I got the sense that he was like deliberately trying to reference another more offensive meaning to the word. Like he thought it was cute or funny but it’s just cringey and weird. Like is supposed to be acting like a 9 nine old or it just seems that way? I can’t tell.
You seriously are the LAST person who needs to be trying to call ANYBODY else out for any damn thing!! You need attention so desperately that you haul your ignorantly informed ass all the way to TH-cam just so you can glorify hate speech under the guise of helping others?? You're a miserable excuse for a man.
PC has gone too far. He’s just addressing the discomfort of working with the word and he does it with humor. It’s not hate speech, it shouldn’t offend anyone.
Fast drying acrylics for blocking in. Slower drying acrylics for developing and finishing. Many oil painters use acrylics for blocking in and then switch to oils.
@@suzziexx 'Blocking in' is a basic step in the painting process. Michael James Smith has some good videos of 'blocking in' so you may want to put 'Michael James Smith blocking in' into the TH-cam searchbox.
I live in a climate where my acrylic paint dries from the palette, on the brush, on its way to the canvas. i literally pick up the paint from the palette, and when it reaches the canvas, the paint has dried on the brush.
I moved to the desert last year and my acrylics caused a damn riot. Dry, hot air + Acrylics? The devils work. Acrylic retarder has saved my sanity. I hadn't considered adding the retarder to the water. iiiiiinnnnnnteresting.....
Okay, I've just been all through the comments and no-one's mentioned this brand yet. If you want some acrylics that are not only slow to dry, but can be made to be super slow to dry **AND REWORKABLE** try Atelier Interactive paints. They make an "Unlocking Formula" that you can spray on their "dry" acrylics (even days later) that will make the paint reworkable. This varies depending on thickness but is invaluable for blending. Not only that but I have had palettes (food containers with lids) remain totally useable for TWO MONTHS (stopped testing after this time). And for when you want the paint to dry faster they make an additive to do just that!
@@jinxxxxxxxxx Oof, 7 months later… No, it’s not shiny gouache. Traditional gouache can be reactivated forever unless it’s sealed. The Atelier acrylics do eventually become permanently dried.
@@goilo888 So, because you are looking for a solution to make acrylic paint liquid for longer, I am also looking for a solution to keep paraffin liquid for longer. I thought maybe you or someone else can help.
Very interesting when I ever used a retarder on my paints would mix them on the palette but now I may try and use it the water and wet the canvas with the water+retarder mixture or get one of them spray bottles and put the water retarder mixture into that and lightly spray the paints with it. To me either way may work.
I got this tip from an experienced painter, glycerin is an excellent retarder. use the back of a brush to drip a few drops to your acrylic paint. It works great and I have been using it for years.
This was interesting because I've always had acrylics dry too fast, then when I used retarding medium they dried too slow! Now I realise I would have been better to put the retarder in the water. I actually just purchased some water soluble oils to see if they were better for me than acrylic. But then I had to get fast drying medium as well because oils dry too slow. Patience is a virtue that I, too, do not possess apparently.
When using gel I have discovered that I pour paint off of the campus and it’s impossible to use it when it keeps doing that so apparently I’m not letting the underlayer dry hard enough with that be a problem with that would be a problem
I got this thing called acrylic flow medium and I really have no clue what it does I just thought it would help me blend better but I dont think ot does
Actually, I'm new in the creative arts world - so I started watching these to learn something and through the silliness I have learned a lot. I work mostly with watercolor, but I want to get into acrylic when my skills have improved. And yeah - I watch mostly because it's you.
When I tried Turner Acryl gouche for the first time I was surprised by how fast they would dry. But as I loved their matte finish and rich colors I tried using a gel retarder by Golden. It really helped extend the drying time. I'm now trying the Turner brand retarder which is a much thinner consistancy but works just as well.
I have recently started learning acrylic painting and OMG they dry SOOOO fast. I was not happy with my first attempt. I tried acrylics because oils take so long to dry. I need a happy medium so I am researching ways to change drying times. This is great information and demonstration. Thank you very much. BTW I love Jerry's Artarama! I get most of my supplies from you!
I want to keep the paraffin liquid for at least ten minutes before it solidifies again, if you know of a product to keep it in that liquid state and you want to tell me, I'll be very grateful
The Golden Open are nice, but you have to think of them as their own category. Experiment to get the feel of them. I also have some of their special thinner & mediums for consistency. The most frustrating aspect is what was alluded to in the video... if you forget they are slower drying and attempt to paint or glaze over a layer that's not dry, you get a sticky mess. A great way to use them is create your underlayer with fast drying acrylic & then come in with Open or your modified acrylics to add your subtle blends, etc.
The point for me is slow drying to get the sky and landscape in with ability to blend the colors together, after that, I’m good with the faster dry time.
A good, concise explanation. Thank you. I live in a place where the humidity is very low and my acylics dry way too fast. Also it's difficult in this country to access art supplies, and when I do find them, they're prohibitively expensive. BUT I discoved that I can easily make my own acrylic paint retarder using 2 inexpensive and easy to find ingredients: glycerine and propelene glycol. Just mix them in equal parts and keep the solution in a small bottle.
It makes sense to keep control of the drying process, even if it requires a bit more work. However, if you are suddenly inspired and want to paint, but can not because the color stays wet, it can be very annoying
I actually didn't know retardants for acrylics were a thing. I started off painting with acrylics but found watercolor more free and appealing. Acrylics drying fast on me was both a blessing and a curse. Now I'm wanting to try it again and use these.
So I get what you are saying and as example, I mix up a special color - small amount for part of a painting and then go on with the rest but need to come back to that mix when applying and blending highlights. Bam - my special color mix is hard as the plastic it sits on. Maybe, I will add the retarder to my special color mix so it is still open for the highlights. Thanks for the tips.
Its been 2 years since this comment but in case this reaches you - can you tell me which wet palette you use? I made one to save money, and the next day when I opened it the paint was a weird watery gooey consistency lol. Ive heard mized reviews about the wet palettes in store, so Id love to try one that for sure works if im going to spend the money!
