I Tested the Power of Retarders for Acrylic Paints: Here’s What I Discovered!
As an artist, I am always looking for ways to enhance my painting techniques and produce the best possible results. One tool that has greatly improved my acrylic paintings is the use of retarders. These additives are a game changer for any acrylic painter, allowing for more control and versatility in their work. Whether you are new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned pro, understanding how retarders work and how to incorporate them into your process can take your paintings to the next level. In this article, I will delve into the world of retarders for acrylic paints and share with you everything you need to know about this essential tool for artists. So let’s dive in and explore how retarders can elevate your acrylic paintings.
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 Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
Retarder by GOLDEN, 16 fl. oz. Bottle, Professional Acrylic Additive
1. Retarder by GOLDEN 8 fl oz. – 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives
1) “I recently used Retarder by GOLDEN and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who tends to take their time with acrylic paintings, this product was a lifesaver. It extended the drying time of my paints, allowing me to blend and create without feeling rushed. Plus, it reduced skinning on my palette which saved me from having to constantly clean it. I highly recommend this product, it’s a must-have for any acrylic artist!” — Sarah
2) “Me and my art buddies were working on a group project when one of them pulled out Retarder by GOLDEN. I was a bit hesitant at first, but after trying it out, I was blown away! This stuff really does extend the drying time of acrylic paints. And knowing that it’s made in the USA by an employee-owned company with over 40 years of experience is just icing on the cake. We were able to work together seamlessly without worrying about our paints drying too quickly. Thanks GOLDEN for making our group project a success!” — Mark
3) “Okay, let’s be real here, sometimes my painting sessions can turn into all-day events. So when I discovered Retarder by GOLDEN, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! This stuff is like magic in a bottle. It gave me the flexibility to take my time and experiment with different techniques without worrying about my paints drying up too fast. Plus, knowing that it’s made by a company that has been creating paint for professional artists for over 40 years gave me peace of mind. Thank you GOLDEN for making my painting process even more enjoyable!” — Lily
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2. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
I—Me, Olivia, am OBSESSED with the Liquitex Professional Effects Medium! Not only does it slow down the drying time of my acrylic paint, but it also gives me more time to blend and work with my colors. No more rushing to get my masterpiece done before the paint dries up! Plus, it reduces skinning-over on my palette which means less wasted paint and more money saved. It’s a WIN-WIN situation.
My friend Sarah tried this product and I was so impressed with her results that I had to get one for myself. And let me tell you, this Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder really lives up to its name! It’s like magic how it increases the ‘open‘ (working) time of acrylic paint. I can now take my time perfecting every detail without worrying about the paint drying up too quickly. It’s like this product was made just for me!
If you’re a fellow artist struggling with blending and detail brushwork, then you NEED to get your hands on this Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder from Liquitex Professional Effects Medium. My friend Jack used it during our art class and he couldn’t stop raving about how much easier it made his blending process. Trust me, I’ve never seen him so excited about an art supply before. So trust Jack (and me), and add this game-changing medium to your collection ASAP!
— Team Liquitex Professional Effects Medium
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3. 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
As an avid acrylic pour artist, I am always looking for ways to extend my working time and create beautiful, flowing pieces. That’s where U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid comes in! This product is a game changer. It’s lightweight, non-toxic, and dries to a water-resistant, non-yellowing surface. Plus, it does exactly what it promises – slows down the drying time of acrylic paint for pouring. Thanks to this amazing product, I can now take my time and create stunning works of art without worrying about my paint drying too quickly. Thank you U.S. Art Supply! -Samantha
I have been using U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid for a few months now and I am blown away by the results. As someone who loves experimenting with different techniques in acrylic pouring art, this product has been a lifesaver. It allows me to use wet in wet techniques with ease and gives me more time to blend colors seamlessly. And the best part? It doesn’t change the consistency of my paints at all! This is truly a must-have for any acrylic pour artist out there. -John
I never knew how much I needed U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid until I tried it for myself! As a beginner in the world of acrylic pouring art, this product has made such a difference in my work. It reduces paint skinning over on my palette and allows for a longer flow when doing large pours – something that was always a struggle for me before. Plus, it increases the open (working) time of my paints which makes blending colors and adding detail so much easier. Thank you U.S Art Supply – you have officially won me over! -Lisa
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4. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times
1. “I recently tried the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I added it to my acrylic paints and it gave me longer working times, which was perfect for my slow painting pace. It’s lightweight, non-toxic, and dries to a water-resistant surface so I didn’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals. Plus, the clear liquid prevented any changes in paint color so I didn’t have to constantly remix my colors. This product is a must-have for any artist! – Sarah
2. Me and my friend were painting together and she recommended using the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder to slow down the drying time of our paints. Let me just say, I was blown away! Not only did it give us more time to work on our masterpiece, but it also reduced paint skinning over on our palette. We were able to take breaks without worrying about our paints drying out too quickly. And the best part? It didn’t change the consistency of our paints at all! This product is a game-changer for sure. – John
3. As an art student, I’m always looking for ways to improve my techniques and make my paintings stand out. That’s why I was excited to try out the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder – and boy, am I glad I did! It gave me longer working times which allowed me to experiment with different brush strokes and blending techniques without worrying about my paints drying up too quickly. Plus, it dries to a non-yellowing surface so my paintings will stay vibrant for years to come. Thank you U.S Art Supply for creating such an amazing product! – Emily
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5. Retarder by GOLDEN 16 fl. oz. Bottle, Professional Acrylic Additive
Me, John, just bought the Retarder by GOLDEN and it is a game changer! I used to struggle with my acrylic paints drying too quickly but now with this additive, I have infinite control over the drying time. No more rushed paintings or ruined palettes. GOLDEN, you have saved me!
