These three mediums may appear very similar when applied to a canvas, but they each have unique properties that set them apart. Below, I share how I incorporate them into my work. Feel free to bookmark this page for future reference, and don’t hesitate to post your questions in the comments section—I’ll be happy to respond.
Please note that the product links included in this post are affiliate links. However, I have not received any free products or compensation for the reviews shared here.
Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid: Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid was the first medium I experimented with, and it remains a favorite in my toolkit. Just a drop or two mixed into paint can keep the paint "open" longer, allowing for extended workability. This slow-drying quality enables me to pull ultra-thin veils of color across the canvas, creating subtle layers and depth.
The medium has a slightly greasy feel when rubbed between your fingers, which I describe as having a nice "slip." This texture contributes to its smooth application. Another creative way to use this glazing liquid is to spread a thin layer over dried paint before layering new colors on top. This technique adds dimension and can result in captivating visual effects.
Take note: While its extended open time is advantageous, it can also lift or remove paint if overworked. Interestingly, this property can serve as a cleanup aid. If I extend color into an unwanted area, a clean brush with a tiny amount of glazing liquid worked into the bristles can quickly and easily erase the mistake. This medium should be used in thin layers.
When using this product, I make sure to allow layers to fully dry before applying it again. On cooler days, it can stay wet for a really long time. With careful handling, Golden Acrylic Glazing Liquid is a versatile and invaluable medium for any artist seeking to achieve luminous, layered effects. To me, this is a non-negotiable, studio must have.
Golden Airbrush Medium: Golden Airbrush Medium is my go-to choice when I need to thin my paint for a more fluid effect. Unlike water, which can compromise the integrity of the paint, this medium ensures control and reliability. Excessive water in a paint mixture may weaken the binder, leading to flaking once the paint dries—a risk no artist wants, especially for work intended for collectors.
By using Airbrush Medium, I maintain the pigment strength of my paint while achieving enhanced transparency. This medium offers superior flow control compared to water, making it an indispensable tool for achieving precision and consistency in application.
It is important to note that Airbrush Medium does not extend the drying time of acrylic paint; it dries at the same rate. This characteristic makes it ideal for projects where maintaining the standard drying time is crucial. This medium requires less patience than Glazing Liquid.
For artists seeking a reliable, professional alternative to water for thinning paint, Golden Airbrush Medium provides exceptional results without compromising the quality or durability of the artwork.
Golden OPEN Acrylic Medium: Golden has a line of paints called, OPEN, which stay workable a really long time. I love using this line intermixed with my standard fluid and heavy bodied acrylics. What is great to know is that you can intermix all of the Golden product lines without running into issues with color matching and performance. In my opinion, the OPEN Acrylic Medium stays “wet” longer than the Acrylic Glazing Liquid. So what is the differnce in the two mediums? Here is what I have found:
Golden OPEN Medium is designed to extend the working time of acrylic paints, making it particularly useful for techniques that require blending or layering. By mixing it with your acrylic paint, you can slow down the drying time, allowing longer periods for manipulation and refinement of your work.
This medium is especially helpful for artists who enjoy working in styles that demand smooth gradients, soft edges, or detailed color transitions. It also supports glazing techniques, enabling the creation of transparent layers that add depth and dimension to a painting.
One of its standout benefits is its ability to retain the consistency of the paint, when you are working with heavy bodied paints. This ensures that the paint’s texture and pigment strength remain intact while offering prolonged OPEN time.
Golden OPEN Medium can also be used to rehydrate dried paint on a palette, making it easier to reuse leftover colors and reduce waste. I have found wet paint on my palette for a couple of days when I mix a healthy amount of this medium into the initial color mixtures!
One last tip- I would not mix a load of Glazing Liquid into a bulk color I am working with because of the trouble that can ensue when large quantities of the glazing liquid build up onto each other while wet. I would, however, mix a load of the same color using the OPEN medium as the thinning agent. (If that helps.)
You’ll find each of these products peppered throughout my online workshop supply lists, so I hope this helps you have a little bit better understanding about how I use them in my artwork. If you have any more questions, please leave them below.
