Winsor & Newton - Aquapasto Water Colour Medium
Aquapasto Water Colour Medium
Thicken watercolors to hold sculptural brushstrokes and texture
Watercolor doesn't naturally hold peaks and ridges, Aquapasto changes that. This translucent gel medium transforms fluid washes into paint that can be sculpted, building dimensional texture that stays put as it dries. Mix it directly with watercolor or gouache to reduce flow while maintaining workable consistency, creating everything from subtle surface variation to pronounced impasto effects that catch light like oil paint.
The gel integrates seamlessly without compromising color intensity or transparency. You control the degree of texture by adjusting the ratio: more medium for pronounced peaks, less for gentle surface interest. It extends drying time slightly, giving you room to work the surface before it sets. Once dry, the medium remains flexible and won't crack or yellow over time.
Winsor & Newton formulated this specifically for water-based media, addressing the technical challenge of creating stable texture without the binders oil paint naturally provides. Apply it with palette knives for bold sculptural marks, or use stiff brushes to build varied surface texture that adds physical dimension to botanical studies, landscapes, or abstract compositions. The medium works equally well with transparent watercolors and opaque gouache, expanding textural possibilities beyond what water-based paint typically allows.
