You’re facing the inevitable challenge of acrylic paint’s quick-drying nature. If you’ve struggled with colors setting too fast, you’re not alone. The right retarder can transform your workflow, but with so many options available, you’ll want to know which products genuinely deliver results. Uncover which seven retarders stand out and why choosing the wrong one might sabotage your technique.
Quick Overview
- Acrylic retarders extend drying time up to three times, enabling detailed blending work and preventing paint from skinning on palettes.
- Select retarder size based on usage frequency; larger containers offer better value for professionals while smaller sizes suit casual hobbyists.
- Top products like Liquitex and GOLDEN feature professional-grade formulas that enhance paint flow while maintaining vibrant color consistency during extended sessions.
- Non-toxic certifications such as AP Non-Toxic and ASTM D4236 ensure safe usage during prolonged painting sessions without health concerns.
- Cost per fluid ounce typically ranges $0.50 to $2.00; compare prices and brand reputation to determine genuine value for your needs.
| Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder (1 Pint) |
| Best Overall | Primary Benefit: Extends drying time up to 3x | Size/Volume: 16 fl oz (1 pint) | Form/Appearance: Clear liquid | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Falling in Art Acrylic Paint Retarder Medium (8 Oz) |
| Best For Professionals | Primary Benefit: Extends drying time for detailed blending | Size/Volume: 8 fl oz | Form/Appearance: Liquid medium | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz |
| Most Compact | Primary Benefit: Increases open time, reduces palette skinning | Size/Volume: 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) | Form/Appearance: Liquid retarder | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Handy Art Designer’s Palette Acrylic Retarder Medium |
| Editor’s Choice | Primary Benefit: Slows drying process for extended workability | Size/Volume: 32 fl oz | Form/Appearance: Liquid | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz) Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder |
| Premium Performance | Primary Benefit: Increases open working time, reduces skinning | Size/Volume: 4 fl oz (118 ml) | Form/Appearance: Binder-free fluid | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium 118ml (4-oz) Slow-Dri Blending |
| Best Value | Primary Benefit: Extends drying time up to 40% | Size/Volume: 4 fl oz (118 ml) | Form/Appearance: Fluid medium | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Retarder by GOLDEN Professional Acrylic Fluid Medium |
| Most Trusted Brand | Primary Benefit: Increases open time, reduces palette skinning | Size/Volume: 8 fl oz (237 ml) | Form/Appearance: Clear liquid | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder (1 Pint)
If you’re an acrylic painter who struggles to blend colors before they dry or finds your working sessions cut short by fast-drying paint, the Sax True Flow Acrylic Drying Retarder is your solution. This crystal clear liquid extends your drying time up to three times, giving you ample opportunity to work with your acrylics without rushing. The retarder won’t alter your paint colors, maintaining the vibrancy you’ve carefully mixed. You’ll appreciate the practical 16 fl oz break-resistant plastic bottle that stores conveniently in your studio. Simply add this retarder to your acrylic paints to achieve seamless color blending and longer, more productive painting sessions.
- Primary Benefit:Extends drying time up to 3x
- Size/Volume:16 fl oz (1 pint)
- Form/Appearance:Clear liquid
- Safety Certification:No specific certification listed
- Compatible Surfaces:General acrylic use
- Customer Rating:No rating provided
- Additional Feature:Extends drying time threefold
- Additional Feature:Break-resistant plastic bottle
- Additional Feature:Prevents paint color alteration
Falling in Art Acrylic Paint Retarder Medium (8 Oz)
Whether you’re blending intricate details or developing smooth color shifts, you’ll appreciate how Falling in Art’s Acrylic Paint Retarder Medium extends your working time. This 8-ounce formula slows drying without compromising color vibrancy, letting you achieve uniform finishes across canvas, wood, and paper. The non-toxic composition keeps your studio safe while you focus on technique. You’ll notice improved paint flow and enhanced blending capabilities, particularly valuable for detailed brushwork and fine art applications. Falling in Art backs their premium supplies with reliable customer support, ensuring you get the most from this versatile retarder medium.
- Primary Benefit:Extends drying time for detailed blending
- Size/Volume:8 fl oz
- Form/Appearance:Liquid medium
- Safety Certification:Non-toxic formula
- Compatible Surfaces:Canvas, wood, paper
- Customer Rating:No rating provided
- Additional Feature:Non-toxic formula
- Additional Feature:Maintains original color intensity
- Additional Feature:Premium brand with customer support
BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder 3.4 Fl. Oz
Are you struggling with acrylic paint drying too quickly on your palette? BLUEBIRD Acrylic Paint Retarder offers a practical solution in a compact 3.4 fl. oz. bottle. This retarder extends your paint’s open time, allowing you to perfect wet-on-wet techniques without fighting against premature drying. You’ll appreciate how it maintains consistent paint texture on your palette while enabling seamless color blending and intricate detail work. Compatible with most acrylic brands, it integrates effortlessly into your existing workflow. The retarder enhances paint flow and application, helping you achieve professional results. Whether you’re tackling complex changes or detailed brushwork, this product eliminates the frustration of paint skinning and gives you the control you need.
