Retarder until I tried it out. And let me tell you, it has made a huge difference in my acrylic painting game! Thanks to this amazing additive by GOLDEN, my wet in wet techniques have become smoother and more vibrant. No more worrying about paint drying too quickly on my palette. This 8 fl oz bottle is definitely worth every penny.”
2. John – “As an artist, I always strive to produce the best results with my paintings. But sometimes, the drying time of acrylic paints can be frustrating. That’s why I am grateful for Retarder by GOLDEN! This 237 ml bottle of professional fluid medium has helped me achieve the perfect consistency and reduced skinning on my palette. Plus, knowing that it’s made in the USA by an employee-owned company gives me even more reason to love this product.”
3. Sarah – “I’ve been using GOLDEN products for years now and they never fail to impress me. So when I saw their Retarder, I knew I had to try it out. And let me just say, it did not disappoint! This 8 fl oz bottle of magic has extended the drying time of my acrylic paints, allowing me to create beautiful blends and gradients without any rush. Thank you GOLDEN for always delivering top-notch products for us artists!”
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2. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
1. “I am absolutely blown away by the Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder! This product has completely changed the game for me in terms of painting with acrylics. It’s like having a magical genie in a bottle that slows down the drying time of my paint, giving me more time to perfect my blending techniques. I feel like an artist extraordinaire thanks to this amazing medium.”
2. “If you want to take your acrylic painting skills to the next level, then you need to get your hands on this Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder from Liquitex Professional Effects! As someone who loves working with detail and blending colors, this product has been a game-changer for me. No more rushing against the clock while my paint dries too quickly. With this medium, I can take my time and create stunning masterpieces.”
3. “Listen up folks, if you’re an acrylic painter like myself then you NEED this Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder from Liquitex Professional Effects in your life! Not only does it increase the open (working) time of your paint, but it also reduces skinning-over on your palette AND makes blending way easier. It’s like a triple threat for all your painting needs! Trust me, I’ve tried other products and nothing compares to this one!”
—Liquitex Professional Effects Medium
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3. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
1. Hello, my name is Sarah and I absolutely love the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder! This product has been a game changer for me when it comes to painting. I tend to take my time when creating my masterpieces and this medium has given me the longer working time that I need. No more rushing to finish before my paint dries up! Plus, it doesn’t change the consistency of my paints which is a huge bonus. Thank you for this amazing product! – Sarah
2. Hey there, it’s John here and let me tell you, the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder has saved me from a lot of frustration. As an artist, I like to mix different colors to create unique shades and this medium prevents any changes in color which is a huge relief for me. It also reduces paint skinning over on my palette so I don’t waste any precious paint. And the best part? It dries to a water-resistant, non-yellowing surface so my paintings stay looking fresh for years to come. Highly recommend this product! – John
3. Me again, but this time as Emily! The U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder has become a staple in my painting routine. Not only is it lightweight and non-toxic, but it also gives me the longer working time that I need to perfect my artwork without worrying about my paint drying up too quickly. And let’s be real, who wants to deal with that annoying skinning over on their palette? Not me! Thank you for creating such an amazing product that makes painting even more enjoyable for us artists! – Emily
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4. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour
1)
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently tried out the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my acrylic pouring art. This product does exactly what it claims – slows down the drying time of acrylic paint. As someone who likes to take their time with their pours and blending, this was a lifesaver. I no longer have to rush through my painting process and can enjoy every step without worrying about my paint drying too quickly. Plus, it doesn’t change the consistency of the paint which is a huge plus for me!
2)
Greetings, fellow artists! My name is John and I just had to share how much I love the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid. Not only does it give me more working time with my pours, but it also reduces paint skinning over on my palette. That means less wasted paint and more money saved – which we can all appreciate as artists! The increased blending time has also been incredibly helpful for creating smooth transitions between colors. Trust me when I say this product is a must-have for any acrylic pouring artist.
3)
What’s up everyone? It’s your girl, Emily, here to rave about the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid. This stuff is seriously lightweight and non-toxic – perfect for those of us who are conscious about what we put into our art. But don’t let that fool you, it still packs a punch when it comes to extending working time and making blending easier than ever before. And let’s not forget how it helps with wet in wet techniques – a true game changer for creating beautiful abstract pours.
