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Substitutes for Floetrol

Substitutes for Floetrol
Substitutes for Floetrol

Floetrol is a general-purpose paint conditioner used with water-based paints like flat or semi-gloss latex, enamel, acrylic, or vinyl. It is widely available at the local hardware store. It is considered the hardware-store alternative to brands like Liquitex and, as a result, tends to be much less expensive than additives specifically formulated for crafters and artists. Floetrol is meant for interior latex paint and has not been tested for durability.

If you are just making things for your pleasure or to give as gifts, that would not matter much, but if you are considering selling, I would advise against the trendy mediums used for this purpose. Floetrol is the best since it is manufactured for large-scale use; it tends to be much less expensive than additives specifically formulated for crafters and artists. For new pourers, different brand mediums can substitute for Floetrol. Although it is important to stick with the arts and crafts brands, when starting out, most experienced pourers will search around to find the best balance of performance and price.

The best substitutes for Floetrol include:

Liquitex pouring medium

Liquitex Pouring Medium creates even puddles, poured sheets, and flowing applications of color without crazing or cracking. The paint film dries without holding bubbles. It retains its high gloss and wet appearance when dry.

Pouring Medium will not add transparency when mixed with color. It is flexible, non-yellowing, and water-resistant when dry. Liquitex Pouring Medium is designed primarily to go with the Liquitex Soft Body Acrylic Colors. You have to mix with colors to promote drying with a smooth, evenly colored film.

Summary

Liquitex is the best-known brand and product on the art market. It is particularly aimed at artists, unlike Floetrol and some of the other products. You will find that a lot of painters use this and would not consider anything else. It is generally considered to be the best all-purpose medium, though opinions vary as wildly as prices.

Water

Adding some water to your paint helps keep a nice fluid workability, like Floetrol. You just have to keep the same consistency through your projects so as not to add more water one time- lightening the color- or less the next time- making a thicker consistency and darker color.

Summary

I would try adding a little water- in a small container of paint- not the entire gallon. We have all used water at one point or another to thin acrylics. It’s a simple, easy, and inexpensive way to make paint easier to work with–especially when you are pouring. However, using water has some big downsides. It dilutes colors, so your paints look washed-out when they’re on the canvas. It also dilutes the binding agents in your paints, which means they won’t stick as well to canvases.

Novaplex 233

A small company in California offers this product. It is a fairly popular and economical alternative to Liquitex. Shipping prices can be quite high, though. You’ll also have to order directly from the company since Novaplex isn’t sold on Amazon.

This is the Golden brand’s equivalent of the Liquitex Product. It’s specially designed for pouring techniques. The Golden product sets itself apart from Liquitex in that it is formulated to be used in a very high ratio compared to paint, up to 10 parts GAC800 to 1 part fluid acrylic. Most of us do not work with extreme ratios, but it is certainly a reason to try the Golden product out as you experiment.

FAQs

What is a good alternative to pouring medium?

You can use a mixture of water and white glue (PVA) as an alternative pouring medium for acrylic pouring. It might have slightly different properties but can work well.

Can you use PVA instead of Floetrol?

Yes, you can use PVA (white glue) as a substitute for Floetrol in acrylic pouring. Remember that the results might vary, and it’s a good idea to experiment to find the right consistency for your desired effect.

What can I use in place of Floetrol?

Other alternatives to Floetrol besides PVA include Liquitex Pouring Medium, GAC 800, or even water with a small amount of acrylic retarder to improve flow.

What is a competitor to Floetrol?

Liquitex Pouring Medium is one of the competitors to Floetrol. Both products are used for creating acrylic pouring effects and adjusting paint viscosity.

Conclusion

Finally, Floetrol makes the paint easier by improving flow and leveling. You can get those large cells more easily, even without an additional additive like silicone. And by improving flow, it makes pouring that much more interesting. Flow improvement also helps the paint adhere to the canvas more readily. That increases the staining properties of your materials and slows down drying. The longer your paints dry, the more you can tweak and finesse your pours. A good pouring medium gives you the fluid dynamics you want from water-thinned paints while ensuring the paint retains its integrity and vibrancy. When you use a pouring medium, you won’t need much water, if any, to make your paints flow the way you want.

Ji Eun Kim

Written by Ji Eun Kim

Don't listen to anyone who says you can't be vegan and do well in sports and fitness. Vegans can do great, look good, and feel awesome!

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