We’re Still Here!

Collage of MAS home studio images

  Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we are dedicated to our service and continue to be available to answer questions and lend support for artists. We are still here; we are still available; we have just changed the environment in which we work. My name is Stacy Brock and I am the Supervisor of GOLDEN’s Materials … Read more

Controlling Acrylic Painting Time Through The Use of Mediums

The key to controlling working time in acrylics lies in the ability to control the rate of evaporation of water. Once most of the water is gone, so is the ability to manipulate the paint layer. Therefore, in order to control acrylics one must control the water. This becomes increasingly important to be able to … Read more

Suggested Drying Times Between Acrylic Products

A common question we get is “how long should I wait before applying my next application of acrylic?” Actually, in most cases one can apply multiple layers at any time as this is one of the unique properties of acrylic products. It really doesn’t matter in terms of final film formation and toughness. But in … Read more

GOLDEN Archival MSA Varnish Over Transparent Watercolor on Paper

Dirt damages the beautiful surface of watercolor on paper, and ultraviolet light fades delicate washes. Watercolor paintings need protection when on display. Acrylic sheeting and art conservation glazing options have widened the choices beyond traditional framing behind glass. However, museum-grade UV non-reflective glass and acrylic glazing can be expensive and add weight when shipping artwork. … Read more

Understanding and Controlling Acrylic Drying Time

Acrylics are mostly known for their ability to dry quickly, allowing artists to layer and over paint in rapid succession. Some artists even love to use fans or hairdryers to speed it along; however, there are many times when an effect is desired for which, frankly, acrylics dry too fast. This article hopes to explain … Read more

Sidebar: Some Tips and Starting Points for Photographers

By: Michael Townsend The GOLDEN Digital Grounds, Gel Mediums and Archival Spray Varnishes have created options that will feel very familiar to photographers and are creating a platform for new alternatives for hands-on control of the final image. Many photographers have in the past been able to use the darkroom as an additional stage for … Read more

Open Conversations with Artists

The artists interviewed included John Griefen, an artist and collaborator with Sam and Leonard at Bocour and one of our first customers; Patrick Fiore, an accomplished artist and a studio arts professor who was one of the first to try out the early versions of OPEN; Barbara Dickerson, an incredibly courageous teacher who allowed us … Read more

GAC Products on Inkjet Prints

EDITOR’S NOTE (4/26/23): Please note that Polymer Varnish has been discontinued and replaced with Gloss Waterborne Varnish. You can read more about it here. By Mike Townsend The volume of e-mails and calls to our Technical Support Department reveals a consistent increase in the number of artists incorporating inkjet printing into their artwork. While some artists’ focus … Read more

Defining “Luminous Effects”

By Sarah Sands This article examines the technical aspects of creating “luminous effects” in acrylic painting. By “luminous effects” we primarily refer to the use of transparent layers, called glazes, to create a sense of luminous, glowing color and depth. We will not touch upon Fluorescent or Phosphorescent pigments, which act by a completely different … Read more

css.php