DIY mix your own color glaze

DIY: Mix your own colored glaze

Paint effects are a great way to express yourself in your art, especially if you mix your own glazes!

 In this tutorial you will learn to modify water based, latex glaze to suit the needs of your project. Glaze is a translucent medium that modifies the color of the base coat when tinted. The purpose of the glaze is to dilute the paint, to increase transparency, and extend the working time of paint. There are two types of glazes: latex (water based) glaze, and oil glaze. I prefer to work with latex (water based) glaze because it's easy to clean, it is odorless and non-toxic. However latex dries quick forcing you to work fast. This tutorial deals only with water based glaze. Because water and oil don't mix, make sure that you have the right base to begin with. 

Materials:

  1. water based, acrylic artist's paint (color of your choice) OR latex house paint (color of your choice)
  2. clear, water based glazing medium from specialty paint store 
  3. stir sticks 
  4. multiple containers to mix the glaze 
  5. water 
  6. measuring cups
  7. paint brushes
  8. rags 
  9. wood or paper to test glaze
  10. notebook and pen for changes 

It does not take much glaze to complete most paint projects. If you don't know how much glaze you are going to need, is best if you start in small quantities. By using the same formula every time (and noting your changes or additions) you are going to insure that when creating more, your glaze will match.

Latex House Paint Formula:

Glaze mixtures vary in ratio. A good starting point is one cup glazing liquid, one cup latex paint, to 1/4 cup of water. 

Artist's Acrylic Paint Formula: 

Choose any color acrylic paint to begin. Add a teaspoon of artist's acrylic paint to a mixing bowl. In a separate mixing bowl or container, measure 1 cup of glazing medium.

Take a teaspoon of glazing medium and add it to the acrylic paint. Stir until the paint is completely dissolved. Slowly add the rest of the glazing liquid to your acrylic paint and stir well. Add 1/4 of a cup of water and mix well. Test your color on a scrap paper or wood. Keep adding paint until you are happy with the color. If the consistency of the glaze is too thick you can add more water to it. Adding water will mean your glaze will dry faster when working. 

Tips:

To darken the color of your glaze, add more paint OR add a second color (a darker version of the same color, brown or black). 

To lighten the color of glaze, add water or more glaze. 

If your glaze is thick or heavy, you can add more water.

 Adding water to the glaze makes it easier to apply. Remember that if you add water you will have less working time as the glaze will dry faster. 

I hope you find these tips helpful. Have fun mixing! 

Wet paint distress technique

Learn to faux finish wood furniture quick & easy!

Mix paint colors

Create a tint, tone or shade using left over house paint.

Back to blog