Gel-medium is a friend of a creative person

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

The creativity of people is limitless. Someone plays the piano, others knit or sew, and still others are engaged in artistic painting of spoons. There are also those who decorate. Each hobby has its own set of necessary tools. For some of them, it is necessary to have a jar labeled "acrylic gel medium". The name itself is intriguing. So what is it? Where is it applied? Which gel medium is better to choose? The answers to these questions can be found below.

Golden mean

Gel-medium is a type of modeling paste based on acrylic. The scope of its application is very wide. Often it is used to give volume or the necessary relief to any surface. By applying texture paste to paper, cardboard or fabric, you can achieve a very unexpected and interesting effect. These, of course, are not all areas where you can apply it, but you should first talk about what kind of miracle paste it is.

So, the mysterious inscription "gel-medium acrylic" on the jar is not so mysterious. The meaning of the word "gel" is already clear, itindicates the consistency of the contents of the container. "Medium" is translated as "middle" or "middle", that is, it is something that is or is located between some other elements, and "acrylic" indicates the basic component of the composition. Together they form the necessary material for creativity. Such jars can be found in the arsenal of decoupage, decorating and scrapbooking masters. Artists also often use it in their work to give them volume. Generally speaking, the gel-medium is, perhaps, an important and necessary attribute of a true creator.

Application areas

Knowing the areas where such a paste is used, now we need to decide how exactly it can be used.

A gel-medium is used to transfer photos using decoupage technique. With its help, drawings from special napkins or paper are transferred to the desired surface (box, cutting board, plate, and so on). It can also be used to create the look of "worn" and "battered" that is characteristic of vintage style work. With it, you can achieve the effect of "glass" or transparency. These pastes are great for creating various effects and other types of creativity.

Using this gel you can dilute acrylic paints in all kinds of artwork. This makes them more liquid and easy to apply to canvas or other surface. It is also used to create softer and more delicate shades. Artists can create imitations of sand or wood with some types of pastes.

You can even stick elements of the composition in decoration or scrapbooking on the gel medium. It serves as a composition for creating relief through various stencils. They cover individual elements of the work. It can also be used as a top coat, it can easily replace varnish that takes a long time to dry and smells bad.

Wall and ceiling bas-reliefs can be made in a rather rare but interesting "sgrafitto" technique with the help of medium gels.

Acrylic variety

Besides classical mediums, there are pastes with special effects. For example, a cracked surface or sand. You can find options with sparkles or other decorative additives that make the scope of such a product even wider.

How to choose the right gel medium?

In order to make the right choice, you need to decide on the type of creativity for which this paste will be bought. Artists, decoupage artists or decorators will choose gels of various price categories, features and composition. Therefore, there is no clear scheme in this process, although there are several rules, following which will help to avoid disappointment after the purchase.

Firstly, it is better to purchase such products in specialized stores for creativity. Here it is more likely that all conditions for proper storage are met. If the product is refrozen or stored for a long time in the sun, thisspoil the consistency of the paste. It will crack and gather into lumps, which, when diluted with water, will make the texture not dense enough and unsuitable for work. Secondly, do not save too much on the medium. Its qualities will affect the result of your labors. The better the composition and characteristics of the paste, the more beautiful the work will look in the end. Thirdly, always look at the expiration date. Gels-mediums, although they can be stored for years, but after the expiration of this date become unusable. You also need to remember that such a product will not run out in 1-3 times of use, so it is better to have at least 6-10 months of supply, otherwise you may simply not have time to use it up to the end.

Which medium to choose?

Of course, a good and high-quality gel medium costs money. As a rule, many people try to save money and use acrylic paint thinner instead. A positive effect with such a replacement is unlikely to work. To save money without sacrificing quality, you should pay attention to the Raphael gel medium. This is a domestic brand that has established itself on the good side in the market for goods for creativity. This is not the cheapest option, but this brand is time-tested and used in the work of many authors and masters.

Where to buy such a paste?

Gel-medium "Raphael" can be bought in stores for artists or for creativity. In ordinary stationery boutiques, it is sold extremely rarely. You can also find it in a specialized online store or try to order it directly through the manufacturer's website.