Artists use podge, varnish, and mediums to enhance, protect, and manipulate their artworks. Each serves a distinct purpose in the creation and preservation of art.
Podge (commonly known as Mod Podge) is a versatile glue, sealer, and finish. It's widely used in various art and craft projects as an adhesive (to glue paper, fabric, and other materials to different surfaces). It’s popular in decoupage, where artists adhere paper cutouts to objects and then seal them with layers of podge.
- Podge can act as a sealer which creates a protective layer over artwork preventing damage from dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Podge can provide different finishes to a piece, such as matte, glossy, or satin. This finish adds a professional look and protects the surface of the artwork.
Varnish
Varnish is a transparent protective finish that artists apply to completed artworks, particularly paintings.
- Varnish protects artwork from environmental factors like dust, UV light, and humidity, which can cause fading or deterioration over time.
- Varnish can enhance the colours and depth of a painting, giving it a finished, polished look. It can make colours appear more vibrant and unified.
- Varnish comes in various finishes—gloss, satin, and matte—allowing artists to choose the level of sheen and texture they prefer for their artwork.
Mediums
Mediums are substances added to paints to change their properties and behavior.
- Alter the texture and consistency of paint. For instance, a gel medium can thicken acrylic paint for impasto techniques, while a fluid medium can thin it for glazing and washes.
- Can extend or reduce the drying time of paints. Retarders slow down the drying process, allowing for more blending time, while fast-drying mediums do the opposite.
- Can create various effects and finishes. For example, gloss medium can add a shiny finish to acrylic paints, while matte medium removes glossiness. Some mediums, like texture paste, can add physical texture to a surface.
- Enable artists to experiment with different application techniques. For instance, pouring medium allows for fluid, smooth paint pours, while glazing medium is used for transparent layering.
