What can I put on my acrylic painting that will soften the lines?

Question

I was going for a misty, smudgy, soft look but it ended up with lines that are too crisp. Is there some kind of glaze or something I can put over the whole thing that will make it look smudgy and softer?

The painting is dry. I just can not bear to repaint it. Im definitely looking for an easy answer.

Answer 1

You could make a glaze using polymer medium and a bit of paint and glaze either part or the whole painting. Matte medium will make it look like you're looking through frosted glass.

Or you can use a stiff bristle brush with a small amount of pure paint just on the tip of the bristle, and scumble over the hard edges using light circular motions - makes good mist.

Answer 2

...I discovered, after many years of painting with acrylic paints, to soften line edges while the paint was somewhat damp/moist; without allowing the painting area to dry completely gets best results. Next, using a spray bottle that delivers a lite mist- spray along the en-tended line edge you wish to soften at the same time blending the line edges with a dry brush. This method works best for getting rid of those hard or tight edges. The only other way is using an airbrush to soften the subject or en-tended lines.

Answer 3

You can add a gel medium, or glaze medium that will "dilute" the colour of the acrylic. There are also texturing glazes that give you that hazy or ripply or sandy effect. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I would say matte or gel medium. But because you are working with acrylic, mineral spirits or paint thinner will not work. Those are reserved for oil painting. Don't try it or it will mess up your painting.

Answer 5

you could try diluting some paint thinner or mineral spirits and use it to smudge your lines. Just be careful, too much and you'll ruin your painting.

Answer 6

the person above has the best answer, mine would have simply been to mix new color, mist and take a small brush to fix the mistake by blending closely.