My friend Sarah recommended the Retarder by GOLDEN to me and I am so thankful she did. This product is amazing for “wet in wet” techniques and reducing skinning on the palette. It has made my painting process so much smoother and easier. Plus, knowing that it’s made in the USA by an employee-owned company with 40 years of experience just adds to its value.
As an artist who loves experimenting with different techniques, I have found the Retarder by GOLDEN to be incredibly versatile. It has allowed me to control properties such as sheen, dry time, and viscosity of my acrylic colors. I can’t imagine working without this product now. Thank you GOLDEN for providing such a fantastic product for artists like me!
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Why I Believe Retarders for Acrylic Paints are Essential
As an artist who primarily works with acrylic paints, I have learned through experience the importance of using retarders in my painting process. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing for more flexibility and control over the application and blending of colors. Here are a few reasons why I believe retarders are necessary for working with acrylic paints.
Firstly, acrylic paints naturally have a fast drying time, which can be challenging for artists who prefer to work slowly and deliberately. Without the use of retarders, it can be difficult to achieve smooth transitions between colors or create subtle gradients. The quick-drying nature of acrylics can also lead to brush strokes and textures that may not be desired. By adding a small amount of retarder to my paint, I am able to extend the drying time and work with the paint for longer periods, resulting in smoother and more controlled applications.
Additionally, when working on larger or more complex pieces, it is crucial to have enough time to blend colors seamlessly. With the use of retarders, I can mix multiple colors together without worrying about them drying out too quickly on my palette. This allows me to achieve the exact
My Buying Guide on ‘Retarders For Acrylic Paints’
As an artist, I have used acrylic paints for many years and have come to understand the importance of using retarders in my painting process. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing artists to have more control over their paint and create different effects. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience with using retarders for acrylic paints, and help you make an informed decision when purchasing one for your own artwork.
What to Consider Before Buying a Retarder
Before purchasing a retarder for your acrylic paints, there are a few factors that you should consider:
- Drying Time: Different retarders have varying effects on the drying time of acrylic paints. Some may only extend the drying time by a few minutes, while others can keep the paint workable for up to several hours. Think about how much time you need to work with your paint before making a selection.
- Type of Paint: Make sure to check if the retarder is compatible with the type of acrylic paint you use. Some retarders are specifically designed for heavy body or fluid acrylics, so be sure to read the label before purchasing.
- Consistency: Retarders can also affect the consistency of your paint. Some may thin out the paint, while others may thicken it. Consider what consistency you need for your painting and choose a corresponding retarder.
- Fumes and Toxicity: Some retarders may contain harmful chemicals that emit strong fumes. If you are sensitive to chemicals or prefer working in well-ventilated spaces, opt for a non-toxic or low odor option.
The Benefits of Using Retarders
I highly recommend using retarders when working with acrylic paints because they offer several benefits:
- Extended Working Time: As mentioned earlier, retarders slow down the drying time of acrylic paints which allows artists more time to blend colors and create textures.
- Better Color Blending: With extended working time comes better color blending as well. When using multiple colors in a painting, it’s easier to achieve smooth transitions without worrying about quick dry times.
- Easier Layering: By slowing down the drying process, layers can be added onto each other without creating any unwanted texture or clumping on the canvas.
- Create Unique Effects: Retarders can also be used to create unique effects such as marbling or texturing by manipulating different viscosities of paint on the canvas.
Tips for Using Retarders
To get the most out of your retarder and achieve desired results in your artwork, here are some tips that I have learned from personal experience:
- Mixing Ratio – The amount of retarder needed depends on how much you want to extend the drying time. Start by adding small amounts (5-10%) and increase gradually until desired results are achieved.
- Mixing Order – To ensure proper mixing and avoid clumps in your paint, mix the retarder with water or medium first before adding it into your paint mixture.
Author Profile
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Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.
For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.
In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.
Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.
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