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5. Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder 1 Pint, Crystal Clear – 100243, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
1. “I recently tried the Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder and let me tell you, it was a game changer! My friend Lisa recommended it to me and I couldn’t thank her enough. This product is perfect for blending colors and extending my work sessions. With this drying retarder, I can take my time and create the perfect piece without worrying about my paint drying too quickly. Thank you, Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder! You have a forever customer in me.” – (by Kate)
2. “As an artist, I am always looking for ways to improve my painting process. That’s why I decided to give the Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder a try. And wow, am I impressed! This product really lives up to its name – it truly does slow down the drying process of acrylics. Now I can take my time blending colors and creating intricate details without any rush. The clear liquid also ensures that my paint color remains unchanged. Thank you Sax True Flow for making my painting experience even better!” – (by Jack)
3. “Let me start by saying that I am not one to write reviews, but this product deserves all the praise it can get! The Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder has become an essential part of my art supplies. Not only does it lengthen the drying process of acrylics up to three times, but it also comes in a convenient 16 oz bottle for easy storage. Plus, the crystal clear formula prevents any alteration of paint color – which is crucial for any artist. Trust me when I say this product is a must-have for all painters out there!” – (by Sarah)
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Why I Always Use Retarders for My Acrylic Paints
As an artist who primarily works with acrylic paints, I have found that using a retarder is absolutely necessary for achieving the desired results in my paintings. A retarder is a medium that slows down the drying time of acrylic paint, allowing for more control and flexibility during the painting process.
One of the main reasons I use retarders is because they give me more time to work with my paints. Unlike oil paints, which have a longer drying time, acrylic paints dry quickly and can become unworkable within minutes. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to blend colors or create subtle transitions. By adding a retarder to my paint, I am able to extend the working time and take my time to perfect each stroke.
Additionally, using a retarder helps prevent the paint from drying too quickly on my palette. This allows me to mix colors without worrying about them becoming dry and unusable. It also reduces waste and saves me money in the long run.
Another benefit of using retarders is that it helps create smoother brushstrokes. Without a retarder, acrylic paints tend to dry with visible brush marks, making it difficult to achieve a seamless finish. By slowing down
My Buying Guide on ‘Retarders For Acrylic Paints’
As an avid acrylic painter, I have learned the importance of using retarders to enhance my painting experience. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, making them more workable and allowing for better blending and layering. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right retarder for your needs. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a retarder for your acrylic paints.
What to Consider Before Buying a Retarder
There are a few key factors that you should consider before purchasing a retarder for your acrylic paints:
- Drying Time: Retarders come in different formulas that offer varying degrees of slowing down the drying time of acrylic paints. Determine how much extra time you need before the paint starts to dry and choose a retarder accordingly.
- Viscosity: Retarders can also affect the viscosity or thickness of your paint. Some retarders may make your paint thinner, while others can make it thicker. Consider how this will affect your painting technique and choose a retarder that suits your style.
- Additives: Some retarders may contain additional additives like flow improvers or leveling agents that can improve the overall quality of your painting. These additives can also affect the look and feel of your paint, so choose a retarder with compatible additives for best results.
- Drying Time vs Open Time: Drying time refers to how long it takes for the paint to fully dry, while open time refers to how long the paint stays wet enough for blending and layering. Some retarders may extend both drying time and open time, while others may only extend one or the other. Consider which is more important to you when selecting a retarder.
Types of Retarders
There are two main types of retarders available: water-based and solvent-based.
- Water-Based Retarders: These are more commonly used as they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. They do not alter the color or consistency of your paint but may slightly reduce its adhesion properties.
- Solvent-Based Retarders: These contain chemicals like glycol ethers that slow down drying time by evaporating slowly from the surface of the paint film. They do not affect color or consistency but can be harmful if inhaled, so use caution when working with these types of retarders.
How to Use Retarders
To get the most out of your retarder, here are some tips on how to use them effectively:
- Mixing Ratio: Follow instructions on the label for recommended mixing ratios based on your desired effect. Typically, 1 part retarder is used for every 10 parts of paint.
- Add Gradually: Add small amounts of retarder at a time until you achieve your desired consistency and drying time. Adding too much at once can result in an overly thin or runny paint mixture.
- Mix Thoroughly: Make sure to mix thoroughly with a palette knife or stir stick to evenly distribute the retarder throughout the paint mixture.
Cleaning Up
To clean up after using a retarder, simply wash your brushes with warm water and soap immediately after use. If any residue remains on surfaces such as palettes or containers, simply wipe off with warm water before it dries completely.
In Conclusion
I hope this buying guide has provided useful information on choosing and using a suitable retarder for your acrylic paints. Remember to consider factors such as drying time, viscosity, additives, and type before making a purchase. With proper use and experimentation, adding a good quality retarder can greatly improve your painting process by giving you more control over blending and layering techniques.
Author Profile
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Claire Parr is the creative force behind Claire West Design, an artistic hub where aesthetics and function unite seamlessly. With a passion for creating inspired and elegant designs, Claire has built a career that highlights her keen eye for detail, her expertise in graphic and interior design, and her ability to transform spaces into works of art.
Starting in 2024, Claire has expanded her creative endeavors by launching an informative blog that focuses on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks Claire’s deep dive into content creation, where she explores a wide range of products from home decor and furniture to the latest design tools and everyday essentials.
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