@@Highlikeheaven89 Hi Nicolle, I can't believe I saw your post! I use the Masterson sta-wet palette. It has 3 parts. The box with an airtight lid, flat sponges that fit in the box, and acrylic paper. If you don't want to spend the money on this you can also try a shallow plastic box with an airtight lid. You should be able to get these at a craft store or online. Just choose a size that you like working with. Instead of the sponge on the bottom of the box use paper towels. They need to be moist, but not dripping wet. You may have had too much water on your homemade wet palette. This is an easy fix. Just experiment a little until you get the right amount of moisture to keep the paints fresh, but not soggy. Instead of the acrylic paper, you can use parchment paper. This is in the baking section of the grocery. Be sure to get parchment paper and not wax paper. Another tip is to store the box in the fridge when not in use. This helps it to last longer also. Just keep them cool don't freeze them. Hope this is helpful!
Another option instead of paper towels are those reusable cloths for wiping up messes. They're thinner than a kitchen towel and sturdier than a paper towel so when you moisten it you can squeeze out the excess water and it won't tear easily. I use these also to dab water off my brush and keep my hands clean. I buy generic off Amazon and use them all over the house. Best of luck to you keeping your acrylics moist!
Yep, exactly what I needed to hear today. Working with a palette knife, the acrylics were drying in my palette far too fast, so I tried oils this morning ------ slushy and muddy colors ---- back to acrylics and hoping this will solve the issue. Thanks, I enjoyed your video
As a cheap alternative to a slow dry gel medium, I would use hair gel that contains PVP and propylene glycol and it works just fine and won't affect the consistency of the acrylic paint. Just use a small amount otherwise the paint will get sticky and it won't dry.
David Stephenson..which brand hair gel do you use. Just to be sure , do you mix these 2, hair gel and propylene glycol together. Or can you use separate?
I watch Lachri Fine Art's channel, and she uses an airbrush to mist water onto her canvas as she works with acrylics to keep them dry for hours. She says using a regular spray bottle doesn't work because of irregular water droplets (which would give your painting spots). I haven't tried it myself since I don't own an airbrush, but I thought it was an interesting way to get around acrylic's fast drying time.
I watch Lachri too. If you don't want to bother with an airbrush you can get a fine, even mist spray bottle like Flairosol which should work pretty well.
I am an oil painter trying to switch to acrylic for toxicity reasons. Oils dry very slowly but acrylics dry SOOOOOOO fast I am having a ton of blending issues. Thanks for the info, will try to see if this helps.
How about mixing the Golden Open and Heavy Body together to slow the drying of HB and speed the drying of the Open? Of course using the same colors of each.
A little wee late reply here but it's for others who will see this post . NO you're not suppose to use a hair dryer on acrylic painting. You can cause the outer paint film to dry over the rest trapping the moisture that can lead to cracking and crazying.
You can always use the absolute values of the colors you are trying to blend, and use a glaze with a mixture of the colors to make a smooth blend, without worrying about all this drying drama. I definitely want to move into oil paints as well but the oil medium is so much more expensive
The problem with retarders is that they are additives that weaken the paint film, instead use slow blend mediums that help the open time and also strengthens the paint film, liquitex has a good line of both gels and liquid slow dry mediums.
So medium does the same thing? I'm confused sorry. I'm going to be painting a large canvas and I'm afraid to start it because I don't think I'll have time to blend the sky before it drys
@@allietav2206 Yes they do the same thing but chemically they are different.Slow-dri mediums have retarders plus binders (that are similar to the ones inside the acrylic paint) in them so you dont have to worry about using too much and damaging the adhesion to the canvas or paper.Retarders on their own do not have binders in them so they change the chemical composition of the paint it's mixed in and thereby the adhesion properties too.So you need to be mindful of how much you add to the paint ( brands mention the quantity that can be safely used on their labels).Both slow dry medium and Retarder will delay the drying time but the medium will dilute the color too because of the binder in it whereas the pure retarder will only delay the drying time without diluting the color.Both can be used depending on what you want to achieve in your painting.If you want to glaze, then the slow dry medium can be used.If you want stronger colors but with delayed drying time use the pure retarders.Hope this helps!
Talk about the different brands of acrylics please? I steer away from acrylics because of the drying times are so weird. Golden Open? Works like oil? Good pigment? Better than water soluble oils? Water colors or oils are what I use. Because the drying time of acrylics are strange, in my opinion. Thanks for the video!
Golden's Open Acrylics are fantastic, however, they will not have the same open time as that of an oil paint. The open acrylics might stay open hours instead of minutes, like normal acrylics, but not days like oil paints. I am a huge fan of water mixable oils when trying to avoid solvents. The Lukas Berlin has a really nice line.
Open is great paint...its like using oil...but dries faster than oil. If its too thick, it takes forever to dry. You just have to experiment! I have a lot of fun with them!😄
I don't really have a big issue with acrylics drying fast, I suppose because I work pretty fast but I have to because I can only paint in pretty short bursts. will probably try adding some retarder in my water though to help with blending, I've never thought of doing that.
He was great ! Funny and informative! Yes I’m actually a acrylic painter love glazing on color. Drying is so important! Paint will lift if’s it’s not dry! I use a clear sealer when I have a few layers dry . Then on two more layers & more sealer more layers !! Jerry Keep the crazy guy ! He Make me smile more than once !
This is the first time I’ve watched one of your videos. I’m subscribing 😂😂 I love the jokes! I just started painting and really appreciate the info you provide
Nice video, Jerry! Would you recommend Open or Regular Golden Acrylics? I'm currently a beginner and painting with liquitex basics, but looking to upgrade. One thing I don't love about acrylics is fast drying time on the palette and the mixes drying out before you get a chance to use them all. For that alone, I'm considering switching to Open. I'm using a wet pallet and it kinda fixes that issue, but to paint gets more and more diluted on water over time, so they tend to get a bit transparent. So, I think I wouldn't mind the Open paints being a little more transparent than normal because I already have to live with watered down paints. On the other hand, almost every serious acrylic painter seems to prefer the regular Heavy Body, so I'm stuck. Sorry about the long comment, but I'm need some advice here ! hahaha Thanks
Hi Jerry, thanks for sharing such an important issue , I’m in that stage that the fast drying Acrylic is been so frustrating that I almost give up on painting with it. I have tried to work with Delaying medium RENESANS And the painting still got to be dry sooo quickly . I thought it was of the ratio color/additive ..I’m not an American and I live in a very hot country where the temp are +30C....
