How to make Acrylic Paint

Acrylic Paint Binding Medium

Pigments need to be bound to become a paint. For this they are mixed with a binder. The binders’ functions are to lock the pigment particles into a protective film, act as an adhesive by attaching the colours to the ground and to create an optical effect by bringing out the depth and tone of the pigment. Langridge has developed a range of Paint Binders to allow artists to easily and effeciently master the preparation of their own colours.They include stabilisers and preservatives for maximum durability and performance.

Langridge Acrylic Paint Binding Medium is a formulated with a combination of acrylic resin, flexibilisers and wetting additives to provide the best medium for the hand grinding of Acrylic Paint. This ready to use medium is compatible with all the pigments traditionally used in artists' Acrylics. For more information on pigment compatability please refer to the Pigment Compatability Chart.

 

Materials: Pigments, Acrylic Binding Medium, glass muller, glass slab, palette knife, empty jars
Method: Take a handful of pigment, make a well in it and pour in enough water to make a stiff paste using a palette knife (a). Mix to a smooth, glossy consistency. Slowly add more water, grinding with muller, until the paste is the consistendcy of thin cream. Grinding is best done standing, applying pressure whilst moving the muller in a figure of eight motion on the glass slab (b). Periodically scrape paste into the centre of the slab and off the muller. The paste becomes progressively smoother and glossier with work. When properly ground no grains should be seen and no grittiness may be heard or felt. Add pigment paste to Acrylic Binding Medium in the proportion of 1 part pigment past to 2 parts Binding Medium. Stir vigorously until paste is fully dispersed. Store the paint in containers (c).