Which matte, gloss or gel medium is best and why it matters.
If I had to pick only one essential product for mixed media, Matte Gel Medium is it.
But doesn’t it seem strange that you could choose from dozens of mediums to effectively collage with and yet they’re not all the same?
Here we answer the question, what are matte, gloss, and gel mediums, and why does it matter?
You will see swatches and finished samples that demonstrate how the right choice really does make your art look better.
Topics covered include:
- How you use matte, gloss and gel mediums
- Issues arising using the wrong product in collage
- The difference between artist or craft grade products?
- How Mod Podge differs from Matte or Gel Medium?
- When to choose matte or gloss?
- When to choose fluid, soft, or heavy gel
Product Comparison for Quality Performance
The below products are road tested in relation to how they perform for my style of mixed media, and the supplies I use on top of the medium surface.
Listed in order of my buying preference if cost and availability are not a factor, with 1 as most desirable and 10 as least desirable.
Top Performance for mixed media:
1. Golden Regular Gel Matte
2. Liquitex Matte Gel Medium
3. Liquitex Matte Medium
Adequate Performance for mixed media:
4. Atelier Heavy Gel Gloss
5. Liquitex Gloss Heavy Gel
6. Dina Wakley Ultra Thick Gel Medium
Low Performance for mixed media:
7. Distress Collage Medium
8. Porta Craft Soft and Heavy Gel Medium
9. Mod Podge Matte
10. Dina Wakley Soft Gel Medium
Disclaimer
The information here is based on my own experience, and as art is all about exploration and there are many variables in methods, materials, and conditions, I understand this information may not be right for you.
Let’s Connect
I’d be interested to learn about your favourite brands and methods in the comments. Please let me know if this was helpful by liking and be sure to check out my other videos in this playlist to get the best economy and results when purchasing your mixed media art supplies.
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