hmmm. being a cheap bastard, if i want my paintings to remain workable. i just lightly mist the painting with water, and when i get to the point where i'm happy. i just stop for a hour and let it dry. you can also mist down the back side of the canvas for a pretty good wet on wet affect as well, or you can seal the backside of the canvas with any number of spray paints or varnishes. which will also slow drying times tremendously, and keep the elements from ruining your paintings. my acrylic paints have been wet on my pallet for weeks, use two foam plates. mist the paint with water every few days, and then mist the top cover plate with water. set it over top, and set something on the top plate to form a good seal. works very well.
thats the thing with oils it takes longer to dry and I prefer the fast drying so that I can add more to it sooner then having to wait, so I just try not to have a bunch of paint out at once just enough and if I need more I can add it to my palette
PROBLEM SOLVED I THINK, HALELUYAH! Type in on youtube, "Chroma Atelier Interactive Acrylics." I've been reading everything I can find on the subject of Chroma Atelier Interactive Acrylics and I'm thrilled by the fact that you can keep them open and workable as long as you wish by just misting your pallet and painting with a spray water bottle fine mist occasionally as soon as you feel the paint becoming less wet. There's lot of artists who have been using them so successfully for so many years that they say they will never change brands again. This is going to help me become a very good portrait artist because I don't wish to paint in oils, and previously acrylics dried too fast for me to get good blending on the flesh of a face. And when dry, the colors were darker and impossible to match and blend with the adjacent wet skin color paint. Last night, I bought online a complete set and all the colors I need and I'm so excited I can hardly wait for the mailman to arrive next week!
Joyce H Anderson & Friends I have been painting with Chroma Atelier Interactive acrylics for four years now and people think my paintings are oil paintings. However, I haven’t done much with the spray, I’m still painting with them traditionally. Do you like them?
I haven't painted in 20 years and forgot how quickly acrylic paints dry and I am a very show painter, so thanks for the info, I will give it a try with the products you recommend! plus you made me laugh at the beginning of your video!!!
I started painting with acrylics, they definitely have unique characteristics. I would never look down on anyone who paints acrylics opposed to oils, there're many great painters who works only in acrylic. Peter Max prefers to use acrylic. Personally once I started painting with oils I have never looked back. Another great video, freaking hilarious! I don't see how you hold it together. I've got a suggestion for "artist problems" : "Floppy or Limp Canvas". We all have had this problem a time or two
Man, don't I know it! It's definitely something I'll put down in my idea bin. I don't stretch a lot of canvas personally, so I would want to make sure I have all the best information first.
Mike I have a desperate question for you! I have noticed that I am under binding my paints however when I use less water I am having issues with paint spreading and and blending. I never used to have this issue and now I'm not sure if it's my brushes, my new paints Im working with (recently upgraded from liquetex basics to heavy body) or just I've been in a crappy mood environment and probably should even be attempting in this state. Can you do a video on this so I can better understand under binding and try to find a solution! Or any helpful tips, thank you!
You never want to use water to thin down an acrylic paint. You need to use acrylic painting medium. This will lower the viscosity of your paint without compromising the paint film. You can try Matisse's in the link, or there are several other options out there. www.jerrysartarama.com/matisse-acrylic-mediums
Yes, I have problem to keep my acrylic paint in a low Rubber Made with a tight lid, to last longer. I am Frugal on use of paint, and do not have the ability to get to an art store, do not have a phone, unless I borrow, and able to watch YOU on the internet. I am busy artist in Wildlife Realism, but I end up with a number of Interruptions, which means I need to cover my acrylic. Usually I lay a ready damp Parchment Paper bottom layer, and dab my 6-8 colors on .Usually I am lucky and all my colors and mixed colors still are moist. However, while painting, I need to spray . Egg yolk works, I have not used Hair Jell. yet. Acrylic Retarder is too costly. I am what use to be what original Starving artists were called.
Thanks for the video, man. I've been painting digitally for the most part, but recently had to switch to traditional acrylic painting. And your tips were a revelation to me. I definitely lack this timeout with the drying period - they really dry out too fast. I will try to find the media you mentioned in the local art supply store. I doubt they have this gello retarders here, but it's worth asking anyway.
wetting agents break the surface tension of the liquid, this lets it penetrate the paper easier like soap breaks the surface tension of water when washing clothes.
Acrylic Retarder was too costly for me to buy. Someone said hair gel, old style back in history used egg yoke and a bit of H2O to lessen the drying time. Are these two ok to use as a RETARDER with Acrylics? I had used the egg yolk and liked , just that now eggs have become more expensive.
The main ingredient in acrylic drying retarder is propylene glycol, which slows the evaporation rate of water. While that is also in hair gel, there are many other ingredients in them (that can vary by brand) that could have unwanted effects on your paints long term. Without having tested what they would do, we couldn't tell you exactly what that would be either. A good option besides buying an acrylic drying retarder would be to get slow-drying acrylics (like Golden Open Acrylic Paints) instead of standard ones. Straight from the tube they don't dry out as quickly, and you don't have to add anything extra to them. We completely understand the frustrations of not being near an art supplier and that is why we have our online store where supplies can be shipped directly to you! If you would like to try out a small 4oz bottle of drying retarder, you can find one of our favorites here: www.jerrysartarama.com/golden-acrylic-additives
I'm new to this, but my problem with acrylics is when I'm trying to do any sort of nature scenes, trees or anything will always look like crap and the white canvas will always show through, NOT AT ALL like Bob Ross's paintings look (i do know he uses oil and liquid basecoats for his wet on wet technique) but the nature scenery is more what I'm trying to achieve. Not so much color blending. So I'm really not sure how to use the retarder correctly
Brilliant explanation. Many thanks. Struggling with a background colour as it is drying before I can blend it. Retardant may be the answer or perhaps a flow enhancer.
That was funny and informative thanks =D what should I use for a wash? I know water brake down the molecules.. id like something close to what the water dose.. thanks
You can use any kind of acrylic polymer medium. www.jerrysartarama.com/jerry-s-studio-acrylic-mediums These will lower the viscosity of your paint for glazing, but maintain the paint film. Hope this helps.
