DIY exercises<\/a> and not for professional artwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCheap epoxy resin fades away in no time and does not offer strong UV protection for your work. For context, they may last 10 to 15 years before discoloration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This would not be ideal for an artwork you want to last for centuries. Hence, for the sake of clarity and not wanting to waste or repeat months of hard work, get art-grade resins like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ProMarine art-grade resin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n This resin is made of non-toxic ingredients and is ideal for professionals and avid DIY enthusiasts. The formula is self-leveling leaving your painting with nothing but a smooth surface and intense shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stone Coat countertop resin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Stone Coat epoxy resin is also not toxic and offers reasonable protection against UV. The sleek resins provide you with everything you need to protect your countertop and enjoy a beautiful (crystal clear) reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Acrylic mediums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n In cases where resins are deemed too thick for a project, acrylic mediums usually save the day. Like epoxy resins, they feature UV protection and last for a very long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are lighter and can be incorporated into most paintings or used as a top coat. It is safe to say they are ideal for soft surfaces like canvas. There are also times when you may not want to deep-coat with epoxy resins. Use acrylic mediums instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To give a material a selective gloss finish, this medium can be mixed with acrylic paint and applied across such areas. You can also build up the thickness of your painting with mediums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When taking this route, you must allow each layer to dry completely before adding another. This requires immense patience but the result will make you proud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only downside with the use of mediums is that they are susceptible to brush or tool strokes. This occurs mostly when they feature thick layers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reduce this, you must try brushing, troweling, and pouring every layer of your painting after drying. If they survive, you are good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the best glossy acrylic mediums?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Like epoxy resins, there are various standards of mediums that can impose a glossy effect on acrylic paint. As a professional in this field, here is a list of mediums I have tested and confirmed great:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Winsor & Newton Galeria acrylic gloss medium<\/h4>\n\n\n\n This is a very popular brand known for providing some of the best glossy effects on acrylic paintings. A factor that makes the Winsor and Newton Galeria medium spectacular is that it takes the form of a gel and a lotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once it dries fully on a painting it gives off a unique translucent effect. This effect is very similar to what you will get from a varnish. How much of the medium you use will also play a role in the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Liquitex Professional acrylic gloss medium<\/h4>\n\n\n\n This medium never fails to leave an impression similar to that of a varnish. In fact, most acrylic paint users believe it is a hybrid product for adding a glossy effect to paintings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Liquitex Professional Acrylic Gloss Medium is very clear and flexible. It offers a quick drying effect and is a good option for educators and scholars carrying out research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Pebeo Studio acrylics pouring medium<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If your expertise is poured paintings, this is the right product for you. Poured paintings have become very popular thanks to their appreciation of flow and support only mediums that will not interfere with their flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pouring medium for acrylic paintings does not alter the colors in your paintings and will leave the surface very smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other mediums may predispose bubbles or eventually become yellow but this should be the least of your worries with the Pebeo Studio Acrylics Pouring Medium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\nCan acrylics be glossy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Acrylic paint is naturally glossy but can be made more glossy depending on what you are working on<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMatte mediums are great for a subtle and non-reflective finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you make flat paint shiny?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The easiest way to make a glossy acrylic paint flat is to sand it by hand.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen carrying out this procedure, please be mindful of outer edges and corners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What makes paint glossy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n A paint becomes more glossy when there are lower pigment concentrations. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis gives the paint a shiny or wet look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What happens if you add water to acrylic paint?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The binding quality of acrylic paint will be thinned if you add water. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis allows the paint to sink into the surface and produce a matte appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you add vinegar to acrylic paint?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Adding vinegar to acrylic paint is a terrible idea<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nVinegar is an acid and will react negatively with paints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n If you wish to give your acrylic painting a glossy effect or any type of finishing, you must consider the background you are working on and how fast you want your result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For projects executed on hard surfaces, varnish and special epoxy resins like the ones I recommended are the best. Paintings on soft surfaces are better suited for acrylic mediums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please remember that varnish, medium, or resins from hardware stores are not advisable for any professional project. Do not cut costs and end up repeating research or projects because it is not getting the recognition it deserves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope you found this guide helpful. Perhaps you are more interested in digital painting, please see the best whiteboard animation software<\/a> to start with.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThanks for reading.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As a painter, you must know how to make acrylic paint appear more glossy. This is because it is one … <\/p>\n
Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14827,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow To Make Acrylic Paint Look Glossy: Simple Methods - LMS Hero<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n