- Oil Paints: Rivera primarily employed oil paints, a classical and widely used medium in traditional art. Oil paints are known for their rich colors, smooth application, and flexibility in blending and creating textures.
- Fresco: Rivera had a unique association with fresco painting, a technique that employed water-based paints applied directly onto fresh or damp plaster. This technique allowed him to create monumental and durable murals on large surfaces.
- Encaustic: Rivera also experimented with encaustic painting, a technique involving the use of melted wax mixed with pigments. Encaustic paintings are characterized by their distinct texture, vibrancy, and glossy appearance.
- Watercolor: Rivera occasionally used watercolor for sketching, creating vibrant and fluid renderings of his ideas and observations. Watercolors allowed him to capture spontaneity and light effects.
- Acrylic: In later stages of his career, Rivera began incorporating acrylic paints into his works. Acrylics provided him with quicker drying times and intense color characteristics.
- Charcoal and Pencil: Rivera often relied on charcoal and pencil drawings for preparatory sketches, studies, and compositional exploration. These allowed him to map out ideas before committing to more permanent materials like paint.
- Ink: Rivera also used ink, especially in his earlier graphic and illustrative works. Pen and ink drawings played a significant role in communicating his socio-political ideas.
- Mosaic: In some instances, such as his public commissions in Mexico City, Rivera incorporated mosaic techniques to create large-scale compositions on walls or public spaces.
Rivera's mastery and proficiency in these various materials enabled him to achieve different visual effects and capture the essence of his artistic vision.