Predictable drying times is another reason not to use no-name paint. I think retardants are typically added to "craft acrylics," or at least the filler acts as such. I cannot tell you how many times I've been purplexed by something supposed to be acrylic paint in a kit and it took a half hour to an hour to dry.
Omg finally someone who explained this for me properly. Im not a fadt psinter but ive managed just fine, but my sister wants me yo paint a huge painting of the sky with clouds and a cross. I was so worried about not being able to blend the sky before ut dried up. So by me using retardant it should help me right?
I would like to know how adding retarder to the water works. It doesn’t sound like you have actually tried it-? I tried open acrylics but they took three days to dry. I just keep a spray bottle handy to keep them from skinning and cover them when I’m not painting.
I dip a popsicle stick in the bottle and add three drops, which fall from the popsicle stick, to mix a toothbrush length of paint . And it is much cheaper only €2.99 for 120 ml at the drugstore.
=) Fun opener. =) Yes, I am an Acrylic painter. =) 2 things I do, to slow down the drying of my paint... Are to use water, the same way you're using the retarders... it does make the paint a little less thick, and a bit more translucent .... but it's not bad enough to stop me from doing it. AND I use a "Sta Wet" palette, which is a great help. If I over do it with the water, i do, sometimes run into the problem that it won't adhere properly. When I first started Acrylic painting I had that issue with the drying time... and I got some retarder... but didn't like using it... then I discovered the sat-wet palette... and I'm telling you that thing is awesome! ;) I don't know what I did before I got it....
Agreed, I use water as well, but for blending on larger canvases, such as sky blending, I use a retarded/Gel. I prefer the gels because it keeps the viscosity. I love using water when I want to glaze and do some shading. I've never used a stay wet palette though. I do also keep a small spray bottle handy which produces the same results.
Don't cringe but dollar tree KY jelly & hair gel didn't work badly for me to slow down drying time. I'm sure that your products are great, but we have no art supply near our town &, like you, sometimes, I'm impatient.
What if there was a mini spray bottle with retardant and water to spray on the pallet? Would that work or could it some how clump up I have never used it before.
I just bought acrylics to try and I am using a retarder, but it still dried within a couple minutes even when using a lot. I am painting on paper, is that the issue? Will it dry quickly on paper no matter what?
When painting protraits, animals, etc, you need a lot of color variations, and drying up of these portions is annoying. I als do abstract painting and the fast drying is a plus. So retarder seems a good solution if you like to make a painting where oil paint would be best, to simulate oil paint behaviour.
I am a relative beginner. About 15 paintings under my belt and I do well until it comes to blending. With all respect to the Australian guy, he is big on blending paintings. "Just add a little retarder and bam." Well no bam and no decent blend. I tried many times and cannot get the effect he gets. I use middle of the road paint and try very hard to learn to mix the primaries. Sorry for rambling. The question is, knowing the canvas needs to stay wet long enough, what is the best way to apply the retarder. Ok, no best way. Your way
When acrylics dry fast, it's annoying that I have to make the same color, and it's not always the same color, so I take too much to mix and apply all over again.
As I watch this I also have my pause button on overwork and another window open to www.jerrysartarama.com, I can't find Lukas Retarder Gell 2236, has it been discontinued?
great info! didn't think about using retarded in water...hmmm I do however use glazing liquid to help slow the dry time. not to thin to transparency...just give me a little more time.. thoughts?
Enjoy Mike Not Jerry's humor? Be sure to check out his TH-cam Channel! th-cam.com/users/itsmikenotjerry
I got the sense that he was like deliberately trying to reference another more offensive meaning to the word. Like he thought it was cute or funny but it’s just cringey and weird. Like is supposed to be acting like a 9 nine old or it just seems that way? I can’t tell.
You seriously are the LAST person who needs to be trying to call ANYBODY else out for any damn thing!! You need attention so desperately that you haul your ignorantly informed ass all the way to TH-cam just so you can glorify hate speech under the guise of helping others?? You're a miserable excuse for a man.
@@ColoringKaria agreed. He's an idiot.
PC has gone too far. He’s just addressing the discomfort of working with the word and he does it with humor. It’s not hate speech, it shouldn’t offend anyone.
I agree get on with your presentation !
Fast drying acrylics for blocking in. Slower drying acrylics for developing and finishing. Many oil painters use acrylics for blocking in and then switch to oils.
my favorite method
Oh! I should try that!
what do you mean by “blocking in”?
@@suzziexx 'Blocking in' is a basic step in the painting process. Michael James Smith has some good videos of 'blocking in' so you may want to put 'Michael James Smith blocking in' into the TH-cam searchbox.
I live in a climate where my acrylic paint dries from the palette, on the brush, on its way to the canvas. i literally pick up the paint from the palette, and when it reaches the canvas, the paint has dried on the brush.
Same. 😔
Smi Sch i want to paint in acrylics though. oils are too expensive
Hence, adding retarder to acrylics, and perhaps a little more water
😩
Oh sad
I moved to the desert last year and my acrylics caused a damn riot. Dry, hot air + Acrylics? The devils work. Acrylic retarder has saved my sanity. I hadn't considered adding the retarder to the water. iiiiiinnnnnnteresting.....
Okay, I've just been all through the comments and no-one's mentioned this brand yet. If you want some acrylics that are not only slow to dry, but can be made to be super slow to dry **AND REWORKABLE** try Atelier Interactive paints. They make an "Unlocking Formula" that you can spray on their "dry" acrylics (even days later) that will make the paint reworkable. This varies depending on thickness but is invaluable for blending. Not only that but I have had palettes (food containers with lids) remain totally useable for TWO MONTHS (stopped testing after this time). And for when you want the paint to dry faster they make an additive to do just that!
isnt that bassically just a shiny gouache?
Do you know how I keep the paraffin liquid for 10 minutes before it solidifies again? If you know and can tell me, I would be very grateful.
@@johyw2267 Sorry, no idea what you’re talking about re “paraffin liquid”
@@jinxxxxxxxxx Oof, 7 months later… No, it’s not shiny gouache. Traditional gouache can be reactivated forever unless it’s sealed. The Atelier acrylics do eventually become permanently dried.
