Levelling gel is an acrylic medium primarily used to modify the properties of acrylic paints, helping them to achieve a smoother, more level surface when applied.
Levelling gel is a specialised acrylic medium designed to enhance the flow and finish of acrylic paints. It works by reducing brush strokes and creating a more even, glass-like surface as the paint dries.
Key Properties and Uses
Based on products like GOLDEN Clear Leveling Gel, a levelling gel offers several benefits when mixed with acrylic paints or other acrylic products:
- Imparts Leveling Quality: This is its primary function. It helps paint settle into a smooth, flat layer, minimising texture and brush marks.
- Increases Transparency: It can make acrylic paints more translucent, allowing for glazing and layering effects.
- Enhances Sheen: Mixing with levelling gel typically increases the glossiness of the dried paint film.
- Provides Durability: As noted in the reference, it produces a film with excellent chemical, water, and ultraviolet resistance, contributing to the longevity of the artwork.
How it Works
When added to acrylic paint, the unique viscosity and flow properties of the levelling gel interact with the paint polymers. Instead of holding texture from the brush or tool, the mixture settles and spreads slightly, creating a flatter surface as the water evaporates.
Practical Applications
Artists use levelling gel for various techniques:
- Creating smooth, airbrush-like finishes without an airbrush.
- Achieving flat, even colour blocks.
- Pour painting to control cell formation and create uniform layers.
- Enhancing the depth and translucency of glazes.
- Building durable, glossy layers with increased UV protection.
Summary of Benefits
Here's a quick look at the advantages of using a levelling gel:
| Property | Effect on Paint |
|---|---|
| Leveling | Reduces brush strokes, creates smooth surfaces |
| Transparency | Increases light passage through colour |
| Sheen | Adds gloss to the finish |
| Resistance | Improves durability against elements |
Using levelling gel allows artists to manipulate acrylics in ways that are difficult to achieve with paint alone, opening up new possibilities for texture, finish, and visual effects.
