Hey there, fellow artists and creative souls! I’m stoked to share my tips on thickening tempera paint to achieve those amazing gouache effects. As a supplier of top – notch tempera paint, I’ve seen firsthand how artists are always looking for ways to expand the versatility of this wonderful medium. So, let’s dive right in! Tempera Paint
Why Thickening Tempera Paint?
First off, you might be wondering why you’d want to thicken tempera paint. Well, gouache is known for its opacity, rich colors, and ability to be layered. By thickening tempera paint, you can mimic these properties. You’ll be able to create bold, solid colors, add texture to your artwork, and build up layers just like you would with gouache. It’s a great way to get more mileage out of your tempera paint and explore new creative possibilities.
Materials You’ll Need
Before we start thickening, let’s gather the materials. Obviously, you’ll need some tempera paint. If you’re low on stock, well, that’s where I come in as your tempera paint supplier. Other than the paint, you’ll need some thickening agents. There are a few options here, and we’ll go through each one.
1. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a common household item that can work wonders for thickening tempera paint. It’s easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Here’s how you do it:
- First, make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix about 1 – 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water. Stir it well until there are no lumps.
- Next, heat up some water in a saucepan. You don’t need a lot, just enough to be able to add your slurry. Once the water is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens. It should have a consistency like a thick pudding.
- Let the mixture cool down a bit. Then, start adding it to your tempera paint in small amounts. Stir well after each addition. You can keep adding more until you reach the desired thickness.
The great thing about using cornstarch is that it’s non – toxic, so it’s safe for artists of all ages, especially those working on art projects with kids. However, one downside is that the paint might not be as durable as when using some other thickening agents.
2. Gum Arabic
Gum arabic is a traditional thickening agent used in the art world. It’s a natural resin that comes from the sap of acacia trees. You can usually find it at art supply stores. Here’s how to use it:
- First, dissolve the gum arabic in water. You’ll need to follow the instructions on the package, but generally, you’ll mix a small amount of gum arabic with warm water and let it sit for a few hours until it fully dissolves.
- Once the gum arabic solution is ready, start adding it to your tempera paint. Just like with the cornstarch, add it in small amounts and stir well. Gum arabic gives the paint a nice, smooth consistency, and it also helps the paint adhere better to the surface.
- One of the advantages of using gum arabic is that it dries to a flexible, non – brittle finish. This means your artwork is less likely to crack over time. But it can be a bit more expensive than cornstarch, and it might take some time to dissolve properly.
3. PVA Glue
PVA glue, like Elmer’s glue, is another option for thickening tempera paint. It’s readily available and easy to use. Here’s what you do:
- Simply add a small amount of PVA glue to your tempera paint. You can start with about 1 part glue to 4 parts paint.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly. You’ll notice that the paint starts to thicken right away. You can add more glue if you want a thicker consistency.
- PVA glue makes the paint more opaque and gives it a bit of a sheen. It also helps the paint to dry faster. However, too much glue can make the paint a bit sticky and might affect the color slightly.
Testing the Consistency
As you’re adding the thickening agent to your tempera paint, it’s important to test the consistency regularly. You can do this by dipping a paintbrush into the mixture and then making a stroke on a piece of scrap paper. Look at how the paint spreads and how opaque it is. If it’s too thin, add a little more of the thickening agent. If it’s too thick, you can add a tiny bit of water to thin it out.
Tips for Working with Thickened Tempera Paint
- Brushes: Use stiffer brushes when working with thickened tempera paint. Flat brushes or bristle brushes work well because they can handle the thicker consistency and help you create bold strokes.
- Layering: One of the great things about achieving gouache – like effects is the ability to layer. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next one. This will prevent the colors from mixing and give you a more professional – looking finish.
- Storage: If you have any leftover thickened tempera paint, store it in an airtight container. You might need to add a little water and stir it up before using it again, as the thickening agent can make the paint dry out a bit faster.
Conclusion
Thickening tempera paint to get gouache effects is a fun and creative way to take your art to the next level. Whether you choose cornstarch, gum arabic, or PVA glue, each method has its own pros and cons. Experiment with different thickening agents and see which one works best for your style and the type of artwork you’re creating.
Painting Pigments If you’re running low on tempera paint or want to try out some new colors, don’t hesitate to reach out. As your tempera paint supplier, I’m here to help you get the best materials for your artistic endeavors. Whether you’re a professional artist, an art teacher, or just someone who loves to paint in your free time, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s get in touch and start creating some amazing art together!
References
- "Art Materials: A Concise Handbook" by Ralph Mayer
- "The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques" by Daniel V. Thompson Jr.
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