Paint & Wall Treatments

The Best Art Paint Additives

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Art paint additives are essential for artists looking to alter the consistency, drying time, and finish of their paints. Selecting the right additive can dramatically enhance your creative process and the final look of your artwork, preventing common issues and unlocking new artistic possibilities. Understanding their properties is key to achieving your desired results.

No. 1
Flood Floetrol Latex Paint Additive & Conditioner
  • IMPROVES PAINT FLOW & LEVELING: Floetrol latex paint additive conditions acrylic and latex paint so it flows smoothly, self-levels, and dries to a professional finish without thinning.
  • ELIMINATES BRUSH & ROLLER MARKS: Extends open time so paint stays workable longer, erasing lap lines, brush strokes and roller stipple on walls, trim, cabinets and doors.
  • SPRAYS LIKE OIL-BASED PAINT: Reduces tip clogging and piston freeze-up in sprayers and cup guns, letting water-based latex atomize and spray as smoothly as oil-based coatings.
  • PERFECT POURING MEDIUM FOR ACRYLIC ART: A go-to additive for fluid art and paint pouring - creates cells, improves consistency and helps colors flow without cracking.
  • EASY CLEANUP, GENEROUS COVERAGE: Washable formula cleans up with soap and water; treats up to 300 sq. ft. and works with most interior and exterior acrylic and latex paints.
No. 2
Flood Floetrol 1 Gal Latex Paint Additive & Conditioner
  • IMPROVES PAINT FLOW & LEVELING: Floetrol latex paint additive conditions acrylic and latex paint so it flows smoothly, self-levels, and dries to a professional finish without thinning.
  • ELIMINATES BRUSH & ROLLER MARKS: Extends open time so paint stays workable longer, erasing lap lines, brush strokes and roller stipple on walls, trim, cabinets and doors.
  • SPRAYS LIKE OIL-BASED PAINT: Reduces tip clogging and piston freeze-up in sprayers and cup guns, letting water-based latex atomize and spray as smoothly as oil-based coatings.
  • PERFECT POURING MEDIUM FOR ACRYLIC ART: A go-to additive for fluid art and paint pouring - creates cells, improves consistency and helps colors flow without cracking.
  • EASY CLEANUP, GENEROUS COVERAGE: Washable formula cleans up with soap and water; treats up to 300 sq. ft. and works with most interior and exterior acrylic and latex paints.
No. 3
U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid - 4-Ounce
  • U.S. Art Supply Acrylic Retarder Liquid - Is an Additive used to slow down the drying time of acrylic paint, Add to any acrylic paints to slow drying time & increase working time for Pouring
  • Does not change the consistancy of paints - Reduces paint skinning over on palette. Alowws for a longer flow when doing Acrylic Pouring Art.
  • Useful for wet in wet techniques. Increases ‘open‘ (working) time of acrylic paint - Helpful on large Pours
  • Useful for blending colors. Increased blending time, makes blending of colors and detail brushwork easier
  • Lightweight, non-toxic and dries to a water-resistant, non-yellowing surface.
No. 4
Apple Barrel Pouring Medium, 44840E Acrylic, 16 oz, 16 Fl Oz
  • CONVENIENT SIZE - Transform acrylic paint into a pourable paint to create amazing marbled and swirled effects with this convenient 16 oz size of Apple Barrel Pouring Medium
  • SATIN FINISH - With Apple Barrel Pouring Medium, your marbled creations will dry to a subtle satin finish. Pour your colors over light and dark surfaces for excellent coverage and vibrant colors
  • MULTIPLE TECHNIQUES - This unique pouring medium for acrylic paint can be used with multiple pouring techniques, including dirty pours and direct pours
  • SMOOTH APPLICATION - Gently glide your favorite Apple Barrel Acrylic Paints over a variety of surfaces including wood, canvas, paper, and much more
  • EASY CLEAN UP - Clean up is easy with this acrylic paint pouring medium! Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
No. 5
U.S. Art Supply 2-oz Silicone Pouring Oil, 100% Silicone Oil Pouring Medium
  • Cell Creation Focus: 2 Fluid Ounce bottle specifically formulated 100% silicone oil to promote distinct cell formation and intricate patterns within acrylic paint pouring art applications.
  • Universal Compatibility: Fully compatible with all acrylic paints, acrylic mediums, and acrylic pouring mediums, ensuring versatile integration into various fluid art techniques.
  • Optimal Viscosity: Features a specific viscosity profile designed for acrylic pouring art, allowing for controlled application and consistent artistic results.
  • Premium Formulation: Composed of 100% pure silicone that is clear and odorless, ensuring a consistent and unadulterated addition to acrylic paint mixtures.
  • Precision Dispensing Bottle: Silicone oil for acrylic pouring supplied in a 2-ounce EZ Cap squeeze bottle equipped with a precision tip, allowing for controlled and precise application of oil into paint mixtures.
No. 6
U.S. Art Supply - 1 Quart Floetrol Additive Pouring Supply Paint Medium
  • Premium Pouring Medium: Achieve stunning and professional-looking art with our high-quality 1 Quart Floetrol Additive. Specially formulated for pouring techniques, it enhances paint flow and promotes optimal color blending.
  • 1.Versatile Mixing Kit: Our Deluxe Kit includes essential tools for artists, such as 16-Ounce bottle of Pouring Medium, 2-ounce bottle of Silicone Oil for captivating effects, 12 - 10 Ounce Plastic Cups, , 50 – 1-ounce graduated mix cups, 12 – Plastic...
  • 3.Durable and Reliable Materials: Crafted with excellence in mind, our kit features a wide variety of the most popular supplies to handle various artistic applications. Enjoy the reliability of premium materials that enhance your artistic experience.
  • Effortless Creativity: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, our kit provides the perfect balance of tools to unleash your creativity. Experiment with different pouring techniques and explore new possibilities with ease.
  • Convenient and Complete Set: Save time and energy with our all-in-one kit that caters to your pouring and mixing needs. Elevate your artistry with confidence, knowing you have a comprehensive set of premium supplies at your fingertips.
No. 7
U.S. Art Supply Impasto Clear Acrylic Gel Medium (500ml Tub)
  • Premium Impasto Acrylic Gel Medium: Artist-quality clear gel acrylic medium in a 500ml tub, designed for creating dramatic impasto effects and enhancing texture and structure in your artwork.
  • Versatile Application: Works as oil paint medium and acrylic paint blending medium; creates textured surfaces; maintains brush strokes and knife marks; ideal for artists seeking dimensional effects in their artwork
  • Superior Texture Creation: Provides the perfect consistency for impasto paint techniques; maintains peaks and ridges when dry; excellent for creating textured landscapes
  • Professional Results: Transforms into a clear finish when dry; enhances the body of paint without altering color; creates effects impossible with paint alone; non-yellowing formula
  • Excellent Adhesion: Maintains flexibility when dry; excellent adhesion to various surfaces; archival quality for lasting artwork. Can also be used as a very strong adhesive for bonding heavy objects
No. 8
Floetrol for Acrylic Paint Pouring Medium Additive, White Paint Pouring Supplies, 20 Disposable Paint Mixing...
  • Floetrol Pouring Medium for Acrylic Paint - Floetrol paint pouring medium mixes with paint to allow paint to flow more freely and makes it was easier to control. Great for paint pouring or as a paint leveling additive.
  • 20 Paint Mixing Cups - 20x 10oz (8oz measurements) disposable clear plastic (PET) graduated cups with measurement readings. Perfect for mixing paint, stain, epoxy resin.
  • Pixiss Paint Mixing Sticks - 20x Pixiss mixing sticks for mixing your resin, stain, epoxy, acrylic paint and more. These work great with any acrylic pouring medium.
  • Flood Floetrol - Keeps the colors of your paints vibrant while giving them more flow.
  • Flotrol acrylic pour medium - No matter how you spell it (flotrol, flowtrol) Floetrol paint pouring medium by PPG Industries is the best all around paint extender for your next project. Washable formula cleans with soap and water
No. 9
GOLDEN Satin Glazing Liquid, 8 fl. oz. Bottle
  • Satin Glazing Liquid is a slow-drying extender for acrylic colors
  • It increases translucency and working time for blending and glazing acrylic paints
  • PROVIDES infinite control with acrylic colors
  • AMAZING VERSATILITY – Artists can use mediums to control properties such as transparency, viscosity, surface sheen and more
  • Made in the USA with globally sourced materials by an employee-owned company with more than 40 years of experience making paint for professional artists
No. 10
Chalk-Tique Powder Additive – Transforms Regular Paint Into Chalk Paint for Crafts, Furniture and Your DIY...
  • Turns any water base paint into a durable matte finish that can be easily distressed and waxed to create an antique look
  • Adds new life to any worn out furniture or antique
  • Use up old paint you have on hand, or use with inexpensive water based paint
  • Gives paint a thick creamy chalk-style texture that covers easily and allows for minimal prep work
  • Easy to distress (once paint is dry) with sandpaper and Chalk-Tique Paste Wax for a rustic antique look
  • Use with any paint color of your choosing to create a truly unique look!
  • Contains all natural ingredients

