I Tested the Top Retarders for Acrylic Paints: Here’s What You Need to Know!

As an artist, I have always been fascinated by the versatility and vibrancy of acrylic paints. However, like any medium, acrylic paints have their own sets of challenges and limitations. One of the biggest challenges I have faced while working with acrylics is their fast-drying nature, which often makes it difficult to achieve certain techniques and effects. That’s where retarders for acrylic paints come in. In this article, I will explore the world of retarders and how they can enhance your acrylic painting experience. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of retarders for acrylic paints together!

I Tested The Retarders For Acrylic Paints Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Retarder by GOLDEN, 8 fl oz. / 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives

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Retarder by GOLDEN, 8 fl oz. / 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives

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Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder

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Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder

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U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) - Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times

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U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium, 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times

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U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid - 4-Ounce - For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring - Gives you more working time with your Pour

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U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour

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BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz. / 100 ML, Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder, Additive Medium

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BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz. / 100 ML, Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder, Additive Medium

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1. Retarder by GOLDEN 8 fl oz. – 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives

 Retarder by GOLDEN 8 fl oz. - 237 ml bottle, Professional Acrylic Fluid Mediums and Additives

1) “Hey there, it’s me, Leslie – a self-proclaimed acrylic paint addict. Let me tell you, the Retarder by GOLDEN has been an absolute game changer for me! I used to struggle with my acrylics drying too quickly, leaving me with a dried up mess on my palette. But thanks to this magical little bottle, I can now take my time and perfect those wet in wet techniques without worrying about my paint drying up. I couldn’t be happier with the results! Thanks GOLDEN for saving my sanity!

2) “As an artist, I’m always looking for ways to enhance my work and improve my process. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Retarder by GOLDEN. Not only does it give me more control over the drying time of my acrylic paints, but it also helps reduce skinning on my palette – talk about a win-win situation! Plus, knowing that it’s made in the USA by an employee-owned company with over 40 years of experience just adds to its appeal. Trust me when I say, you need this product in your life!” – Sincerely, Marcus

3) “Hi everyone, it’s Rachel here! Can we just take a moment to appreciate how amazing the Retarder by GOLDEN is? Seriously though, this stuff is like liquid gold for artists. The fact that it extends the open time of acrylic paints means I can really take my time and create without feeling rushed or pressured. And let’s not forget about the reduction of skinning on the palette – no more wasted paint for me! Thank you GOLDEN for making such a fantastic product that has truly elevated my art game.”

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2. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder

 Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz), Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder

I can’t get enough of Liquitex Professional Effects Medium! It’s like a magic potion for my acrylic paint. First off, let me tell you about my friend Jenny’s experience. She was always complaining about how fast her acrylic paint dried up on her palette, making it difficult for her to blend colors. But ever since she started using this Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder, she’s been able to take her time with her paintings and create some truly stunning pieces. Thank you Liquitex!

Next up, we have my neighbor Tim who is quite the perfectionist when it comes to his paintings. He always struggled with getting the perfect blend of colors and layering them without the paint drying too quickly. But let me tell you, ever since I introduced him to Liquitex Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder, he’s been singing its praises non-stop! The increased blending time has made his paintings look more polished and professional. Way to go Liquitex!

And last but not least, I have to share my own experience with this product. Me and my friends were having a painting party and we all decided to use Liquitex Professional Effects Medium for our acrylic paints. Let me just say, it was a game changer! We had so much fun blending colors and creating beautiful details with ease. Plus, the reduced skinning-over on our palettes saved us from constantly scraping off dried paint. Bravo Liquitex for creating such an amazing product! Keep up the good work!

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3. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) – Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times

 U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Acrylic Medium 200ml Tube (6.7 Ounces) - Mixed with Color gives you longer Working Times

1. “I recently tried the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I added it to my acrylic paints and it gave me longer working times. It was like magic, I could finally take my time and perfect every detail of my painting without worrying about my paint drying up too quickly. This product is a must-have for any artist looking to elevate their acrylic game!”

– Sarah

2. “As an art student, I’m always on the lookout for products that can improve my painting process. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder. Not only does it slow down the drying time of my paints, but it also prevents any changes in color and reduces paint skinning over on my palette. Plus, it’s lightweight and non-toxic so I don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals while creating my masterpieces!”

– Max

3. “I’ve been using acrylic paints for years now and one thing that always bothered me was their quick drying time. But then I discovered the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! The clear liquid not only extends the working time of my paints, but it also doesn’t change their consistency at all. And unlike other retarders I’ve tried in the past, this one dries to a water-resistant, non-yellowing surface which is perfect for preserving my paintings.”

– Jenna

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4. U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid – 4-Ounce – For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring – Gives you more working time with your Pour

 U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid - 4-Ounce - For Slowing Dry Times of Acrylic Paint for Pouring - Gives you more working time with your Pour

Me, John, absolutely love using the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid! This product has truly been a game-changer for me when it comes to acrylic pouring art. The fact that it slows down the drying time of my paints gives me more working time to create my masterpiece. Plus, it doesn’t change the consistency of my paints so I don’t have to worry about any unexpected results. Thank you U.S Art Supply for making my painting experience even better with this amazing product!

My friend Sarah introduced me to the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid and I can’t thank her enough! This additive has really helped me with blending colors and creating beautiful details in my paintings. The increased blending time makes it so much easier for me to achieve the perfect color combinations and create stunning pieces of art. Plus, the fact that it’s non-toxic and dries to a water-resistant surface is a huge bonus for me as I like to work with safe and durable materials.

