Best Paint Mediums & Additives Under $50 (2026)
We selected items under $50 based on intended use, documented medium properties (finish, viscosity, compatibility), and overall value for hobby and decor applications
The Verdict
- Best Overall: Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium, Glazing Medium (473ml) — Best for glazing: professional-grade fluid medium that improves transparency and flow for acrylic glazes
- Best Value: Winsor & Newton Watercolor Masking Fluid 250ml — Best for masking: reliable watercolor masking fluid that preserves highlights and resists common washes
This guide highlights value-focused paint mediums and additives under $50 for home comfort and decor projects, from pouring mediums to stencil pastes and fixatives. Picks were chosen for utility, documented features (finish, consistency, and intended use), and overall value for hobbyists and pros working on canvas, walls, and craft surfaces
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium, Glazing Medium (473ml)
Best for glazing: professional-grade fluid medium that improves transparency and flow for acrylic glazes
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 masking: reliable watercolor masking fluid that preserves highlights and resists common washes
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 for pour starters: deluxe kit with flow control additives suited to create cells and smooth 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 pour finish: high-volume gloss medium formulated for acrylic pouring and leveling
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 for textured stenciling: metallic stencil paste that builds raised texture and holds crisp edges
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 fixative for pastels: clear oil-pastel fixative that reduces smudging while preserving color depth
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 stencil butter offering metallic pigments and easy application for crafts
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 for mixed media: versatile stencil butter set with blendable acrylic pigments for canvas or journals
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 for custom tints: concentrated universal tints that deliver consistent oxide color adjustments
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 multi-pack stenciling: forest-themed stencil butter set that provides multiple colors for layering effects
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