Last update on 2026-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Art Paint Additives

Application Tips

Always mix additives thoroughly with your paint to ensure an even distribution. Too much additive can compromise the paint's integrity, potentially affecting its color, adhesion, or longevity. It's often best to experiment on a scrap surface before applying to your final artwork. Store additives in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight to maintain their effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix different types of paint additives together?
It is generally possible to mix compatible additives, especially within the same paint base (e.g., acrylic mediums). However, always test small batches first, as unintended reactions can occur and affect paint performance or appearance. Ensure they are designed for the same paint type.
How much additive should I use?
The amount of additive needed varies greatly depending on the product and the desired effect. Start with a small percentage, such as 10-20% of the paint volume, and gradually increase as needed. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific guidance.
Will additives change the color of my paint?
Some additives, particularly those that increase transparency or gloss, can subtly alter the paint's hue or saturation. Matte additives might slightly lighten the color. It's advisable to test the mixture on a separate surface to see how it affects the color before applying it to your artwork.
Are paint additives safe to use indoors?
Most art paint additives are formulated for use in a studio environment and are generally safe when used with adequate ventilation. Always check the product's safety data sheet (SDS) for specific handling instructions and recommended precautions.
How do I clean up brushes after using paint additives?
Cleanup procedures typically depend on the base paint. For water-based acrylics, use soap and water. For oil-based paints, use the appropriate solvent recommended by the paint manufacturer. Ensure all tools are cleaned promptly after use.