Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium Slow-Dri Blending, 473 ml — Extends Open Time, Improves Flow & Transparency

Liquitex Slow-Dri Blending Medium (473 ml) is a fluid acrylic medium that extends open working time up to 40% while improving flow, transparency, and adhesion.

If you work with acrylics and need more time for wet-edge blending, glazing, or soft transitions, this Liquitex professional-grade fluid medium slows drying without weakening the paint film. It mixes easily with Liquitex Heavy Body or Soft Body colours to increase transparency and gloss, self-levels to reduce visible brushstrokes, and dries clear so your pigments remain vibrant. Formulated to remain flexible and non-yellowing, it’s suitable for canvas, paper, wood, and other surfaces that accept acrylic media.

How much longer does this medium keep acrylics workable?

The Slow-Dri formulation lengthens open time by up to 40%, giving you noticeably more blending window compared with straight acrylic colour. Exact extension depends on room temperature, humidity, and film thickness, but most artists find it enough for multi-pass blending and subtle fades.

• Extends drying time up to 40% under typical studio conditions
• Works with both Heavy Body and Soft Body Liquitex colours
• Adjustable: add more medium for longer working time

Will adding this medium change the paint’s finish or adhesion?

When mixed into acrylic colours, the medium increases gloss and transparency while maintaining strong adhesion and flexibility. It dries clear and non-yellowing, so colour intensity is preserved and the paint film resists chipping or cracking when applied properly.

• Dries transparent to showcase rich colour beneath
• Formulated for maximum flexibility and durable adhesion
• Conforms to ASTM D4236 and is safe for classroom use

How do artists typically use Slow-Dri Blending Medium?

Use it as an extender, blending aid, or gloss-enhancing fixative. Mix any ratio into Soft or Heavy Body paint to increase volume, reduce viscosity of thicker paints, or thin and enhance flow. It also works well in an atomizer or airbrush when thinned 1:1 with water for a subtle sheen or underpainting glaze.

• Mix with Soft Body to lengthen drying time and preserve viscosity
• Thin Heavy Body to improve flow and transparency for glazing
• Use in airbrush or atomizer when diluted 1:1 with water for a fine spray sheen

Does this medium affect long-term durability or surface care?

The medium contains acrylic resins designed to maintain a strong paint film; unlike some retarders, you may add any amount without compromising film integrity. Once fully cured, the surface is water-resistant and non-yellowing, though it’s still an acrylic layer — treat painted pieces as you would other acrylic works for cleaning and varnishing.

• Non-toxic and dries to a water-resistant surface
• Won’t yellow over time when used as directed
• Safe to varnish or layer with other Liquitex mediums after curing

Who is this for: Liquitex Slow-Dri Blending Medium is aimed at painters who need more open time with acrylics — from fine-art painters creating soft gradients and glazes to illustrators and mixed-media artists layering transparent washes. It’s also suitable for educators and studios needing a classroom-safe extender that maintains paint strength and clarity.