@@goilo888 So, because you are looking for a solution to make acrylic paint liquid for longer, I am also looking for a solution to keep paraffin liquid for longer. I thought maybe you or someone else can help.
Very interesting when I ever used a retarder on my paints would mix them on the palette but now I may try and use it the water and wet the canvas with the water+retarder mixture or get one of them spray bottles and put the water retarder mixture into that and lightly spray the paints with it. To me either way may work.
I got this tip from an experienced painter, glycerin is an excellent retarder.
use the back of a brush to drip a few drops to your acrylic paint.
It works great and I have been using it for years.
This was interesting because I've always had acrylics dry too fast, then when I used retarding medium they dried too slow! Now I realise I would have been better to put the retarder in the water. I actually just purchased some water soluble oils to see if they were better for me than acrylic. But then I had to get fast drying medium as well because oils dry too slow. Patience is a virtue that I, too, do not possess apparently.
RhomanysRealm Then paint digitally in photoshop
Try starting your painting with acrylics then finish the detail etc. With the water mixable oils.
When using gel I have discovered that I pour paint off of the campus and it’s impossible to use it when it keeps doing that so apparently I’m not letting the underlayer dry hard enough with that be a problem with that would be a problem
I got this thing called acrylic flow medium and I really have no clue what it does I just thought it would help me blend better but I dont think ot does
Actually, I'm new in the creative arts world - so I started watching these to learn something and through the silliness I have learned a lot. I work mostly with watercolor, but I want to get into acrylic when my skills have improved. And yeah - I watch mostly because it's you.
When I tried Turner Acryl gouche for the first time I was surprised by how fast they would dry. But as I loved their matte finish and rich colors I tried using a gel retarder by Golden. It really helped extend the drying time. I'm now trying the Turner brand retarder which is a much thinner consistancy but works just as well.
I have recently started learning acrylic painting and OMG they dry SOOOO fast. I was not happy with my first attempt. I tried acrylics because oils take so long to dry. I need a happy medium so I am researching ways to change drying times. This is great information and demonstration. Thank you very much. BTW I love Jerry's Artarama! I get most of my supplies from you!
I want to keep the paraffin liquid for at least ten minutes before it solidifies again, if you know of a product to keep it in that liquid state and you want to tell me, I'll be very grateful
Clearly I lack the maturity to do art because I giggled through this whole thing.
I was painting and giggling, I have happy little retarded trees all over my canvas!
I laughed almost every time, too. There must be a better word, lol.
@@abselby I just choked on my coffee! I know I shouldn't laugh, but...LOL!! The struggle is real!
"This whole line of paint is retarded. Every single one of them is retarded." I lost it! How does he keep a straight face?
@@tinatina4285 yeah, especially since it's sort of also used in music as to slow the pace
The Golden Open are nice, but you have to think of them as their own category. Experiment to get the feel of them. I also have some of their special thinner & mediums for consistency.
The most frustrating aspect is what was alluded to in the video... if you forget they are slower drying and attempt to paint or glaze over a layer that's not dry, you get a sticky mess. A great way to use them is create your underlayer with fast drying acrylic & then come in with Open or your modified acrylics to add your subtle blends, etc.
The point for me is slow drying to get the sky and landscape in with ability to blend the colors together, after that, I’m good with the faster dry time.
you've saved my life. I never knew this existed.
A good, concise explanation. Thank you. I live in a place where the humidity is very low and my acylics dry way too fast. Also it's difficult in this country to access art supplies, and when I do find them, they're prohibitively expensive. BUT I discoved that I can easily make my own acrylic paint retarder using 2 inexpensive and easy to find ingredients: glycerine and propelene glycol. Just mix them in equal parts and keep the solution in a small bottle.
It makes sense to keep control of the drying process, even if it requires a bit more work. However, if you are suddenly inspired and want to paint, but can not because the color stays wet, it can be very annoying
I actually didn't know retardants for acrylics were a thing. I started off painting with acrylics but found watercolor more free and appealing. Acrylics drying fast on me was both a blessing and a curse. Now I'm wanting to try it again and use these.
I use golden open medium. It works well for me, but when it comes to a more realistic painting, I’m a novice and learning everyday, so thank you!💙🙏🏻
So I get what you are saying and as example, I mix up a special color - small amount for part of a painting and then go on with the rest but need to come back to that mix when applying and blending highlights. Bam - my special color mix is hard as the plastic it sits on. Maybe, I will add the retarder to my special color mix so it is still open for the highlights. Thanks for the tips.
I just use a wet palette with a lid. My paints stay wet for at least a couple of weeks
Its been 2 years since this comment but in case this reaches you - can you tell me which wet palette you use? I made one to save money, and the next day when I opened it the paint was a weird watery gooey consistency lol. Ive heard mized reviews about the wet palettes in store, so Id love to try one that for sure works if im going to spend the money!
@@Highlikeheaven89 Hi Nicolle, I can't believe I saw your post! I use the Masterson sta-wet palette. It has 3 parts. The box with an airtight lid, flat sponges that fit in the box, and acrylic paper. If you don't want to spend the money on this you can also try a shallow plastic box with an airtight lid. You should be able to get these at a craft store or online. Just choose a size that you like working with. Instead of the sponge on the bottom of the box use paper towels. They need to be moist, but not dripping wet. You may have had too much water on your homemade wet palette. This is an easy fix. Just experiment a little until you get the right amount of moisture to keep the paints fresh, but not soggy. Instead of the acrylic paper, you can use parchment paper. This is in the baking section of the grocery. Be sure to get parchment paper and not wax paper. Another tip is to store the box in the fridge when not in use. This helps it to last longer also. Just keep them cool don't freeze them. Hope this is helpful!
Another option instead of paper towels are those reusable cloths for wiping up messes. They're thinner than a kitchen towel and sturdier than a paper towel so when you moisten it you can squeeze out the excess water and it won't tear easily. I use these also to dab water off my brush and keep my hands clean. I buy generic off Amazon and use them all over the house. Best of luck to you keeping your acrylics moist!
Atelier Interactive acrylics for me. Can re-open acrylics to be reworked months after being applied.
