Schmincke AQUA-Fix Watercolour Additive 60 ml — Increases Water Resistance, Preserves Transparency

Schmincke AQUA-Fix is a 60 ml watercolour auxiliary that increases paint water resistance and produces a waterproof finish to prevent reactivation when overpainting.

Schmincke AQUA-Fix is a liquid additive designed to modify traditional watercolours so they resist re-wetting and remain stable when layered or glazed. Made to integrate directly into your workflow, this product replaces plain water for wetting pans or mixing pigments when you want a more permanent, less soluble result. It’s formulated for artists who need greater control over subsequent washes, glazing, or mixed-media layers without losing the transparency and handling of watercolour paint.

How does AQUA-Fix change the behavior of watercolour paint?

When AQUA-Fix is used in place of water, it binds more firmly to pigment particles and the paper surface, reducing the tendency of dried paint to lift or re-dissolve. This creates dependable layers that stay put during additional passes or when exposed to moisture. The result is a controlled, stable surface well-suited to glazing and multi-stage techniques.

• Use it instead of water for wetting pans or tubes to mix paint.
• Forms a water-resistant film after drying to prevent reactivation.
• Maintains the transparency and colour intensity of watercolour pigments.

Will AQUA-Fix affect colour, texture, or drying time?

AQUA-Fix is formulated to preserve the original colour and transparency of Schmincke watercolours while slightly altering handling characteristics. Drying time is comparable to ordinary water mixes, though thicker applications may feel a touch more resilient once dry. Texture remains largely unchanged, keeping the delicate granulation and sheen artists expect from quality watercolours.

• Colours stay vivid and transparent without dulling.
• Drying speed is similar to water-based mixes in normal layers.
• Surface texture and granulation characteristics are retained.

How should I use AQUA-Fix safely and effectively in my process?

Replace water with AQUA-Fix when loading brushes, rewetting pans, or preparing washes you want to be permanent once dry. Work in thin layers for predictable adhesion; thick, heavily loaded applications can take a bit longer to cure fully. Always clean brushes and palettes immediately after use with soap and water to remove any residue.

• Apply in place of water for wetting paint or mixing washes.
• Layer gradually—thin coats first, then build up for glazing.
• Clean tools thoroughly with soap and water after each session.

Is AQUA-Fix compatible with other media and surfaces?

AQUA-Fix is intended for use with watercolours and behaves best on papers formulated for watercolour techniques. It can be combined cautiously with other water-based media, but results may vary depending on the binder systems involved. For mixed-media pieces, test small areas first to confirm adhesion and visual effects.

• Designed primarily for watercolour paints and watercolour paper.
• May be mixed with other water-based products—test first.
• Ideal for glazing, overpainting, and multi-pass techniques.

Who is this for: Schmincke AQUA-Fix is aimed at watercolourists, illustrators, and mixed-media artists who need dependable, non-reactivating layers when glazing or overpainting. It suits professionals and advanced hobbyists who want to preserve delicate washes while building complex compositions. If you frequently layer colours, work with detailed glazing, or combine watercolour with other media and want greater permanence during the creative process, AQUA-Fix is a practical tool to add to your palette. As always, perform small tests on your chosen paper and media combinations before committing to large works.