I have purchased some Stevenson matte acrylic gel-paste and am using it instead of acrylic retarder?

Question

Because the smell and toxicity level of the regular products are too strong. Can it have the same effect? I have been using it to thin out acrylic but it is still opaque and not translucent?

Answer 1

The word "gel-paste" makes me think that the medium you've got is not just a transparent "gel" but also has an opaque "paste" component to it. Retarders are designed to significantly extend the open time of acrylics. Gels and other mediums will extend open time only a little.

If you're worried about toxicity with retarders, there are things you can do to your working environment that will naturally slow water-based drying. You can turn off fans and maybe even think of having a humidifier in your work area. If you can get your hands on a very fine mister, you can periodically mist your palette and painting to keep the surfaces moist.

Also, I recently heard about an acrylic paint that supposedly has a much longer open time than conventional acrylics but the downside is they are still reactive to water after they are dry. The manufacturers say to varnish the painting to counteract the re-wetting downside. They are like a gouache/acrylic blend. Link below.

Answer 2

Matte mediums and gels - also semi-gloss or satin - have matting agents, usually minute particles of silica in them. This gives you the effect of looking through frosted glass.

If you want a transparent vehicle, always use gloss mediums. You can always change the final finish with varnish.

Gels amd mediums do not have retarding agents in them, unless specified "glazing medium". They do extend your open time though, and are better to use than straight water. You can always add a couple of drops of retarder to your medium.