Golden OPEN Acrylics

Use the extended open time to create very smooth blends. Work with a soft brush and slightly thinner layers, feathering edges while the paint is still wet. A clean, slightly damp brush is useful for softening edges without adding more colour.

For transparent glazes, extend colour with OPEN Medium or OPEN Gel instead of a lot of water. Apply thin layers and allow them to set up before adding the next glaze. The slow-drying nature helps you adjust and wipe back while the glaze is open.

On very absorbent or hot surfaces, mist lightly with water or use an OPEN medium to keep the surface receptive. To speed things up, mix OPEN colours with regular Heavy Body or Fluid Acrylics in upper layers, or finish with a faster-drying topcoat.

For knife work and thicker marks, mix OPEN colours with OPEN Gel or suitable acrylic pastes to build structure. Avoid laying very thick layers of pure colour, as they can remain soft for a long time and be more vulnerable to damage.

OPEN Acrylics are ideal for underpaintings that require a lot of adjustment time. Allow thicker passages to cure more fully before applying rigid or very fast-drying layers on top. As a rule, work “fat over lean” – more flexible or slower-drying layers should sit under less flexible, faster-drying ones.

The slow-drying formula gives you a generous window for monoprints. Roll out thin layers on a non-porous plate, draw or texture into the paint, and print onto slightly dampened paper. Clean plates and tools promptly with soap and water.

Working time depends on thickness, temperature, humidity and surface. In typical studio conditions, thin layers can stay adjustable for 30–60 minutes or more on the palette and surface. Thicker applications and sealed palettes can remain workable for much longer.

Yes. OPEN Acrylics are fully compatible with other acrylic colours and mediums. Mixing with regular acrylics will shorten the open time. Many artists block in with standard acrylics and reserve OPEN for blending, glazing and final adjustments.

You can use them straight from the container, but OPEN Mediums and OPEN Gel are recommended when you want to adjust transparency, extend working time, or build texture without over-thick paint layers. Water can be used in moderation, but avoid flooding the paint film.

Yes, many artists use OPEN Acrylics outdoors specifically because they dry more slowly than normal acrylics. In hot, dry or windy conditions, keep paint in a covered palette, mist occasionally and work in slightly thinner layers to balance open time and dry-through.

Yes. As with other acrylic paintings, allow the work to cure fully before varnishing – especially if you used thicker passages. Follow GOLDEN’s varnish guidelines and perform a small test where possible.

OPEN Acrylics can be used on most properly prepared surfaces, including canvas, panels, primed paper and murals. Always start with a suitable acrylic gesso or ground if the surface is absorbent or unprimed.

Clean up with soap and water while the paint is still wet. Because OPEN colours stay wet longer, avoid leaving brushes loaded with paint for long periods – rinse or wrap them between sessions.