SILVER TO THE TOUCH – created with textures on canvas – Get this tutorial
My favorite 4 types of “budget” texture
I use archival products when I paint because I usually sell my creations and I want to offer a high-level artwork to my collectors.
However, I have used many types of texture in my work, and sometimes I do use a budget-type of texture because it works very well. I cover with several layers of archival-quality paint, acrylic glazes, varnish, etc., so the final product is pretty well sealed with products that will last.
However, if you are learning or a hobby artist, you can use many different textures to create some stunning work and save a bundle!
These are my favorite few type of textures I use that are cheap, easy to get and can last a long time if sealed properly!
#1 – TISSUE PAPER: This lightweight paper can be laid on some texture gel and give a cool “crinkle” effect. I’ve used this a few times. This type of texture (or any fiber/paper) MUST be laid on a higher-quality gel (like a texture gel or acrylic art gel). Choose a white tissue paper vs. colored.
It also MUST be covered with paint, glazes and a good, quality varnish. A few layers over this type of medium is needed to seal it and help it adhere to the artwork.
If you are looking to keep it unsealed, be sure to use a high-quality gel medium under it to help it adhere. Know that if unsealed with several layers, it may not last or it could become damaged or removed from the artwork surface.
Example of the texture you can get with a heavy medium, like modeling paste (GOLDRUSH)
#2 – MODELING PASTE – I love modeling paste! It’s a very rigid type of texture medium and usually a little less expensive than higher quality gels, but you can use it either alone or with a tool to create unique effects:
-Run a plastic fork or scraper tool through it to creates tiny ridges
-Use a plastic spoon to create pockets
-Apply a round tube (like an empty paper towel tube) to it to create round texture marks
You can really get creative!
I used modeling paste in a light layer of texture on this artwork – MODERN PEEK
With modeling paste, be sure to work on a stretched or flat, rigid surface, like an artboard or stretched canvas. It will not generally roll well and may crack on unsecured surfaces. This is a good brand of modeling paste, but choose whatever you like!
#SAND – yes, basic sand. You can mix this with an acrylic gel or even modeling paste and apply to your surface for a rough, organic look to your artwork.
As always, be sure to add paint and seal with appropriate finishes to keep it fixed to your surface and protected.
This is an example of light texture applied with heavy body paint.
MODERN YELLOW
#PAINT – yes, you can use paint as a texture medium. I sometime will use nothing but a thick layer of paint, create some texture, let dry and then paint over it. Use a heavy body paint.
Note: This will not create the peaks and textures like a paste or gel. It will be a light texture, but you can use a lower-quality paint, like Titanium White (this is an excellent, inexpensive Titanium White), and let it dry well and then paint over it with higher quality paints, seals, etc.
You can lay some of the above items into paint and work, but again, it will not create a significant texture, but that may be what you like!
Choosing a texture medium of all the many available, will get easier if you paint more often. You’ll find the few you like the most and then work with those.
When I first started painting, I bought all kinds of mediums. Mostly, I as curious as to how they performed, what they did. Many of them I used once or twice and then dried up in the jar. I found the types I liked best and I stock up on those!
Ready to Start?
Create your own artwork for your home.
My favorite ACRYLIC PAINTING TEXTURE MEDIUMS
These link to mediums I highly recommend and have used many times – you choose what brand you like:
–Absorbent Ground Medium – this one is very different as it give a little texture to your canvas, but it provides an absorbent-type of finish that is nice if you want to use acrylics (with a little water or airbrush medium to really thin out) to create a washy, watercolor effect.
–Crackle Paste – I love this one because it literally creates a cracked effect. The longer it dries, the more cracked it looks. See below image.
IN SUMMARY:
Use a stretched canvas or canvas panel if using texture mediums
Be sure to always paint over mediums so they adhere properly and are sealed
Use a glaze and/or varnish over final artwork – Varnish will create a more archival finish, but you can seal with a glaze medium for a nice finish. My favorite is a spray varnish – super easy to use. NOTE: Always use in a well-ventialated area or outside!
Use basic tools to create interesting textures in your mediums – Use in wet texture medium and then let dry thorough (at least 24 hours) before painting over it.
Don’t spend a lot of money on all types of mediums. Choose those you like to work with and then invest in better quality of those. When just experimenting, buy cheaper versions to try.
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