One frequently asked question when newbie artists start to work with acrylics and discover how fast they dry, is how can I make them stay wet (workable) longer?
FAQ
Do I just add more water?
Answer: NO, just adding water won’t do it. It will only break down pigments and create a dry/dull painting.
You need a retarding agent.
Often simply called, a retarder.
This will help acrylics stay wet longer. You can create blends and work the paint longer than just water or another type of medium.
How long does an acrylic retarder keep paints wet?
It’s reported they work for 30-45 minutes, so conceivably, you can add them (with a little water) to your acrylics and keep working for up to 45 minutes!
I like this one, but there are many on the market.
The one I use:
Creating blends requires a retarding agent added to acrylics.
Just a little added with water does the trick!