Best Paint Mediums & Additives in 2026

Why does custom paint work on plastic often peel away after just a few uses? The secret to professional-grade durability lies in how you prep your medium, and Angelus 2-Hard is the essential bridge for non-porous surfaces. Instead of struggling with paint that won't stick to glass or hard plastics, you can mix this clear additive directly into your Angelus Acrylic Paints to ensure a permanent bond. For rigid surfaces, I found that a 75% mix of 2-Hard provides the necessary film hardness to prevent cracking. Just remember to apply multiple thin coats for even coverage and give it a full 48 hours to dry. It transforms standard acrylics into a specialized tool for hard-surface customization.

Most DIY glow projects fail because the pigment is too dull or fades too quickly to be useful. Art 'N Glow solves this by using high-grade coated strontium aluminate, which provides a much more intense and long-lasting luminescence than standard hobbyist powders. I found the 30 to 50 micron particle size to be the absolute sweet spot for mixing into resin, epoxy, or even acrylic paints without clumping. The sky blue hue is vibrant, and since the powder is waterproof and non-toxic, it is incredibly versatile for everything from jewelry making to large-scale murals. They even include a free UV LED keychain to charge the crystals instantly, which is a thoughtful touch for anyone working in low-light environments.

You are standing at your studio desk, palette knife in hand, ready to transform a flat canvas into a sculptural masterpiece. This Ranger texture paste is exactly what you need to bridge the gap between two-dimensional painting and tactile art. The opaque consistency is impressive, allowing you to layer heavily without losing the integrity of your design. I found that it works beautifully when paired with stencils to create crisp, defined shapes that pop off the surface. Whether you are spreading it freely for an organic look or using it to build up intricate three-dimensional textures, the artist-quality formula holds its form remarkably well. It turns a simple mixed-media project into a professional, multi-dimensional experience.

The U.S. Art Supply Deluxe Paint Pouring Kit is a comprehensive workstation in a box that solves the headache of sourcing individual mixing components. I found the inclusion of a full quart of Floetrol to be the real game-changer here, as it transforms standard acrylics into a smooth, flowing medium that eliminates frustrating brush marks. Instead of hunting down separate tools, you get everything from graduated mixing cups and silicone oil to mini support stands that keep your canvas elevated and prevent messy edges. The variety of palette spreaders, wood sticks, and eye droppers means you can jump straight into complex resin or pouring projects without a mid-session trip to the craft store. It is an impressively organized setup for anyone serious about fluid art.

Bob Ross liquid paints are the gold standard for hobbyists looking to replicate that iconic wet-on-wet technique. This four-bottle value pack provides a generous amount of pigment, with each 100ml bottle giving you plenty of room to experiment without constantly running back to the supply store. What really sets these apart is the ability to mix and blend colors directly on your canvas, which is essential for achieving those soft, natural transitions in landscapes. The formula conforms to ASTM D4236 standards, ensuring a reliable experience for home artists. Whether you are a seasoned painter or just starting your journey into the world of Bob Ross, having these high-quality liquids on hand makes the creative process much more fluid and enjoyable.

You are standing in front of a blank, raw canvas and realize that skipping the prep work is a recipe for disaster. This Liquitex BASICS Gesso is the essential first step for anyone serious about transitioning from raw surfaces to professional-grade acrylic or oil paintings. The lightweight formula spreads easily, creating a reliable, non-yellowing foundation that won't degrade your work over time. I particularly like that it is non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D4236 standards, making it a safe choice for classroom settings or shared studio spaces. Because it is intermixable with Liquitex Professional mediums, you have incredible flexibility in how you prime your surfaces. It dries to a sturdy, water-resistant finish that ensures your pigment stays exactly where you put it.

Gamblin Solvent Free Gel Medium is a game-changer for artists who want to increase the flow of their oil colors without the harshness of traditional solvents. I found that this safflower-based alkyd painting medium integrates seamlessly into a palette, providing a smooth, workable consistency that makes blending feel effortless. Because it is completely non-toxic, you can work in smaller studio spaces without worrying about heavy fumes or chemical irritation. The 150ml size offers a generous amount of medium for long-term projects, ensuring you have enough volume to maintain a consistent paint body throughout your session. It is a reliable, professional-grade tool for anyone looking to refine their oil painting technique safely.

After weeks of use in my studio, I have realized that skipping the priming stage is the quickest way to ruin a piece. This clear gesso from The Crafters Workshop has become my go-to solution for prepping everything from sketchbooks and bible journals to wood and canvas. What really sets it apart is the efficiency. It provides superior coverage in just a single coat, which saves a massive amount of time during a project. I love that it dries in about 30 minutes, allowing me to move straight to acrylic or oil painting without a long wait. Whether you use a brush or a palette knife, it creates a stable, professional-grade surface that makes your colors pop on even the slickest materials.

