What's the difference between gel medium and modeling paste?

Discovering the differences between gel medium and modeling paste is essential for any artist looking to elevate their artistry. In this article, we will delve into the unique qualities of each and explore how they can be used to create stunning visual effects and textures.

Gel medium, traditionally used in painting, acts as a binder, extending paint volume without altering its color. It offers transparency and glossiness when used alone or as a mixing medium. On the other hand, modeling paste is a thicker substance that can be sculpted and molded to add dimension and texture to artwork. It dries hard and opaque, providing a solid foundation for further layers of paint.

Understanding the distinctions between gel medium and modeling paste empowers artists to make informed choices about their creative process. By experimenting with different mediums, artists can unlock new possibilities and achieve the desired effects in their work.

Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner exploring mixed media techniques, this article will be a valuable resource for understanding and harnessing the unique properties of gel medium and modeling paste. Get ready to embark on a journey of artistic discovery and take your creativity to new heights.

Modeling Paste:

Also referred to as texture paste or molding paste, is a thick, creamy substance that appears milky white when wet and retains this color upon drying. It primarily consists of a binder, typically acrylic polymer, and a filler like marble dust or talc, resulting in a dense, heavy consistency. This paste is ideal for sculpting, carving, and shaping, enabling artists to create raised textures and intricate designs. Once dry, it hardens to a durable, matte finish that can be painted over, sanded, or further manipulated, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.

The filler in modeling paste can be quite confusing, as different fillers can make two pastes seem like entirely different products. Various fillers and additives can result in a paste that cracks, becomes ultra-hard and chalky, or remains completely flexible. Some even offer unique textures, like beads or a fabric-like finish.

Manufacturers often compete to create diverse types of modeling paste, each with distinct characteristics.

Personally, I prefer light modeling paste—an excellent all-rounder. It dries relatively quickly and is plain, meaning it has a consistent milky white color without confusing additives. You can customise it by adding your own fillers for extra creativity, such as sand, salt, a bit of acrylic paint for color, or even cracked eggshells.

To answer a common question: yes, you can use modeling paste as an adhesive, but it won't be as sticky as traditional glue.

Gel Medium:

Essentially is an acrylic polymer emulsion, is a versatile tool in your art arsenal. It serves as an adhesive, glazing medium, or textural agent, making it perfect for various applications. Unlike modeling paste, gel medium dries clear and flexible, making it ideal for layering, collage work, and creating transparent effects in your art journal.

The most noticeable difference between modeling paste and gel medium is their texture. Modeling paste is consistently thick and stiff, allowing it to hold peaks and shapes. In contrast, gel medium is more fluid and available in various viscosities, from soft to extra heavy, with finishes ranging from gloss to matte and semi-gloss. 

All gel mediums work well as glue, for glazes, and to create texture. However, softer gel mediums won't hold peaks like extra heavy ones. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the desired effect in your artwork.

Tips for using Gel Medium:

• Use a brush to apply gel medium thinly over collage elements to seal them in place.

• Mix with acrylic paint to extend drying time and create translucent layers.

• Try incorporating different textures (like fabric or paper) into the gel medium for unique effects.

• Apply with an old credit card to glue large collage elements down without bubbles.

• Use thick gel to glue down large elements (as with modelling paste - photo above), since it will dry clear you won't see it as much. - Apply through a stencil and wait for it to dry. Spray with ink or paint over with watercolour. The gel with resist the colour giving you wonderful texture (photo below).
  
  

Some ideas for using Gel Medium:

Gel medium resist is a fantastic technique to explore! 

To start, place a stencil of your choice on paper, canvas, MDF, or plywood board. Use an old credit card to apply either thin or thick gel medium over the stencil. Once it's completely dry, apply a wash of watercolor or an ink spray. You'll notice how the gel medium resists the color, creating unique patterns. For added contrast, gently wipe the surface with a paper towel to reveal more defined results. This technique adds intriguing layers and textures to your artwork, making each piece truly unique.

Creating Texture:

 Another way to use gel medium is to create texture by incorporating various materials like sand, sawdust, or beads, adding a unique and tactile quality to your piece. Apply a thick layer of gel medium to your surface, sprinkle on your chosen materials, and let it dry completely. Once dry, you can paint over it with acrylics or other mediums to enhance the effect.

Stamping in semi-wet Gel Medium:

Additionally, you can try stamping into semi-wet gel medium for amazing textures. Apply a thick layer of heavy gel medium and allow the surface to partially dry until it's no longer sticky but still flexible. Use a rubber stamp or a piece of bubble wrap (or even better, carve your own stamp!) to press into the gel. Lift it up, let it dry completely, and you'll have a debossed texture. Once dry, paint over it with acrylics to highlight the intricate patterns. This technique adds depth and interest to your artwork.

Image Transfers: 

Use gel medium to transfer images from printed paper onto your surface. Apply the medium to both the image and the surface, press firmly, and let it dry. Then, gently rub away the paper to reveal the transferred image.

Tips for using Modelling Paste

• Apply with a palette knife or a stencil for defined shapes.

• Experiment with adding acrylic paints or pigments to tint the paste before application.

• Once dry, you can sand, carve, or paint over the surface for further detail.

Some ideas for using Texture Paste:

Sculpting and Carving:

Apply a thick layer of texture paste and sculpt or carve into it while it's wet to create raised designs and patterns.

Stenciling:

Using stencils to apply texture paste can create intricate raised patterns that add depth and dimension to your artwork. This technique allows you to incorporate detailed designs that stand out visually and tactilely.

