What Are Acrylic Texture Pastes and What Are They Used For?

Acrylic ...

They are based on an acrylic binder, just like acrylic paints

... structural ...
Designed to create various structures and textures on canvas or other art and craft surfaces

... pastes
The impasto painting technique uses thick paint that retains visible brush marks.

When are they used?

When you can't achieve the relief you want with acrylic paint alone, because acrylic paint spreads and the relief isn't high enough. When you want a specific texture that requires thick paint. When you don't mind the paste changing the shade of the acrylic paint you add (if you do mind, use acrylic gels, which become colorless when dry).

How are they used?

You can combine them with acrylic paints in any way:
- apply the paste on its own with a brush or palette knife, let it dry, then paint over it
- mix the paste with acrylic paint in any ratio

However, when combining them with other products that aren't acrylic-based, take care to prevent the layers from cracking. If you're unsure whether the materials are compatible, the safest option is to apply the paste directly to the surface, let it cure, and then paint, even with oil paints.

Craft Pastes

Along with classic white pastes, there are also colored pastes and pastes with various effects:

- Sand pastes
- Snow pastes
- Stone-effect pastes
- Expanding pastes (for swelling)
- Iridescent pastels (rainbow)
- Fine pastes for working with stencils

Do you like experimenting with textures? Share your work or tips with us in the comments.