Acrylic paint is not always glossy. Its sheen varies depending on the specific type, brand, and series of the paint.
Understanding Acrylic Paint Finishes
Acrylic paint is a versatile medium known for its fast drying time and durability. One of its key characteristics is the variety of finishes it can have. As stated in the reference:
Different types, brands, and series of acrylic paints can have different sheens. Some are more glossy, others are more matte.
This means you can find acrylic paints available in a range of finishes, from highly reflective to completely flat.
Common Acrylic Sheen Levels
While the exact names can vary between manufacturers, common sheen levels for acrylic paints include:
- Gloss: A highly reflective, shiny finish.
- Semi-Gloss: A moderate shine, less reflective than gloss.
- Satin: A smooth, subtle sheen, often described as eggshell.
- Matte: A flat, non-reflective finish.
- Ultra-Matte: An extremely flat finish with virtually no shine.
Modifying Acrylic Sheen
You aren't limited to the finish the paint comes in. You can alter the final sheen of your acrylic paint by adding mediums. The reference mentions this:
So if you have a glossy paint and you want to make it more matte, you can add a matte medium or matte gel to reduce the sheen.
Similarly, you can add gloss mediums or gels to increase the shine of a matte or satin paint. Varnish applied as a final layer can also significantly impact the overall finish of your artwork.
In conclusion, while some acrylic paints are indeed glossy, many others have matte or various levels of satin finishes, giving artists flexibility in their work.
