this is so interesting! I'm so gald everyone is responding so much, I really appreciate all the input and involvement. I should have been spending more time on the art forum all along.
My favorite acrylic maker is Golden. That is all they do, and their on-going research and service to painters is wonderful.
You can get retarders for acrylics though I've never used them (I prefer oils). Just look at the online art supplies companies for lists and prices.
I often use Griffin Alkyds for their quick drying properties (oils) they dry overnight. I use turps/linseed oil or liquin, that way I can glaze or whatever the next day - sometimes later the same day if they've been used thinly and the day is warm.
Yes you can get drying medium to mix with ordinary oils - which is ok if you use lots of medium, generally I don't.
Extend open time on your acrylics
Hi,
The best thing I've found for extending trying time is from Golden. They have a few types of additives for this but one I used is their retarder. You could check the website for all the details but try them.
What can I add to acrylics
Any art supply store would have acrylic retardants and extenders; if you don't see them right aay, just ask. Liquitex is a good brand. I haven't used Golden for such things, only for their paints.
I don't think acrylics need look flat. It depends on how you handle them. I've gotten some very subtle results with acrylics. I think it partly depends on whether you use tubes which contain thicker paint or medium viscosity paint in jars.
About the water-based oils - I've used them, but they take a long time to dry properly; they are, after all, oil.
for those of a DIY nature, acetone and glycerine will retard acrylics, when you smell acrylics there is a ketone smell to them so, I believe any ketone that the paint shops sell will work.
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acetone in acrylic?
That works? Do you need a very small amount of acetone to glycerine? Or visa-versa? I thought acetone would have a faster drying effect.
Mmmm...
yes small amounts. The acetone is to resolve the glycerine which is the retardant. Try tiny amounts till you figure out your needs. You can buy all the stuff in drug stores or paint stores
a little dab worked fine...
So, I tired the acetone, just a few drops to a quarter-sized dab of a glycerine I found on hand (made for cashiers to keep their fingers from drying) and made what was at first a glossy mess. I added it to a good amount of what I think is student grade acrylic, and it made it glossy at first, but it was wet for a while. I think next time I'll use an old wet tracing paper technique I used when I was in school. The wet paper and the acetone/glycerine should be a good combo to drive out the dry.
Thanks, Farmerman!
Osopaja
