Best Paint Mediums & Additives (2026 Guide)

We selected products with high average ratings and substantial review volume, emphasizing clear feature tags (glazing, masking, pouring, gloss, stencil paste) and suitability for home decor and art applications

This roundup covers top-rated paint mediums and additives used for glazing, masking, pouring, gloss finishes, and stencil pastes, chosen for common home decor and art uses. Selections were prioritized by verified user ratings, review volume, and relevant product features like finish, viscosity, and intended paint type

Top Picks

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    U.S. Art Supply Floetrol Pouring Medium Deluxe Kit

    U.S. Art Supply Floetrol Pouring Medium Deluxe Kit

    U.S. Art Supply • ★ 4.1/5 • Mid-Range

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
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    Gloss Pouring Medium 64oz - U.S. Art Supply

    Gloss Pouring Medium 64oz - U.S. Art Supply

    U.S. Art Supply • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
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    Mixol Universal Tints Oxide Camel 200ml

    Mixol Universal Tints Oxide Camel 200ml

    Mixol • ★ 3.9/5 • Mid-Range

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
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Buying Guide

Match medium to paint type

Use acrylic-specific pouring or gloss mediums with acrylic paints and choose watercolor masking fluid for watercolor work to preserve intended handling and finish

Consider working viscosity

Pouring kits and floetrol-based mixes reduce surface tension for fluid art, while glazing mediums maintain brushable viscosity for layered translucent effects

Check finish and sheen

Pick gloss mediums for high-shine surfaces and gloss-heavy effects; glazing mediums deliver translucent layers without altering sheen dramatically

Choose formulation for technique

Masking fluids and stencil pastes are formulated for resist and texture work—masking fluid uses rubber-latex properties while stencil butter provides metallic or textured buildup

Assess pack size and cost-efficiency

Larger containers, like multi-ounce pouring mediums, often lower cost per ounce for frequent projects, while smaller tubes or bottles suit occasional or detailed work