Yep, exactly what I needed to hear today. Working with a palette knife, the acrylics were drying in my palette far too fast, so I tried oils this morning ------ slushy and muddy colors ---- back to acrylics and hoping this will solve the issue. Thanks, I enjoyed your video
As a cheap alternative to a slow dry gel medium, I would use hair gel that contains PVP and propylene glycol and it works just fine and won't affect the consistency of the acrylic paint. Just use a small amount otherwise the paint will get sticky and it won't dry.
David Stephenson..which brand hair gel do you use. Just to be sure , do you mix these 2, hair gel and propylene glycol together. Or can you use separate?
I watch Lachri Fine Art's channel, and she uses an airbrush to mist water onto her canvas as she works with acrylics to keep them dry for hours. She says using a regular spray bottle doesn't work because of irregular water droplets (which would give your painting spots). I haven't tried it myself since I don't own an airbrush, but I thought it was an interesting way to get around acrylic's fast drying time.
Keeps them dry for hours?
I watch Lachri too. If you don't want to bother with an airbrush you can get a fine, even mist spray bottle like Flairosol which should work pretty well.
I am an oil painter trying to switch to acrylic for toxicity reasons. Oils dry very slowly but acrylics dry SOOOOOOO fast I am having a ton of blending issues. Thanks for the info, will try to see if this helps.
How about mixing the Golden Open and Heavy Body together to slow the drying of HB and speed the drying of the Open? Of course using the same colors of each.
Can you use a hair dryer to dry the paint when you need it dried fast?
@Le Petit Génie ok, thank you for your help! I'm brand new and trying to learn some tips :)
A little wee late reply here but it's for others who will see this post . NO you're not suppose to use a hair dryer on acrylic painting. You can cause the outer paint film to dry over the rest trapping the moisture that can lead to cracking and crazying.
You can always use the absolute values of the colors you are trying to blend, and use a glaze with a mixture of the colors to make a smooth blend, without worrying about all this drying drama. I definitely want to move into oil paints as well but the oil medium is so much more expensive
Just what I needed to know ... exactly when I needed to know it. THANK YOU!!
The problem with retarders is that they are additives that weaken the paint film, instead use slow blend mediums that help the open time and also strengthens the paint film, liquitex has a good line of both gels and liquid slow dry mediums.
So medium does the same thing? I'm confused sorry. I'm going to be painting a large canvas and I'm afraid to start it because I don't think I'll have time to blend the sky before it drys
@@allietav2206 Yes they do the same thing but chemically they are different.Slow-dri mediums have retarders plus binders (that are similar to the ones inside the acrylic paint) in them so you dont have to worry about using too much and damaging the adhesion to the canvas or paper.Retarders on their own do not have binders in them so they change the chemical composition of the paint it's mixed in and thereby the adhesion properties too.So you need to be mindful of how much you add to the paint ( brands mention the quantity that can be safely used on their labels).Both slow dry medium and Retarder will delay the drying time but the medium will dilute the color too because of the binder in it whereas the pure retarder will only delay the drying time without diluting the color.Both can be used depending on what you want to achieve in your painting.If you want to glaze, then the slow dry medium can be used.If you want stronger colors but with delayed drying time use the pure retarders.Hope this helps!
Talk about the different brands of acrylics please? I steer away from acrylics because of the drying times are so weird. Golden Open? Works like oil? Good pigment? Better than water soluble oils?
Water colors or oils are what I use. Because the drying time of acrylics are strange, in my opinion. Thanks for the video!
Golden's Open Acrylics are fantastic, however, they will not have the same open time as that of an oil paint. The open acrylics might stay open hours instead of minutes, like normal acrylics, but not days like oil paints. I am a huge fan of water mixable oils when trying to avoid solvents. The Lukas Berlin has a really nice line.
Open is great paint...its like using oil...but dries faster than oil. If its too thick, it takes forever to dry. You just have to experiment! I have a lot of fun with them!😄
I don't really have a big issue with acrylics drying fast, I suppose because I work pretty fast but I have to because I can only paint in pretty short bursts. will probably try adding some retarder in my water though to help with blending, I've never thought of doing that.
He was great ! Funny and informative!
Yes I’m actually a acrylic painter love glazing on color. Drying is so important!
Paint will lift if’s it’s not dry! I use a clear sealer when I have a few layers dry . Then on two more layers & more sealer more layers !! Jerry Keep the crazy guy ! He Make me smile more than once !
This is the first time I’ve watched one of your videos. I’m subscribing 😂😂 I love the jokes!
I just started painting and really appreciate the info you provide
Nice video, Jerry! Would you recommend Open or Regular Golden Acrylics? I'm currently a beginner and painting with liquitex basics, but looking to upgrade. One thing I don't love about acrylics is fast drying time on the palette and the mixes drying out before you get a chance to use them all. For that alone, I'm considering switching to Open. I'm using a wet pallet and it kinda fixes that issue, but to paint gets more and more diluted on water over time, so they tend to get a bit transparent. So, I think I wouldn't mind the Open paints being a little more transparent than normal because I already have to live with watered down paints. On the other hand, almost every serious acrylic painter seems to prefer the regular Heavy Body, so I'm stuck. Sorry about the long comment, but I'm need some advice here ! hahaha Thanks
Hi Jerry, thanks for sharing such an important issue , I’m in that stage that the fast drying Acrylic is been so frustrating that I almost give up on painting with it. I have tried to work with Delaying medium RENESANS And the painting still got to be dry sooo quickly . I thought it was of the ratio color/additive ..I’m not an American and I live in a very hot country where the temp are +30C....
“I do not like waiting for retarded acrylics to dry” lol I’m dying 😵
Blow-dryer?????
Acrylics are putting me off painting because they dry so fast. I'm a slow painter and I like to fiddle with detail. Maybe I should try oil?
hmmm. being a cheap bastard, if i want my paintings to remain workable. i just lightly mist the painting with water, and when i get to the point where i'm happy. i just stop for a hour and let it dry. you can also mist down the back side of the canvas for a pretty good wet on wet affect as well, or you can seal the backside of the canvas with any number of spray paints or varnishes. which will also slow drying times tremendously, and keep the elements from ruining your paintings. my acrylic paints have been wet on my pallet for weeks, use two foam plates. mist the paint with water every few days, and then mist the top cover plate with water. set it over top, and set something on the top plate to form a good seal. works very well.
