Here’s a quick guide for using your Acrylic Retard Medium to slow down the drying time of acrylic paints and improve blending:
- What it is
- • An acrylic‐based additive (often glycol or similar retardant)
- • Designed to extend open‐working time of acrylics without compromising adhesion
- Basic mixing ratios
- – Light retardation (minor slowdown): add 5–10% retard medium by volume to your paint
- – Moderate retardation (good for wet-on-wet blending): 10–20% retard medium
- – Heavy retardation (very slow drying, glazing applications): up to 30% (use sparingly!)
- How to use
- a. Shake the bottle well before use.
- b. Dispense your acrylic paint onto palette.
- c. Drop in a little retard medium.
- d. Mix thoroughly with a palette knife or brush until the color and medium are fully integrated.
- e. Apply paint as usual—now you’ll have more time to smooth out edges, blend colors, or create glazes.
- Tips & tricks
- • Test first: everyone’s studio conditions (temperature, humidity) differ—do a small test stripe to find your ideal ratio.
- • Avoid over-thinning: too much medium can weaken the paint film, make it tacky, or reduce opacity.
- • Layering: let each layer dry to touch before adding a heavily retarded next layer, otherwise you may get surface tackiness.
- • Working temperature: cooler rooms will further slow drying—be mindful if you work in an air-conditioned or very humid environment.
- Cleanup & storage
- • Clean brushes and palette with soap and water immediately after use.
- • Tightly cap the bottle after use to avoid evaporation/contamination.
- • Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight—do not freeze.
- Safety
- • Non-toxic once dry; wash skin with soap and water if spills occur.
- • Good ventilation recommended for longer glazing sessions.