How to Use Impasto Medium with Acrylic Paint: Step-by-Step Guide
Impasto medium gives acrylic paint a thick, sculptural body without changing its colour. Mix it in to build bold brush and palette knife texture that holds peaks and edges. Here's how to mix it, apply it and build layers that last.
How to use impasto medium: stir it well, then mix it into your acrylic paint on the palette. Start with a little and add more for heavier texture that holds peaks and knife marks. Apply with a palette knife or stiff bristle brush on primed canvas or board. Let thick layers dry before adding more; heavy texture can take one to two days. Clean tools with soap and water while still wet.
Solid Solutions Impasto Medium is a water-based, professional artist grade medium that adds full body to acrylic colours without changing their hue. It dries to a low sheen, is non-yellowing and is Australian made.
Shop impasto medium →What Is Impasto Medium Used For?
Impasto medium increases the thickness and body of acrylic paint. It lets you create bold texture, visible brushstrokes and sculptural effects that hold their shape once dry. It mixes smoothly with acrylic colours and works with a brush or palette knife.
| Quick reference | Solid Solutions Impasto Medium |
|---|---|
| Base | Water-based acrylic |
| Mix with | Acrylic paint (intermixes with all Solid Solutions acrylic colours) |
| How much | Start small; more medium gives heavier texture |
| Colour | Doesn't change the hue of your paint |
| Finish | Low sheen, non-yellowing |
| Tools | Palette knife, stiff bristle brush, silicone or sculpting tools |
| Surfaces | Primed canvas, canvas board and rigid panels |
| Drying | Hours for thin use; one to two days for heavy texture |
| Clean up | Soap and water while still wet |
| Sizes | 250ml, 1 litre, 4 litre and 10 litre |
How to Use Impasto Medium, Step by Step
Stir and set out
Stir the impasto medium well for an even texture. Put your acrylic paint and the medium on a clean palette.
Mix it into the paint
Add a small amount of medium to your paint and mix well. More medium gives a heavier, more textured paint that holds peaks and knife marks.
Apply it
Use a palette knife for bold, sculptural marks or a stiff bristle brush for visible, expressive strokes. Apply to primed canvas or board. The paint keeps its height, edges and texture.
Build in layers
Let thick areas dry before adding more. Building texture gradually keeps it strong and stops it softening or collapsing.
Clean up
Wash brushes and tools with soap and water while they're still wet.
Pro tip: treat it as a building material
Think of impasto medium as a way to build the surface, not just a paint additive. Place texture deliberately, let each layer dry fully and don't overwork it once it's down. Confident marks give cleaner edges and more movement.
Advanced Impasto Techniques
Use controlled pressure with a palette knife to carve edges, flatten peaks or lift paint, guiding the viewer's eye.
For deep texture, build in separate stages and let each dry fully to keep edges crisp.
Repeated knife strokes in one direction create rhythm. Contrasting directions add tension.
Rework partly dried medium for broken edges, drag marks and fractured textures you can't get when it's fully wet.
Instead of mixing in lots of paint, tint the medium with a little colour so light passes through raised areas.
Scratch or carve into the paint while it's workable to reveal layers below.
Impasto Medium vs Modelling Paste vs Gel Medium
All three add body, but each does a different job. Use modelling paste for high, structural relief and gel medium for translucent depth. Impasto medium is best when colour comes first.
| Feature | Impasto medium | Modelling paste | Acrylic gel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Thick paint handling | Structural texture | Paint extension and translucency |
| Height and relief | Low to medium | High | Medium |
| Colour focus | Primary | Secondary | Strong |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Firm | Flexible |
Impasto Medium Questions & Answers
What is impasto medium used for?
Impasto medium increases the thickness and body of acrylic paint, so you can create bold texture, visible brushstrokes and sculptural effects that hold their shape once dry.
How do I mix impasto medium with acrylic paint?
Mix it directly into acrylic paint on a palette. Start with a small amount and add more until you get the thickness and texture you want.
Does impasto medium change the colour of acrylic paint?
No. It adds body without changing the hue of your paint, and dries to a low-sheen finish.
Can impasto medium be used on its own?
Yes. Apply it on its own to build texture and surface relief, then paint over it once fully dry.
How long does impasto medium take to dry?
Small amounts can dry in hours. Thicker, heavier applications may take one to two days to dry fully, depending on conditions.
What tools work best with impasto medium?
Palette knives, stiff bristle brushes, silicone tools and sculpting tools work best for controlled shaping and expressive texture.
Can impasto medium be layered without cracking?
Yes. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next to keep it stable and help prevent cracking.
What surfaces are suitable for impasto medium?
Primed canvas, canvas board and rigid panels are ideal, as they support the weight of thick textured paint.
Can impasto medium be painted over once dry?
Yes. Once dry, paint over it with acrylic colours, glazes or washes to add depth and contrast.
What advanced techniques can I use with impasto medium?
Layered relief, sgraffito carving, directional knife work, partial-dry drag effects and lightly tinted medium for extra depth.
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Ready for bold texture?
Solid Solutions Impasto Medium in 250ml, 1 litre, 4 litre and 10 litre.