Wow I didnt know you could varnish the back of your canvas to help the drying time? If I gesso my canvases will it still work?
thats the thing with oils it takes longer to dry and I prefer the fast drying so that I can add more to it sooner then having to wait, so I just try not to have a bunch of paint out at once just enough and if I need more I can add it to my palette
I use Golden Glazing Liquid which not allows me to glaze but also has a retarder in it. :D
Aislinn Graves I have Liquitex slow dri glazing liquid, Its GREAT! They also make a slow dri gel. 😊
PROBLEM SOLVED I THINK, HALELUYAH! Type in on youtube, "Chroma Atelier Interactive Acrylics." I've been reading everything I can find on the subject of Chroma Atelier Interactive Acrylics and I'm thrilled by the fact that you can keep them open and workable as long as you wish by just misting your pallet and painting with a spray water bottle fine mist occasionally as soon as you feel the paint becoming less wet. There's lot of artists who have been using them so successfully for so many years that they say they will never change brands again. This is going to help me become a very good portrait artist because I don't wish to paint in oils, and previously acrylics dried too fast for me to get good blending on the flesh of a face. And when dry, the colors were darker and impossible to match and blend with the adjacent wet skin color paint. Last night, I bought online a complete set and all the colors I need and I'm so excited I can hardly wait for the mailman to arrive next week!
Thank you 🙏, 💙
Joyce H Anderson & Friends I have been painting with Chroma Atelier Interactive acrylics for four years now and people think my paintings are oil paintings. However, I haven’t done much with the spray, I’m still painting with them traditionally. Do you like them?
I haven't painted in 20 years and forgot how quickly acrylic paints dry and I am a very show painter, so thanks for the info, I will give it a try with the products you recommend! plus you made me laugh at the beginning of your video!!!
I really like your humor and I find your video very useful thanks!!
I started painting with acrylics, they definitely have unique characteristics. I would never look down on anyone who paints acrylics opposed to oils, there're many great painters who works only in acrylic. Peter Max prefers to use acrylic. Personally once I started painting with oils I have never looked back. Another great video, freaking hilarious! I don't see how you hold it together.
I've got a suggestion for "artist problems" : "Floppy or Limp Canvas". We all have had this problem a time or two
Man, don't I know it! It's definitely something I'll put down in my idea bin. I don't stretch a lot of canvas personally, so I would want to make sure I have all the best information first.
Ron Hochhalter Spray the BACK with water and the canvas will tighten. 😄
Mike I have a desperate question for you! I have noticed that I am under binding my paints however when I use less water I am having issues with paint spreading and and blending. I never used to have this issue and now I'm not sure if it's my brushes, my new paints Im working with (recently upgraded from liquetex basics to heavy body) or just I've been in a crappy mood environment and probably should even be attempting in this state. Can you do a video on this so I can better understand under binding and try to find a solution! Or any helpful tips, thank you!
You never want to use water to thin down an acrylic paint. You need to use acrylic painting medium. This will lower the viscosity of your paint without compromising the paint film. You can try Matisse's in the link, or there are several other options out there. www.jerrysartarama.com/matisse-acrylic-mediums
JerrysArtarama your the best! I think I'll pick up a few and see what I like best!
Wow did I just learn a lot! Thank you.
A professional painter recommended glyserine. I always use it and it works great. I love it!
Wow O. O and what do you do with glycerin? In which percentage to add??
this is something new i read but does it really work well
I bought Maries retarder it has a thick liquid, is it okay to put water into spray bottle with retarder and spray to my acrylic?
which one do you prefer or just have them all
Yes, I have problem to keep my acrylic paint in a low Rubber Made with a tight lid, to last longer. I am Frugal on use of paint, and do not have the ability to get to an art store, do not have a phone, unless I borrow, and able to watch YOU on the internet. I am busy artist in Wildlife Realism, but I end up with a number of Interruptions, which means I need to cover my acrylic. Usually I lay a ready damp Parchment Paper bottom layer, and dab my 6-8 colors on .Usually I am lucky and all my colors and mixed colors still are moist. However, while painting, I need to spray . Egg yolk works, I have not used Hair Jell. yet. Acrylic Retarder is too costly. I am what use to be what original Starving artists were called.
I had no idea you could even do this! I've had SO many problems with acrylics because of the fast drying issue.
Thanks for the video, man. I've been painting digitally for the most part, but recently had to switch to traditional acrylic painting. And your tips were a revelation to me. I definitely lack this timeout with the drying period - they really dry out too fast. I will try to find the media you mentioned in the local art supply store. I doubt they have this gello retarders here, but it's worth asking anyway.
Executive summary: You can add a retarding medium to acrylics to slow the drying time. Or you can use a slow-drying acrylic.
hey can you guys restock the liqutex professional clear gesso. I like your store and want to buy everything there.
Wait so if you have gel retarder, can you also mix it with the water?
I am venturing into this realm, and the one thing that annoys with acrylic is that dry too quick for my liking. Thank you this was very informative.
Some acrylic paints have formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen when inhaled.
wetting agents break the surface tension of the liquid, this lets it penetrate the paper easier like soap breaks the surface tension of water when washing clothes.
Acrylic Retarder was too costly for me to buy. Someone said hair gel, old style back in history used egg yoke and a bit of H2O to lessen the drying time. Are these two ok to use as a RETARDER with Acrylics? I had used the egg yolk and liked , just that now eggs have become more expensive.
The main ingredient in acrylic drying retarder is propylene glycol, which slows the evaporation rate of water. While that is also in hair gel, there are many other ingredients in them (that can vary by brand) that could have unwanted effects on your paints long term. Without having tested what they would do, we couldn't tell you exactly what that would be either. A good option besides buying an acrylic drying retarder would be to get slow-drying acrylics (like Golden Open Acrylic Paints) instead of standard ones. Straight from the tube they don't dry out as quickly, and you don't have to add anything extra to them.
We completely understand the frustrations of not being near an art supplier and that is why we have our online store where supplies can be shipped directly to you! If you would like to try out a small 4oz bottle of drying retarder, you can find one of our favorites here: www.jerrysartarama.com/golden-acrylic-additives
Witch liquid or gel is better for blending?
