I specialize in Russian icons and I have been searching for a source of supply that could deliver the same quality as egg tempera. Where glazing does not muddy or distort the various layers of paint.
Based on our experience with Iconographers, the properties required are dense, rich colors that level well and produce an even, flat sheen.

GOLDEN High Load Acrylics (HLA) and Matte Fluid Acrylics possess these properties. HLA's get their name from having high pigment loads, and have a pourable consistency. The color line is fairly limited because many pigments tend to create unstable mixtures, which thicken up or develop undesirable traits.

The GOLDEN Matte Fluids were made to resemble the attributes of the HLA's. The pigment loads are more in line with our Heavy Body (tube) and Fluid Acrylic paint lines and are much more stable and thus we can include pigments that cannot be made in the HLA formula.

Another useful product for you is the GOLDEN Acrylic Glazing Liquid Satin. It's a slow drying blending medium and should not increase the sheen of paints. Use this to extend colors and to increase working time.

Originally, artists needed to size and prime a surface to first prevent oil paints acidic nature from breaking down the fibers of the fabric or wood, and they primed it to have an absorbent surface which allowed their paints to absorb in and make a very good bond.