Can a single medium truly bridge the gap between heavy oil textures and delicate watercolor protection? This Moshify bundle offers a versatile solution for artists who refuse to be boxed into one technique. I found the Dorlands Wax exceptional for adding a translucent richness to oil paintings, but its ability to act as a watercolor sealer is the real game-changer. It creates a reliable barrier against humidity and water without the need for immediate framing. The inclusion of a Moshify palette knife makes the mixing process seamless, whether you are incorporating powdered pigments, colored sands, or dyes into the wax. It is a professional-grade toolset that brings a sophisticated depth and vibrancy to everything from art journals to large-scale canvases.

Impasto lovers and texture enthusiasts require this specific medium to break free from the limitations of flat canvas. I found that the Mont Marte Modelling Paste is an absolute game-changer for anyone wanting to sculpt physical dimensions directly into their art. It allows you to build substantial 3D surfaces that feel tactile and intentional rather than just layered. Once the paste sets, it dries to a clean white finish that serves as a perfect primer for your subsequent layers. You can even sand or drill the hardened surface to fine-tune your sculptural elements, which is a level of versatility you don't often see in standard acrylic additives. Just remember that while it's a dream for structural depth, you should use it as a base rather than mixing it directly into your paints.

Most artists assume that creating mesmerizing cell patterns requires industrial-grade chemicals, but the secret actually lies in a cosmetic-grade ingredient. This live4art silicone oil uses Dimethicone, making it a non-toxic, odorless alternative to the harsh treadmill oils often found in studios. I was particularly impressed by the precision tip applicator. It allows you to dispense single drops to manage gradients without flooding your canvas. The 1000cSt viscosity is specifically calibrated to hold intricate cell shapes that stay put rather than blurring into a mess. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the inclusion of a free instructional e-book and video on paint consistency makes this a complete toolkit for mastering fluid art.

Mixed-media enthusiasts and hobbyists looking to add a professional shimmer to their work will find this set indispensable. I was impressed by how the high-quality pigment blend delivers a stunning, vibrant finish that works just as well on an outdoor rock garden as it does on an indoor canvas. The variety is excellent, providing classic metallics like gold, silver, and copper alongside essential hues like red, blue, green, and black. You aren't just limited to using these as accent colors. They function beautifully as a base or when blended with other paints to create custom tones. Whether you are working on wood, metal, or fabric, these 20 mL bottles provide a versatile toolkit for everything from small holiday crafts to large-scale murals.

Most hobbyists settle for dim, flickering phosphorescent powders that die out minutes after the lights go down, but this orange pigment from VViViD changes the game entirely. I was impressed by how the 25-micron powder blends seamlessly into resins and paints without the chemical reactions that usually plague cheaper brands. It holds its charge for up to 12.5 hours after light exposure and is built to last for years, even in extreme outdoor conditions. Whether you are mixing it into epoxy for a tabletop or using it for safety markings, the heat resistance up to 950 degrees and its non-toxic nature make it a professional-grade staple. It is a reliable, high-performance material that actually lives up to its long-term glow promises.

Serious fine artists and DIY enthusiasts demanding professional-grade luminance need to clear space on their palettes for Art 'N Glow. Unlike cheap novelty paints, this neutral orange acrylic utilizes strontium aluminate technology, which is essentially the gold standard for long-lasting, bright phosphorescence. I found the application particularly impressive because the paint dries clear during the initial coats, allowing you to embellish traditional canvases without muddying your original work. It is a non-toxic, non-radioactive formula that feels safe for studio use, though you must be careful to keep it away from freezing temperatures to prevent ruining the consistency. For a small-batch, hand-packaged product made in the USA, the glow intensity is truly magical.

Most glow paints act like a heavy, opaque mask that ruins the fine details of your artwork, but this fluorescent blue from Art 'N Glow works more like a magical additive. Because it only leaves a slight tint during the initial coats, you can embellish traditional paintings without losing the original composition, only to see the color truly pop under a black light. The formula uses strontium aluminate technology, which provides a much brighter and longer-lasting glow than standard hobbyist paints. It is a non-toxic, handmade option from a small US business, though you must be careful to keep it away from freezing temperatures to avoid ruining the consistency. It is a professional-grade tool for anyone wanting to add a subtle, high-tech dimension to their DIY projects.

