Best Paint Mediums & Additives Under $100 (2026)
We selected products under $100 based on functionality (finish, texture, compatibility), container size, and relevance to common home and craft painting techniques
The Verdict
- Best Overall: Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium, Glazing Medium (473ml) — Best glazing medium: improves acrylic translucency and layering without altering pigment strength
- Best Value: Winsor & Newton Watercolor Masking Fluid 250ml — Best for watercolor masking: provides reliable liquid mask for preserving whites and fine detail
This roundup covers versatile paint mediums, additives, and texture pastes under $100 that improve flow, finish, masking, and surface effects for home and craft projects. Selections prioritize functional features, multi-surface compatibility, and value based on size, use case, and user-focused tags
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium, Glazing Medium (473ml)
Best glazing medium: improves acrylic translucency and layering without altering pigment strength
Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium for glazing with acrylics; enhances gloss and extends drying time. Easy to apply with brush and mixes well with paints
- gloss finish with acrylics
- extends drying time
- non-yellowing, water-resistant finish
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2
Best Value Winsor & Newton Watercolor Masking Fluid 250ml
Best for watercolor masking: provides reliable liquid mask for preserving whites and fine detail
Pigmented masking fluid for protecting areas when applying color with watercolors. Easy removal and adds a shimmering effect; some users note a beige-yellow tint and occasional paper tearing concerns
- easy removal
- effective masking for washes
- adds iridescent shimmer
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3
U.S. Art Supply Floetrol Pouring Medium Deluxe Kit
Best pouring kit: includes flow additives and silicone options to produce cells and consistent pours
Premium pouring medium kit with silicone oil and cups to enhance flow and color blending. Includes essential mixing tools for versatile art pouring, plus positive feedback on ease of use and value for money
- Pouring medium for smooth flow
- All-in-one mixing kit
- Includes silicone oil and cups
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4
Gloss Pouring Medium 64oz - U.S. Art Supply
Best gloss pouring medium: creates durable, high-sheen acrylic pours with good leveling properties
Gloss pouring medium to improve flow and create cells in acrylic pours. Provides glossy finish and smooth color applications; some users report good results while others note pourability mixability issues
- glossy acrylic pouring medium
- improves consistency and flow
- creates cells and smooth pours
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5
The Crafter's Workshop Stencil Butter - Formal Acrylic Paint Set
Best stencil texture set: offers metallic, spreadable paste for raised, detailed stenciling on multiple surfaces
Acrylic paint set with metallic texture paste for art on various surfaces. Noted for smooth consistency and nice sheen, suitable for stenciling and craft projects
- multisurface compatibility
- smooth texture with shine
- easy-to-use stenciling paint
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6
SENNELIER D'Artigny Oil Pastel Fixative, 1 Count, Clear
Best oil pastel fixative: clear spray finish to protect and reduce smudging of oil pastel work
Transparent fixative for oil pastels that protects artwork from dust and smearing and leaves a clear, glossy film. Customers note quick drying and improved durability with minimal color change
- clear, glossy film
- quick-drying
- dust and smudge protection
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7
The Crafter's Workshop Stencil Butter - Holiday Acrylic Paint Set
Best holiday stencil set: themed metallic colors in a spreadable paste for seasonal mixed-media accents
A boutique metallic texture paste set for art on canvas, paper, and journals. Noted for beautiful color, smooth consistency, and ease of use for stenciling
- multi-surface compatibility
- texture paste for metallic finish
- creative for cards and journals
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8
The Crafter's Workshop Stencil Butter Caribbean Sea Set
Best coastal stencil palette: vibrant, multi-surface stencil butter set for layered texture effects
Acrylic paint set with metallic texture paste for art on various surfaces. Noted for smooth consistency and nice sheen. Customers mention vibrant colors and ease of use
- suitable for multiple surfaces
- vibrant color quality
- ease of use
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9
Mixol Universal Tints Oxide Camel 200ml
Best universal tint: concentrated oxide tint to adjust color and opacity across many paint systems
Mixol Universal Tints in Oxide Camel, 200ml. Highly concentrated, easy cleanup with soap and water, non-flammable and resistant to heat or frost. Customers praise color quality and concentration, suitable for dyeing epoxy and interior paint
- excellent color quality
- great concentration
- stable in heat and frost
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10
The Crafter's Workshop Forest Stencil Butter - 4 x 2oz Acrylic Paint Set
Best forest stencil set: compact multi-surface stencil butter collection for journaling and small canvases
Acrylic paint set on multiple surfaces for stenciling and art projects. Noted for smoothness and color quality; some users found the size small and durability mixed
- multi-surface compatibility
- smooth texture with sheen
- compact 4 x 2oz jars