Pastes
Gel Mediums & Molding Pastes
GOLDEN Gels & Molding Pastes are tools that can be manipulated by artists to achieve a great variety of effects and expressions. Even though acrylic colors are offered in various different consistencies and finishes, the use of gels and molding pastes in conjunction with such colors will broaden the working properties and expand on the possible results.

Gels can be thought of as colorless paints, as they are composed of similar polymers as are the acrylic paints. They may be considered the "glue" or binder that dry to form continuous, durable films. They are made of 100% acrylic polymers which have proven to have excellent flexibility and chemical, water and ultraviolet radiation resistance.

Pastes contain Marble Dust or Diatomatious Earth, clays or other fillers resulting in a white or clay-tone finish. Different pastes have been formulated to contain specific properties. See each description for further information.

Why are there so many gels and molding pastes? Over the years, artists have continuously requested new gel or pastes that behave and/or handle differently than what currently existed. GOLDEN has always listened carefully to the customers. Through working directly with the professional artists, GOLDEN has been able to formulate the desired products.

Admittedly, such a large number of different gels and pastes can seem staggering and can confuse artists. However, with at least a general understanding of the various products available, and an inclination to experiment, artists can create new ways in which to express themselves, and probably apply materials in ways GOLDEN has not thought about.

Gel & Molding Paste Properties / Differences Between Gels & Mediums / Size Chart /
Using Gel & Molding Paste
/ Technical Information & Application Sheets / Product Review / Back to Index Page

Molding Pastes
Extra Heavy/Molding Paste - A blend of Extra Heavy Gel Gloss and Molding Paste. Dries to a satin, semi-opaque finish. Excellent for increasing viscosity and building surfaces.
Molding Paste - Excellent for building surfaces and creating textures. Dries to a hard, yet flexible, opaque film. Blends with GOLDEN Acrylic colors.
Hard Molding Paste - Dries to a extremely hard, opaque film. This product is useful for creating tough, durable finishes for smooth or textured surfaces. The dried film can be carved with hand or power tools. Blends with GOLDEN Acrylic colors.
Light Molding Paste - Offers dramatic weight reductions when building thick layers of acrylic. The density of the wet product is over 50% less than GOLDEN Molding Paste. This results in a significantly lighter film. This dramatic weight reduction will be beneficial in creating artworks that are large in size, have thick film build-up, or both. The product dries to an opaque, matte finish. The consistency is designed to hold stiff peaks to create a highly textured surface. Blends with GOLDEN Acrylic colors.
Images left to Right: Extra Heavy/Molding Paste, Molding Paste, Hard Molding Paste,
Light Molding Paste

Coarse Molding Paste - A thick, warm white colored medium that is translucent up to about 1/8”. Dries to a hard surfaced, stiff but flexible film with a tooth like fine sandpaper. The dry film accepts wet and dry media very well. Mix with GOLDEN Fluid Acrylics or Heavy Body Acrylics to create a dense-feeling paint that holds good peaks and dries with a matte to satin sheen with a finely pebbled surface.

Coarse Molding Paste
Coarse Molding Paste

Fiber Paste - This medium offers a dry film that has the appearance of rough handmade paper. Skimming the product with a wet palette knife can make a smoother surface. When dry, it has an off-white color and is very absorbent, making it ideal for use with acrylic and watercolor washes or inks. It has a thick, somewhat sticky feel in the wet state.

Fiber Paste
Fiber Paste

Crackle Paste
Crackle Paste is a thick, opaque cracking material designed to develop deep fissure-like cracks as it cures. The size and extent of the crackle pattern is dependent on many factors, including the thickness of application and the environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity and air flow) during drying.
Crackle Paste