How to Use Flow Medium for Acrylic Paint: Step-by-Step Guide
Solid Solutions Flow Medium is a water-based acrylic medium designed to reduce paint thickness (viscosity) so acrylic colour spreads more smoothly and levels more evenly. It dries clear and flexible, helping you create refined, "sleek" paint passages with improved glide and blending control.
How to use flow medium: gently shake the bottle, then mix 2 parts Flow Medium to 1 part acrylic paint until completely uniform. Test a stroke on scrap: you want smoother movement and easier levelling, not a watery, weak mix. Add more medium for more flow, or more paint for more body and coverage. Flow Medium extends drying time, giving you longer to blend.
Solid Solutions Flow Medium is a water-based, transparent, flexible and non-yellowing medium made for acrylic paint. Non-toxic and Australian made.
Shop flow medium →What Is Flow Medium for Acrylic Paint?
Use Flow Medium when you want less brush drag, smoother blends and more controlled thin layers, while keeping your paint mix within an acrylic medium system instead of relying on water alone.
| Quick reference | Solid Solutions Flow Medium |
|---|---|
| Starting ratio | 2 parts Flow Medium : 1 part acrylic paint |
| Adjust | More medium for more flow; more paint for more body and coverage |
| Dries | Clear, flexible and non-yellowing |
| Drying time | Extended, so you have longer to blend |
| Best for | Smooth blending, glazing, gradients and underpainting |
| Clean up | Soap and water |
| Sizes | 250ml and 1 litre |
How to Use Flow Medium, Step by Step
Shake
Gently shake the bottle before use.
Dispense and mix
Dispense paint onto a palette or into a mixing cup, then add Flow Medium. Start with 2 parts Flow Medium to 1 part acrylic paint, then adjust to suit your paint body (heavy body vs soft body) and technique.
Mix thoroughly
Mix until the blend is completely uniform. This helps the paint apply and dry consistently.
Test a stroke
Try a stroke on a scrap surface. You want smoother movement and easier levelling, not a watery, weak mix.
Apply and blend
Apply for smooth coverage, gradients and soft transitions. Flow Medium extends drying time, giving you extra working time to blend.
Clean up
Clean brushes with soap and water after use.
Advanced Techniques
Mix a small amount of colour into Flow Medium and build depth with multiple thin, transparent layers.
Pre-mix two values with Flow Medium, lay them side by side, then blend where they meet for soft transitions.
Create a smooth, thin mapping layer first, then return with thicker paint for focal highlights and texture.
For sharp edges, let the first layer become touch-dry before adding the next. For soft edges, blend while both layers are still workable.
Flow Medium vs Pouring Medium
Flow Medium is intended for smoother brush flow and controlled thin paint passages. If you want classic fluid-art pouring behaviour (very high flow and self-levelling pours), use Solid Solutions Pouring Medium instead.
| Feature | Flow Medium | Pouring Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Brushwork: smooth blends, glazes, gradients, underpainting | Fluid art and acrylic pours |
| Starting ratio | 2 parts medium : 1 part paint | 1 part paint : 1 to 2 parts medium |
| Flow | Smoother, easier-levelling brush strokes | Very high flow and self-levelling |
| Dries | Clear and flexible | Clear, glossy and flexible |
Flow Medium Questions & Answers
What is flow medium for acrylic paint?
Flow medium makes acrylic paint more fluid and easier to spread, helping you achieve smoother application, cleaner blends and more even levelling. Solid Solutions Flow Medium is water-based, dries clear and flexible, and is non-yellowing.
What ratio should I start with?
Start with 2 parts Flow Medium to 1 part paint, then adjust: add more medium for greater flow, or add more paint to regain body and coverage.
Do I need to shake the bottle first?
Yes. A gentle shake helps ensure the medium is evenly mixed before you dispense it.
Why should I mix it thoroughly with paint?
Thorough mixing helps the paint apply consistently and reduces patchy drying, streaking or uneven sheen.
Will Flow Medium change drying time?
Yes. It extends drying time, giving you a longer working window than straight paint, which helps with blending and soft transitions.
Will it dull or lighten the colour?
Because it's a clear medium, it won't re-colour your paint. However, adding medium increases volume with less pigment, so very high amounts can reduce opacity. Build in layers for strong colour.
Can I use Flow Medium instead of water for thinning?
Yes. A flow medium is a reliable way to thin paint while staying within an acrylic medium system. You can still use small amounts of water if needed, but avoid over-watering for best durability.
Can I combine Flow Medium with other acrylic mediums?
Generally yes. It's compatible with a wide range of other mediums. If you're combining several, do a small test mix first to confirm the flow, sheen and drying behaviour are what you want.
Is Flow Medium the same as a flow aid?
No. Flow mediums are ready-to-mix acrylic mediums. Flow aid or wetting agent products are often concentrated additives that need diluting and careful dosing.
How do I avoid streaks or weak coverage with a flow mix?
Use thinner layers and build up gradually. If the paint starts to feel too slippery or too transparent, add a little more paint back into the mix and re-test on a scrap surface.
Shop and Related Guides
Smoother blends, less drag
Solid Solutions Flow Medium in 250ml and 1 litre.