I'm new to this, but my problem with acrylics is when I'm trying to do any sort of nature scenes, trees or anything will always look like crap and the white canvas will always show through, NOT AT ALL like Bob Ross's paintings look (i do know he uses oil and liquid basecoats for his wet on wet technique) but the nature scenery is more what I'm trying to achieve. Not so much color blending. So I'm really not sure how to use the retarder correctly
that was helpful thanks. what about water based oils? What do you think of them?
Brilliant explanation. Many thanks. Struggling with a background colour as it is drying before I can blend it. Retardant may be the answer or perhaps a flow enhancer.
That was funny and informative thanks =D what should I use for a wash? I know water brake down the molecules.. id like something close to what the water dose.. thanks
You can use any kind of acrylic polymer medium. www.jerrysartarama.com/jerry-s-studio-acrylic-mediums
These will lower the viscosity of your paint for glazing, but maintain the paint film. Hope this helps.
Predictable drying times is another reason not to use no-name paint. I think retardants are typically added to "craft acrylics," or at least the filler acts as such.
I cannot tell you how many times I've been purplexed by something supposed to be acrylic paint in a kit and it took a half hour to an hour to dry.
That is a great point! Thanks for sharing!
Omg finally someone who explained this for me properly. Im not a fadt psinter but ive managed just fine, but my sister wants me yo paint a huge painting of the sky with clouds and a cross. I was so worried about not being able to blend the sky before ut dried up. So by me using retardant it should help me right?
Retarder medium should help!
I would like to know how adding retarder to the water works. It doesn’t sound like you have actually tried it-? I tried open acrylics but they took three days to dry. I just keep a spray bottle handy to keep them from skinning and cover them when I’m not painting.
Got it but he lost me with the name and how many times he had to use the the "R" word.
I dip a popsicle stick in the bottle and add three drops, which fall from the popsicle stick, to mix a toothbrush length of paint . And it is much cheaper only €2.99 for 120 ml at the drugstore.
Could I put this retarder in water in a spray bottle to lightly mist my palette?
Thanks so much for this video. I have arteza paints and I love them but they dry fast asf. U made the retarders very easy to understand!
=) Fun opener. =)
Yes, I am an Acrylic painter. =)
2 things I do, to slow down the drying of my paint... Are to use water, the same way you're using the retarders... it does make the paint a little less thick, and a bit more translucent .... but it's not bad enough to stop me from doing it.
AND I use a "Sta Wet" palette, which is a great help. If I over do it with the water, i do, sometimes run into the problem that it won't adhere properly.
When I first started Acrylic painting I had that issue with the drying time... and I got some retarder... but didn't like using it... then I discovered the sat-wet palette... and I'm telling you that thing is awesome! ;) I don't know what I did before I got it....
Agreed, I use water as well, but for blending on larger canvases, such as sky blending, I use a retarded/Gel. I prefer the gels because it keeps the viscosity. I love using water when I want to glaze and do some shading. I've never used a stay wet palette though. I do also keep a small spray bottle handy which produces the same results.
*nods*. that's great.
U where saying after u use it, they will loose their waterproof property?
Don't cringe but dollar tree KY jelly & hair gel didn't work badly for me to slow down drying time. I'm sure that your products are great, but we have no art supply near our town &, like you, sometimes, I'm impatient.
That is interesting...
What if there was a mini spray bottle with retardant and water to spray on the pallet? Would that work or could it some how clump up I have never used it before.
Julie q That works! I have a little spray bottle with a few drops of retarder in it! Misting it on the canvas and/or on the paints works great!
I just bought acrylics to try and I am using a retarder, but it still dried within a couple minutes even when using a lot. I am painting on paper, is that the issue? Will it dry quickly on paper no matter what?
Hi lm pouring with pva glue and acrylic paint but at the moment mine is going very sticky looks like chewing gum can you help me please
Using an open white can also help with regular acrylics.
How much does that stuff cost? Fast drying Acrylics has forced me back into Oil Painting....which is slow drying.
How about Golden Open Acrylic?
When painting protraits, animals, etc, you need a lot of color variations, and drying up of these portions is annoying. I als do abstract painting and the fast drying is a plus. So retarder seems a good solution if you like to make a painting where oil paint would be best, to simulate oil paint behaviour.
..Thanks for pushing the border of appropriate and offensive...subbed and keeping the pallet wet!
Water is heck it scrapes off the acrylic when second layer is added I cannot even blend because it scrapes if using too many water it is heck
I use my gel (personal lubricant) you can get it in the supermarkets very cheap and a little bit goes a long way. cheers!
Mhairie Lee really? You mean from the family planning isle and it works?
Who painted the large painting behind you? Thanks.
Joe Digiulio
I am a relative beginner. About 15 paintings under my belt and I do well until it comes to blending. With all respect to the Australian guy, he is big on blending paintings. "Just add a little retarder and bam." Well no bam and no decent blend. I tried many times and cannot get the effect he gets. I use middle of the road paint and try very hard to learn to mix the primaries. Sorry for rambling. The question is, knowing the canvas needs to stay wet long enough, what is the best way to apply the retarder. Ok, no best way. Your way
Wow...I have never had these drying issues with any of my acrylic paints.
Thank you for making me happy! LOL!
good presentation. Thanks
Goooood explanation!!Thank you👍🤩
When acrylics dry fast, it's annoying that I have to make the same color, and it's not always the same color, so I take too much to mix and apply all over again.
Same problem here. That's why i'll order ready made colors so i dont have to mix specific colors. I can even layer with same color!!
I use acrylics as little as possible, but watch MikenotJerry all the time!
As I watch this I also have my pause button on overwork and another window open to www.jerrysartarama.com, I can't find Lukas Retarder Gell 2236, has it been discontinued?
this is so useful for beginners! thank u
I use Open acrylics and they dry pretty quick !
what a cool video akkaka love it :)
This was a good tutorial, thanks
You had me cracking up no lie!!! 😂
great info! didn't think about using retarded in water...hmmm
I do however use glazing liquid to help slow the dry time. not to thin to transparency...just give me a little more time.. thoughts?
I live in arizona so.....