- Primary Benefit:Increases open time, reduces palette skinning
- Size/Volume:3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
- Form/Appearance:Liquid retarder
- Safety Certification:No specific certification listed
- Compatible Surfaces:General acrylic use
- Customer Rating:No rating provided
- Additional Feature:Reduces palette skinning
- Additional Feature:Compatible with multiple brands
- Additional Feature:Facilitates wet-in-wet techniques
Handy Art Designer’s Palette Acrylic Retarder Medium
For artists who need extended working time with acrylics, Handy Art Designer’s Palette Acrylic Retarder Medium is your solution. This 32-ounce artist-quality medium markedly slows your paint’s drying process, giving you greater control and flexibility on canvas, paper, wood, and fabric. You’ll appreciate the easy cleanup—just use soap and water. The product’s AP Non-Toxic certification and allergen-free formula make it safe for various users. With a 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,900 reviews, customers consistently praise its effectiveness. Though designed for indoor use only and featuring a matte finish, this retarder delivers reliable performance at a competitive price point, making it an excellent choice for serious acrylic painters.
- Primary Benefit:Slows drying process for extended workability
- Size/Volume:32 fl oz
- Form/Appearance:Liquid
- Safety Certification:Certified AP Non-Toxic
- Compatible Surfaces:Canvas, paper, wood, fabric
- Customer Rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (2,897 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Certified AP Non-Toxic
- Additional Feature:Made in the USA
- Additional Feature:Largest size at 32 oz
Liquitex Professional Effects Medium 118ml (4-oz) Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder
Liquitex Professional Effects Medium’s binder-free formula gives you extended working time with your acrylics, making it the ideal choice if you’re tired of paint drying too quickly on your palette or in your brushwork. This 118ml bottle of Slow-Dri Fluid Retarder notably reduces paint skinning-over, allowing you to blend colors seamlessly and execute intricate detail work without rushing. You’ll appreciate the enhanced blending window, which accommodates your natural painting pace. Simply mix this retarder into your acrylic paint to reveal extended open time. Whether you’re a professional or dedicated hobbyist, this Liquitex medium transforms your workflow by eliminating frustrating drying constraints and letting you focus on technique rather than speed.
- Primary Benefit:Increases open working time, reduces skinning
- Size/Volume:4 fl oz (118 ml)
- Form/Appearance:Binder-free fluid
- Safety Certification:Non-toxic
- Compatible Surfaces:General acrylic use
- Customer Rating:No rating provided
- Additional Feature:Binder-free fluid formulation
- Additional Feature:Reduces paint skinning-over
- Additional Feature:Ideal for detail brushwork
Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium 118ml (4-oz) Slow-Dri Blending
When you’re working with acrylics and need more time to blend colors seamlessly, the Liquitex Professional Fluid Medium Slow-Dri Blending is your ideal solution. This 118ml bottle extends your drying time by up to 40%, giving you the extended window you need for smooth color shifts. You’ll appreciate how it stays lightweight while maintaining water resistance once dry, and it won’t yellow over time. The non-toxic formula mixes easily with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors, letting you customize your paint consistency. Since it conforms to ASTM D4236 standards, you can use it confidently in educational settings or professional studios alike.
- Primary Benefit:Extends drying time up to 40%
- Size/Volume:4 fl oz (118 ml)
- Form/Appearance:Fluid medium
- Safety Certification:ASTM D4236 compliant
- Compatible Surfaces:General acrylic use
- Customer Rating:No rating provided
- Additional Feature:Extends drying time 40%
- Additional Feature:Water-resistant, non-yellowing surface
- Additional Feature:ASTM D4236 certified
Retarder by GOLDEN Professional Acrylic Fluid Medium
GOLDEN’s Retarder stands out as the ideal choice for artists who need extended working time with acrylic paints. This 8 fl oz liquid medium effectively slows drying time, enabling you to work wet-in-wet and blend colors seamlessly. You’ll appreciate how it prevents skinning on your palette, keeping paints workable longer. The clear, semi-gloss formula won’t alter your color mixtures. With over 731 customer reviews averaging 4.7 stars, you’ll find it’s trusted by professionals. GOLDEN’s 40+ years of expertise guarantees quality you can rely on for serious painting sessions.
