Here at Everything Art we love mixed-media. It's such an exciting and freeing form of creative play! But art supplies, especially mediums, can get confusing. It can be hard to make a decision as to which one is best to use for what.
So today I'll answer one of the most commonly asked questions:
What's the difference between gel medium and modeling paste?
Among the myriad of supplies available, modelling paste and gel medium stand out for their ability to add texture and depth, transforming flat pages into tactile, engaging works of art. However understanding the differences between these two products can be challenging, but also crucial to your art process. So let's get these things straight! :)
Modelling paste, also known as texture paste or moulding paste, is a thick substance which is usually milky white when wet and stays the same colour when dry. It’s primarily composed of a binder (usually acrylic polymer) and a filler (such as marble dust or talc), giving it a dense, heavy consistency. When applied to a surface, modelling paste can be sculpted, carved, and shaped, allowing for the creation of raised textures and intricate patterns. Once dry, it hardens to a durable, matte finish that can be painted over, sanded, or further manipulated.
The filler is the confusing bit, because a different filler can make two modelling pastes appear to be completely different product. There can be different fillers and additives that will make your modelling paste crack or ultra hard and chalky or completely flexible and give added texture of beads or a fabric-like finish.
Manufacturers seem to be on a competition to come up with as many kinds of modelling paste as possible.
My personal choice is light modelling paste - a great all-rounder! It dries relatively quickly. It's plain (meaning milky white, nothing confusing added to it), BUT you can add your own fillers for extra fun. Think sand, salt, a bit of acrylic paint for colour or even cracked egg shells.
And to answer another common question - yes, you can try to use modelling paste as glue, but it will never be as sticky as...
Gel medium, which is essentially an acrylic polymer emulsion. It acts as an adhesive, a glazing medium, or a textural agent, depending on how it’s used, but it's perfect for all! Unlike modelling paste, gel medium dries clear and flexible, making it ideal for layering, collage work, and creating transparent effects in your art journal.
The most immediate difference between modelling paste and gel medium is their texture. Modelling paste is thick and stiff (always!), allowing it to hold peaks and shapes, whereas gel medium is more fluid and comes in varying viscosities - from soft to extra heavy and finishes gloss, matte, and semi-gloss. All Gels will be good as glue, for glazes and to create texture with. Of course soft (more fluid) gel medium will not hold peaks like extra heavy gel. So it's all a matter of personal taste.
Tips for using Modelling Paste
Using Modelling Paste
- Apply with a palette knife or a stencil for defined shapes.
- Experiment with adding acrylic paints or pigments to tint the paste before application.
- Once dry, you can sand, carve, or paint over the surface for further detail.
Tips for using Gel Medium
- Use a brush to apply gel medium thinly over collage elements to seal them in place.
- Mix with acrylic paint to extend drying time and create translucent layers.
- Try incorporating different textures (like fabric or paper) into the gel medium for unique effects.
- Apply with an old credit card to glue large collage elements down without bubbles.
- Use thick gel to glue down large elements (as with modelling paste - photo above), since it will dry clear you won't see it as much. - Apply through a stencil and wait for it to dry. Spray with ink or paint over with watercolour. The gel with resist the colour giving you wonderful texture (photo below)
But the quickest way to learn about these supplies is by using them of course. So go ahead, experiment with them, and let me know if you have any further questions!
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