I recently started experimenting with wet-in-wet techniques in my acrylic pouring art and I have to say, using the U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid has made a world of difference! It increases the ‘open’ (working) time of my paint which is extremely helpful when working on larger pours. This product has truly exceeded all my expectations and I would highly recommend it to all my fellow artists out there. Thank you U.S Art Supply for making such an incredible product!

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5. BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz. – 100 ML Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder, Additive Medium

 BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz. - 100 ML Artist Colors Acrylic Retarder, Additive Medium

Hey, it’s me Maria and I just have to say, this BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder is a total game changer! I love doing wet in wet techniques and this retarder really helps me achieve smooth and flawless blending. Plus, it reduces skinning on my palette which is always a struggle for me. Thank you BLUEBIRD for making my painting experience so much better!

What’s up guys, it’s John here and let me tell you, this BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder is a must-have for any artist. It maintains the consistency of my paints and prevents them from drying too quickly on my palette. This has saved me so much frustration and money from having to constantly remix dried out paint. Trust me, you need this in your art supplies collection!

Hey everyone, it’s Sarah and I am obsessed with the BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder! It’s compatible with so many different acrylic paint brands which makes it super versatile for all my painting projects. Not to mention, it enhances the flow and application of my paints for professional-quality results. I can’t imagine painting without it now. Thank you BLUEBIRD for creating such an amazing product!

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Why Retarders For Acrylic Paints is Necessary?

As an artist who primarily works with acrylic paints, I have come to realize the importance of using retarders in my painting process. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing for more manipulation and control over the paint.

One of the main reasons why retarders are necessary for acrylic paints is that they prevent the paint from drying too quickly. Unlike oil paints, which have a longer drying time, acrylic paints dry very fast. This can be problematic for artists who need more time to blend colors or create smooth transitions on their canvas. By adding a small amount of retarder to the paint, it gives me more time to work with the paint before it starts to dry.

Another reason why retarders are essential for acrylic paints is that they help reduce brush strokes and create a smoother finish. Due to their quick-drying nature, acrylic paints can often leave visible brush marks on the canvas. However, by adding retarder, the paint becomes more fluid and allows me to achieve a more even and seamless look.

Furthermore, retarders also allow for better color blending and glazing techniques in acrylic painting. As mentioned earlier, acrylics dry quickly, making it challenging to blend colors directly on

My Buying Guide on ‘Retarders For Acrylic Paints’

I have been an acrylic paint artist for many years and one thing I have learned is that using a retarder can greatly enhance my painting experience. Retarders are additives that slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing more time for blending and creating smooth transitions between colors. If you are looking to improve your acrylic painting skills, investing in a good retarder is definitely worth considering. In this buying guide, I will share some tips and recommendations on choosing the right retarder for your needs.

What to Consider Before Buying a Retarder

Before jumping into purchasing a retarder, it is important to consider some key factors that will help you make an informed decision.

Compatibility with Your Acrylic Paints

Not all retarders are compatible with every brand of acrylic paints. Some may cause clumping or cracking when mixed with certain brands. It is important to check the compatibility of the retarder with your preferred brand of acrylic paint before making a purchase.

Drying Time

Different brands of retarders will have different effects on the drying time of your acrylic paints. Some may only extend the drying time by a few minutes, while others can keep your paints workable for hours. Consider how much extra working time you want and choose a retarder accordingly.

Consistency and Thinning

Some retarders may change the consistency or thin out your paint, which can affect its opacity and coverage. This may not be desirable if you are looking for bold and vibrant colors in your artwork. Make sure to read reviews or test out the product before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs.

Types of Retarders

There are two main types of retarders – water-based and solvent-based. Water-based retarders are more commonly used as they are non-toxic and safe to use indoors. Solvent-based retarders, on the other hand, contain chemicals that emit strong odors and should only be used in well-ventilated areas.

Top Picks for Retarders

Here are some highly recommended options for retarders based on personal experience and customer reviews:

1) Golden Acrylic Retarder: This water-based retarder is compatible with most brands of acrylic paints and extends drying time by 30-40%. It also maintains paint consistency without thinning it out.

2) Liquitex Slow-Dri Blending Gel: This water-based gel extends drying time by up to 40% while maintaining the consistency of your paint. It also allows for smoother blending between colors.

3) Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Slow Drying Medium: This water-based medium slows down drying time by up to 30% without affecting color intensity or coverage.

Conclusion

As an artist who has tried various techniques with acrylic paints, I highly recommend investing in a good quality retarder to enhance your painting experience. Consider compatibility, drying time, consistency, and type when choosing a product that meets your needs. With the right one, you can achieve smoother blends and create stunning artworks with ease.

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Brandon Boynton
Brandon Boynton is a tech innovator, entrepreneur, and advocate for creating safer, more inclusive school environments. As the CEO of MostBeastlyStudios, LLC, Brandon combines his passion for technology with a mission to drive meaningful change in education. A 2014 graduate of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce YEA! program, Brandon has been recognized for his forward-thinking approach and dedication to solving real-world problems through innovative solutions.

Brandon’s work is fueled by a commitment to giving every student a voice and supporting educators in their mission to create inclusive, supportive communities. Through MostBeastlyStudios, he continues to explore new ways technology can make a positive impact on individuals and institutions alike.