Enhance your acrylic paint with Liquitex Basics Matte Fluid Medium. This versatile medium reduces ...Enhance your acrylic paint with Liquitex Basics Matte Fluid Medium. This versatile medium reduces surface gloss for a flat, matte finish while maintaining your paint's vibrant colour. Ideal for thinning acrylics without compromising pigment strength, it improves flow and workability—perfect for glazing, layering, and detail work. Matte finish: Reduces sheen for a smooth, non-reflective surface. Improves fluidity: Enhances flow without weakening pigment intensity. Versatile application: Suitable for glazing, blending, and extending drying time. Mixable: Easily blends with all Liquitex acrylic colours and mediums. Size: 250ml bottle – great for studio and classroom use. Perfect for artists seeking a more subdued finish or for layering techniques that require reduced gloss. Suitable for use on a variety of surfaces. Liquitex painting medium Painting medium - Improves the colour flow of acrylic paints, ideal for outstanding colour gradients Dries to a matte finish Increases the transparency of acrylic paint Can also be used as collagen adhesive Made in Europe - Liquitex respects the needs of artists and produces the colours to high quality standards in its own factories in France
This guide is for artists using Liquitex Basics Matte Fluid Medium. The primary benefit is achieving a flat, non-reflective matte finish on acrylic paintings. A key consideration is that while it thins your paint, it's designed to maintain pigment strength. This guide will help you understand how to use this medium effectively for various techniques.
All features
Model Part Number
1041005
Brand
Liquitex
Extended Product Information
FAQs
How much medium should I mix with the paint?
Start with a small amount of the medium and gradually add it to your acrylic paint. The ratio depends on the desired consistency and technique, but a 1:1 ratio is a good starting point. Adjust as needed.
Can I use this medium with other brands of acrylic paint?
While it is designed for use with Liquitex products, it can be used with other acrylic paint brands. However, it's always recommended to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility.
Will this medium make my paint more transparent?
Yes, this medium increases the transparency of acrylic paint, which is ideal for glazing and layering techniques.
How do I clean my brushes after using the medium?
Clean brushes immediately after use with soap and water. Ensure that you remove all traces of paint and medium.
Can I use this medium on any surface?
Yes, this medium can be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and more. Always ensure the surface is properly prepared.
What is the shelf life of the medium?
The shelf life is typically several years if stored properly in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the product label for the best-by date.
Does this medium affect the drying time of my paint?
Yes, Liquitex Basics Matte Fluid Medium can extend the drying time of your acrylic paints, allowing for more blending and workability. The exact drying time depends on factors such as humidity, temperature, and layer thickness.
Troubleshooting
Paint appears too glossy after drying.
Ensure that the medium was mixed correctly with the paint and applied in thin, even layers. You may need to add more medium to achieve the matte finish. Check the surface to ensure it is clean before application.
Paint is not flowing smoothly.
Add a bit more Liquitex Basics Matte Fluid Medium to the paint mixture. Ensure that the medium is mixed thoroughly with the paint. Also check that your brush is clean.
Color is significantly altered after drying.
Some color shift is normal due to the matte finish. However, ensure that you are using the correct ratio of medium to paint. The product is designed to minimize color shift. Test on a sample surface first.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides a matte finish, reducing glare and reflections.
Improves paint flow and workability, making it easier to achieve smooth transitions and fine details.
Maintains the vibrancy and color strength of your acrylic paints when thinning.
Suitable for a wide range of techniques, including glazing, layering, and blending.
Extends the drying time, allowing for more control and flexibility.
Easy to mix with other Liquitex products.
Cons
May slightly alter the original color of the paint due to the medium's composition.
The matte finish may not be desired for all artistic applications.
Requires careful mixing to avoid introducing air bubbles.
Can increase the drying time, which might not be ideal for all projects.
May require more layers to achieve desired opacity when thinning significantly.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup: Ensure you have a clean palette, mixing container, and brushes ready before starting. A well-ventilated workspace is recommended.
Compatibility: Liquitex Basics Matte Fluid Medium is fully compatible with all Liquitex acrylic paints and mediums. It can be used on various surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and other materials. Test the medium on a sample surface to check adhesion.
Care:
Storage: Store the bottle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Cleaning: Clean brushes and tools immediately after use with soap and water before the paint dries. Dried paint can be difficult to remove.
Disposal: Dispose of any leftover medium and paint in accordance with local environmental regulations.