How to Use Gloss Gel Medium with Acrylic Paint: Step-by-Step Guide
Gloss gel medium is a clear acrylic medium that changes how acrylic paint behaves without adding pigment. Use it to extend colour, increase transparency and gloss, and build texture that still reads as colour. Here's how to mix it, apply it and layer it.
How to use gloss gel medium: mix it into acrylic paint on the palette to extend colour and make it more transparent and glossy, or apply it on its own with a brush or palette knife to build clear texture. Work on a clean, primed surface and shape it while wet. Let each thick layer dry before the next. It looks milky when wet and dries to a clear, flexible, glossy film. Clean tools with soap and water.
Solid Solutions Gel Medium Gloss is a water-based, non-toxic gel made with 100% acrylic polymer. It's professional artist grade, non-yellowing and blends with paint, ink or pigment. Australian made.
Shop gel medium gloss →What Is Gloss Gel Medium?
Gloss gel medium is a clear, acrylic-based medium. Artists use it to increase transparency, enhance gloss, extend colour and build texture, while keeping a strong, durable acrylic film.
Unlike liquid gloss mediums, gel mediums have body. They hold brush marks, knife strokes and sculptural form, so you get both surface dimension and optical depth. When dry, gloss gel forms a clear, flexible, water-resistant film with a reflective finish that intensifies colour.
| Quick reference | Solid Solutions Gel Medium Gloss |
|---|---|
| Base | Water-based, 100% acrylic polymer |
| Mix with | Acrylic paint, ink or pigment (do not mix with oils) |
| Wet / dry | Milky when wet, dries clear |
| Finish | Gloss, flexible, non-yellowing |
| Body | Holds brush and knife marks |
| Drying | Slows drying time and helps blending |
| Surfaces | Primed canvas, board or prepared paper |
| Clean up | Soap and water |
| Sizes | 250ml, 1 litre, 4 litre and 10 litre |
How to Use Gloss Gel Medium, Step by Step
Prepare the surface
Make sure the surface is clean, dry and primed. Gloss gel adheres best to sealed or primed surfaces such as canvas, board or prepared paper.
Mix it with paint, or use it alone
Mix gel directly into acrylic paint on your palette to adjust transparency, gloss and thickness. Or apply it on its own with a brush or palette knife to build clear texture or raised areas.
Shape it while wet
Sculpt ridges, smooth passages or expressive marks while it's wet. Once it starts to set, it's harder to work.
Layer gradually
For thicker effects, let each layer dry before adding the next. This stops sagging and keeps the structure crisp.
Paint or glaze over (optional)
Once dry, paint over the texture, glaze it or refine it with more acrylic layers.
Clean up promptly
Wash brushes and tools with soap and water before the gel dries.
What Gloss Gel Is Used For
Mixing gel into paint increases volume and working time, so you can cover larger areas without weakening the paint film.
The more gel you add, the more transparent the colour. Ideal for layering, glazing and optical colour mixing, especially with transparent pigments.
Apply it thickly with a palette knife or stiff brush for raised texture, peaks and directional marks.
Use it selectively, such as in shadows or textured highlights, to contrast glossy and matte areas.
It works as a clear acrylic adhesive for paper, fabric and lightweight materials, sealing the surface at the same time.
An ideal medium for binding pigments and additives into a workable acrylic paste.
Advanced techniques
- Raised glazing: build texture first, then glaze transparent colour over the dried relief for luminous effects.
- Knife-drag effects: apply gel thickly, then drag a clean knife through it for crisp, reflective ridges.
- Custom satin: mix gloss and matte gel to fine-tune sheen without changing texture.
Gloss Gel vs Matte Gel vs Impasto vs Modelling Paste
Choose gloss gel when you want texture that still reads as colour and depth. Choose impasto medium when strong peaks and colour-led brushwork matter most, and modelling paste for heavy, opaque relief.
| Medium | Look when dry | Finish | Texture hold | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss gel | Clear | Gloss | Medium–high | Depth and raised colour |
| Matte gel | Translucent | Matte | Medium–high | Texture and depth without shine |
| Impasto medium | Keeps paint colour | Low sheen | High | Thick, sculptural paint |
| Modelling paste | Opaque white | Firm, paint-ready | Very high | Structural relief |
Gloss Gel Medium Questions & Answers
What is the difference between gloss gel medium and gloss medium?
Gloss gel medium is thicker and holds texture, while a gloss medium is fluid and better suited to thin glazes and washes.
Does gloss gel medium change the colour of paint?
It doesn't add colour, but it reduces opacity and can make colours look deeper and more luminous through added transparency and gloss. Use it with transparent pigments for maximum depth.
Why does the gel look cloudy when wet?
Acrylic gels often look milky when wet but dry clear. Thickness and humidity can affect clarity while it dries.
Can I use gloss gel medium by itself?
Yes. Use it alone for clear texture, surface build-up or a glossy structural layer. Build very thick clear areas in layers to avoid soft or rubbery surfaces.
Is gloss gel medium suitable for glazing?
Yes, when used thinly or mixed with transparent paint. For ultra-smooth glazes, a fluid gloss medium may suit better.
How thick can I apply gloss gel medium?
Moderate thickness is ideal. Layer very thick applications and let each dry between coats. For sharp peaks, let the first layer partly set before adding the next.
Can gloss gel medium be mixed with other acrylic mediums?
Yes. Blend it with matte gel for a satin finish, or combine it with texture mediums for custom surfaces. Don't mix it with oils.
Can I use it for collage or mixed media?
Yes. It works as both an adhesive and a sealing layer for lightweight collage materials.
Can gloss gel medium be thinned with water?
Small amounts are fine, but too much water can weaken the acrylic film. If you need more flow, use a liquid medium such as flow medium instead of over-thinning a gel.
How do I avoid a plastic or overly shiny look?
Use gloss selectively. Combine glossy passages with matte areas for contrast, or lightly over-glaze textured gloss areas rather than coating everything evenly.
Shop and Related Guides
Add depth and shine
Solid Solutions Gel Medium Gloss in 250ml, 1 litre, 4 litre and 10 litre.