Just choose one of your favourite stencils and position the stencil securely on the surface. Using a palette knife or old credit card, spread the texture paste evenly over the stencil, ensuring that it fills all the gaps. Carefully lift the stencil while the paste is still wet, revealing the raised pattern. Clean the stencil immediately to prevent the paste from hardening on it. Allow the texture paste to dry completely. Once dry, you can paint over the textured design with acrylics or other mediums to highlight the patterns and add color.

Textured Backgrounds:

Spread texture paste over your canvas with a palette knife to create dynamic, textured backgrounds. Experiment with different application techniques for varied effects.

Use a palette knife to spread the texture paste across the canvas. Experiment with different techniques, such as smooth, even layers or rough, uneven strokes, to achieve diverse effects. Create different patterns such as swirls and waves, crisscross patterns or create a dabbing motion to create peaks, adding a dramatic three-dimensional effect.

Impressions:

Impressions are a wonderful way to add unique textures to your artwork. By pressing objects like stamps, lace, or natural materials into wet texture paste, you can create intricate patterns that stand out. 

Spread a generous layer of texture paste onto your canvas using a palette knife. The thickness should be enough to hold the impression of your chosen object. Select items like stamps, lace, leaves, or other textured materials. These will create the desired impressions in the paste. Gently press your chosen objects into the wet texture paste. Ensure they make a clear impression but be careful not to press too deeply. Lift the objects straight up to preserve the texture and avoid smudging. Allow the paste to dry completely. This step is crucial to ensure the impressions remain intact.

Once dry, paint over the textured surface with acrylics or other mediums. The paint will highlight the details of the impressions, adding depth and dimension.

Layering:

Layering texture paste is a versatile technique that allows you to build complex and textured surfaces in your artwork. By applying multiple layers of texture paste and allowing each to dry before adding the next, you can create depth and visual interest.

Start with a clean and primed canvas or substrate. This provides a smooth base for applying texture paste. Apply the first layer of texture paste using a palette knife. Spread it evenly across the surface in the desired pattern or texture. You can experiment with different application techniques to achieve varied effects. 

Let the first layer of texture paste dry completely. The drying time may vary depending on the thickness of the paste and environmental conditions.  Once the first layer is dry, apply another layer of texture paste using the same or a different technique. You can add more paste to areas that need more texture or build up specific areas for emphasis. 

As you add more layers, consider incorporating additional materials like sand, beads, or fibers into the paste for added texture and visual interest.  After all layers are applied and dried, you can further enhance the texture by sanding lightly to smooth rough edges or distressing for an aged look.

Mixing with Paint:

Mixing texture paste with acrylic paint is a creative technique that allows you to add color directly into the paste, resulting in textured surfaces with integrated hues. This method ensures a consistent color throughout the texture, enhancing the visual impact of your artwork.

Gather texture paste, acrylic paint in your desired color, a palette knife or spatula, and a mixing surface. Start by squeezing a portion of texture paste onto your mixing surface. Add acrylic paint to the texture paste. Begin with a small amount of paint and mix thoroughly with a palette knife or spatula. Adjust the amount of paint to achieve your desired color intensity. Blend the paint and texture paste until the color is evenly distributed and the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Ensure there are no streaks or clumps of paint left in the paste.

Once mixed, apply the colored texture paste onto your canvas or substrate using a palette knife or any preferred application tool. Spread it evenly across the surface in desired patterns or textures. If you intend to build layers, allow each colored layer to dry completely before adding the next. This will maintain the integrity of the color and texture.

After the paste has dried, you can further enhance the texture by sanding lightly to reveal layers or distressing for a weathered effect. Paint over the textured surface with additional layers of paint or glazes to deepen the color or add highlights.

More Tips and Tricks 

Now that you've explored various ways to use gel medium, let's delve into some tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of this versatile medium:

Work in Small Sections: Gel medium dries quickly, especially in thin layers. Work in small sections at a time to avoid it drying out before you're finished applying or manipulating it.

Clean Tools Immediately: Clean your tools such as brushes, palette knives, stencils, and stamps with water immediately after use. Gel medium can dry on these tools quickly, making them difficult to clean if left to harden.

Keep the Rim Clean: To prevent the lid of your gel medium jar from sticking shut due to dried medium, apply a thin layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly around the rim of the jar before closing it. This simple trick helps maintain the freshness and usability of your gel medium over time.

Experiment with Consistencies: Gel mediums come in various consistencies from soft to heavy. Experiment with different types to achieve specific textures and effects in your artwork.

Mix with Acrylics: Mix gel medium with acrylic paints or inks to create custom colors and translucent glazes. This mixture can be applied over textures created with gel medium to enhance depth and vibrancy.

Layering Techniques: Explore layering gel medium with other materials like paper, fabric, or natural elements to create mixed-media collages. The transparent nature of gel medium allows these layers to blend seamlessly.

Sealing and Varnishing: Gel medium can also be used as a final sealant or varnish over finished artworks. It provides a protective layer that enhances colors and textures while preserving your artwork for years to come.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, gel medium is a versatile and enjoyable medium for mixed-media projects. Whether you're transferring images, creating textures, or painting, gel medium adds a unique and dynamic element to your art. By following these tips and exploring different techniques, you'll unlock endless possibilities for creativity. So, don't hesitate to experiment and discover new ways to use gel medium – you might just find it becomes your new favorite medium in your artistic toolkit.