Most hobbyists settle for dim, muddy pigments that vanish the moment the lights go out, but Art 'N Glow delivers a professional-grade brilliance that actually holds its own. This fluorescent purple acrylic is formulated with strontium aluminate, which is essentially the gold standard for long-lasting glow technology. What I found particularly impressive is how it behaves during the application process. It leaves only a subtle tint during initial layers, making it perfect for embellishing existing fine art without overwhelming the original piece. Once you hit it with a black light, the color truly pops. It is a non-toxic, USA-made product that feels much more premium than standard craft store paints, provided you keep it from freezing during storage.

Most people assume luminous pigments are difficult to mix without clumping, but this HXDZFX set makes integration surprisingly seamless. The phosphorescent crystals sit in that sweet spot between 30 and 50 microns, which provides a consistent glow without ruining the texture of your medium. I found that because these powders are waterproof, they play incredibly well with water-based acrylic paints and epoxy resins alike. Whether you are working on fine art, DIY slime, or even custom nail designs, the non-toxic and non-radioactive composition offers peace of mind for indoor crafting. It is a versatile toolkit for anyone looking to add a professional, glowing dimension to their escape signs or Halloween decor without worrying about environmental safety.

Most glow-in-the-dark pigments leave you with a muddy, neon mess during the day, but these invisible crystals are a genuine game-changer for precision work. I was skeptical about the 'invisible' claim, but because these use a neutral white base, your projects look completely normal under standard light. Once you charge them with UV rays or sunlight, the strontium aluminate minerals kick in to provide a much more potent, odorless glow than old-school zinc sulfide. The medium used to suspend the crystals is particularly impressive. It prevents that annoying settling at the bottom of the container, allowing for a smooth, non-coarse application. Whether you are mixing it into epoxy resin or using it for fine airbrushing, the consistency stays reliable from the first stir to the last.

Professional oil painters who despise the heavy fumes of traditional solvents need Gamblin Solvent Free Fluid in their studio immediately. This medium is a game-changer for anyone prioritizing a non-toxic workspace without wanting to sacrifice their technical precision. By blending safflower oil with alkyd resin, it provides a much-needed boost to color flow and transparency while maintaining your preferred texture and dry times. I found that it manages to avoid the usual color shifts or drying issues that often plague alternative mediums. It is a reliable, clean solution for artists who want to push the limits of their glazing and layering techniques without the chemical headache.

Can a single jar of pigment truly transform the depth of your resin pours? The Suiko Blue pigment paste from Eye Candy is a game-changer for artists who are tired of fighting with weak, translucent dyes. Because this formula is incredibly highly pigmented, you can achieve a deep, solid blue using only a tiny amount, which makes your supply last much longer than the competition. I love how easily it diffuses into epoxy without any clumps or prep work required. Whether you want a sheer, transparent tint or a heavy, opaque finish, this US-made paste offers total control. You can even blend it with mica powders to create custom shades that are impossible to find in standard kits.

You are staring at a deep black epoxy pour, waiting to see if that hint of gold you added will actually pop, and then the Ghost Gold mica transforms the entire piece. This isn't your standard opaque pigment. It’s a translucent series that plays tricks with light depending on your base. When I worked it into a black base, it yielded a rich, vibrant gold that felt incredibly premium. However, if you shift to a white base, it settles into a sophisticated gold sheen across the surface. It’s incredibly versatile for everything from jewelry and soap to automotive paint and nail polish. Just remember to follow the mixing ratios—about one gram per four ounces of epoxy—to get that perfect, professional-grade shimmer without losing the unique translucent effect.

The most striking thing about this Glomania pigment is how it completely disappears into your project during the day, leaving only a neutral white base behind. Once you kill the lights, however, that subtle white transforms into a vibrant, luminous aqua glow that feels almost magical. Unlike the old-school zinc sulfide powders that leave a nasty sulfur stench in your workspace, these Strontium Aluminate crystals are totally odorless, making them a joy to mix into resin, epoxy, or even nail art. I was impressed by how long the illumination lasted, with the glow potentially stretching from a single hour up to a full 24 hours depending on your light source. It is a versatile, high-performance tool for anyone serious about custom crafts or automotive detailing.

Art 'N Glow’s Neutral Red Glow In The Dark Pigment delivers an incredibly intense, long-lasting radiance that sets it apart from standard craft powders. I was particularly impressed by the inclusion of a free UV LED keychain, which makes charging the strontium aluminate crystals a breeze. The 30 to 50 micron particle size is the sweet spot for most DIY enthusiasts, blending seamlessly into epoxy resins, acrylic paints, or even glass blowing without clumping. Since it is waterproof and non-toxic, you can experiment with water-based mediums safely. It feels like a professional-grade material that is actually accessible for home crafters, especially with the convenient re-closeable packaging keeping the two ounces of pigment fresh for your next project.