Winsor & Newton Watercolor Mediums

Winsor & Newton Watercolor Mediums are used to change the rate of drying, increase gloss, improve flow or provide texture. They provide watercolorists with limitless opportunities to add special effects and variations to their watercolor paintings.

Aquapasto - A translucent gel medium that reduces flow and thickens watercolors and gouache to give an impasto effect.

Art Masking Fluid - A lightly tinted liquid composed of rubber latex and pigment, for masking areas of work needing protection when color is applied in broad washes. Masking Fluid temporarily protects the areas you do not want to paing. Do not apply on damp or soft sized paper. Remove as soon as possible after application. Brushes may be cleaned if washed immediately with water after use. Remove the fluid by rubbing the surface gently to reveal the paper underneath. Wipe the neck of the bottle after use, to ensure the safety cap remains secure.

Blending Medium - Slows the drying time of watercolors, allowing more time to achieve smooth blends. Use the Blending Medium to work different colors into each other or to show a single color in all its intensity levels. Blending Medium can also be used to reduce staining, allowing colors to remain on the surface. Extends working time even in hot climates. For maximum effect dilute with medium only. Can also be mixed with water.

Colorless Art Masking Fluid - A colorless, transparent, non-staining liquid composed of rubber latex for masking areas of work needing protection when color is applied in broad washes. Do not apply on damp or soft sized paper. Remove as soon as possible after application by gently rubbing the surface. Brushes may be cleaned if washed immediately with water after use. Wipe the neck of the bottle after use, to ensure the safety cap remains secure.

Granulation Medium - This low-viscosity formula increases the granularity level of watercolor and provides a mottled look, even in tints. Granulation Medium intensifies the granulation of colors that already have this property, and makes non-granulating colors granulate, creating a flocculation effect. For maximum effect dilute color generously with medium alone. Shake well before use.

Gum Arabic - Used as the main binder in watercolor, Gum Arabic controls the spread of wet color, slows drying, and increases gloss and transparency. Using Gum Arabic ensures pigments remain on the surface and strengthens their bond. Dilute with water as required. To use throughout a painting, add a few drops to your water. Wipe the neck of the bottle after use, to ensure the safety cap remains secure.

Iridescent Medium - This medium gives metallic, pearlescent, or glitter effects to watercolors and is particularly effective when mixed with transparent colors especially over dark backgrounds. Mix with transparent watercolor or apply over a dried wash. Iridescent Medium adds a soft, reflective grain and brightens watercolor slightly. Shake well before use. Wipe the neck of the bottle after use, to ensure the safety cap remains secure. Not harmful to brushes, but rinse thoroughly.

Lifting Preparation - Allows dry color washes, including staining colors, to be easily lifted from paper with a wet brush or sponge. Apply directly to paper and allow to dry before painting. Use a soft, wide brush to prepare either specific areas or an entire sheet of watercolor paper. When Lifting Preparation has dried, watercolor can be applied but also easily removed again. Use a clean wet brush or rag to remove paint.

Ox Gall Liquid - Enhance the flow of watercolors with this colorless medium. This wetting agent can be used to improve flow when mixed directly with watercolors for smooth washes and good color absorption, even on hard-sized paper. Add 3-4 drops per cup of water to reduce surface tension. Cautiously add more to further increase the flow. Avoid using too much liquid, as it can affect the integrity of your paper.

Texture Medium - Additive with small particles to create the impression of structure and depth. Texture Medium can be used to create a rough-looking surface. Layers can be added on top of Texture Medium, for an effect resembling sandpaper. Apply directly to paper or mix with watercolor. Shake well before use. Wipe the neck of the bottle after use, to ensure the safety cap remains secure.