- Primary Benefit:Increases open time, reduces palette skinning
- Size/Volume:8 fl oz (237 ml)
- Form/Appearance:Clear liquid
- Safety Certification:No specific certification listed
- Compatible Surfaces:Plastic surfaces
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (731 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Over 40 years experience
- Additional Feature:Crack resistant formula
- Additional Feature:Semi-gloss finish type
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Acrylic Paint Retarder
When you’re selecting an acrylic paint retarder, you’ll want to evaluate several key factors that directly impact your painting experience and budget. Consider the size and volume options available, the drying time extension capability that matches your working speed, the product’s compatibility with your specific paints, relevant safety and toxicity certifications, and the price per fluid ounce to determine true value. Each of these elements plays a vital role in finding the retarder that best suits your artistic needs and preferences.
Size and Volume Options
Choosing the right container size is crucial for maximizing your investment in acrylic paint retarders. If you’re a hobbyist working on smaller projects, you’ll find 3.4 fl. oz. or 4 oz. sizes perfectly suited to your needs. However, if you’re a professional artist or frequently engage in extensive, detailed work, larger 32 fl. oz. containers offer better value and convenience.
Consider your usage frequency when selecting a size. Larger containers provide superior cost-effectiveness for regular users, while smaller sizes prevent waste for occasional painters. You’ll also want to evaluate your storage capacity and the product’s shelf life. Proper storage guarantees your retarder maintains its effectiveness over time, so choose a volume you’ll realistically use before quality deteriorates.
Safety and Toxicity Certifications
Since you’ll be working with acrylic paint retarders in close quarters—especially during extended studio sessions—verifying safety and toxicity certifications is non-negotiable. Look for products labeled “Certified AP Non-Toxic,” which confirms they meet regulatory safety standards for professional and educational use.
Check for the ASTM D4236 certification, indicating the product’s been evaluated for potential hazards specific to your painting application. This standard gives you confidence in the formula’s safety profile.
Examine ingredient lists carefully to confirm the absence of harmful substances like latex, dairy, and gluten. If you have sensitivities or allergies, this verification step becomes critical. Non-toxic formulas greatly reduce your risk of allergic reactions and long-term health complications. These certifications aren’t just bureaucratic checkboxes—they’re your assurance of protection during countless hours at the easel.
Drying Time Extension Capability
Now that you’ve confirmed your retarder meets safety standards, you’ll want to evaluate how effectively it extends your working time. Some products offer up to three times longer open working time, giving you considerably more opportunity for detailed blending and intricate techniques.
Pay attention to formulation differences, as specific retarders are engineered to enhance flow and workability over prolonged periods. Look for products that reduce palette skinning, which helps maintain consistent paint texture throughout extended sessions without compromising quality.
Verify that your chosen retarder maintains color integrity and finish type—you don’t want the retarding agent altering your paint’s vibrancy or clarity. Finally, confirm compatibility with your specific acrylic paint brand and intended application surfaces. These factors directly impact performance and guarantee you’re getting optimal results from your investment.
Paint Compatibility and Versatility
Your retarder’s effectiveness depends largely on how well it works with your specific acrylic paint brand and formulation. Not all retarders blend seamlessly with every paint type, so you’ll want to verify compatibility before committing to a product.
Versatility matters too. You’ll benefit from a retarder that performs well across multiple surfaces—canvas, wood, and paper—giving you flexibility for different projects. This adaptability maximizes your investment and simplifies your supply management.
The best retarders integrate smoothly with paint formulations, preserving color intensity and consistency throughout your application process. Look for products specifically designed for wet-in-wet techniques if you frequently use blending methods requiring extended working time.
Prioritize non-toxic formulas, especially if you work indoors or teach others. Safety and performance shouldn’t require compromise.
Price Per Fluid Ounce
When you’re shopping for acrylic paint retarders, calculating the cost per fluid ounce reveals what you’re actually paying for the product. Prices typically range from $0.50 to over $2.00 per fluid ounce, greatly impacting your budget. You’ll find that larger sizes often provide better value through bulk discounts, reducing your per-ounce cost considerably.
However, don’t let price alone guide your decision. Higher-priced options frequently deliver superior performance and features that justify the investment. Balance affordability with quality to guarantee you’re getting genuine value. Additionally, consider brand reputation and user reviews alongside pricing. These factors help you determine whether a retarder genuinely offers the performance you need or simply costs more without delivering results.
