Artists frequently create texture in their paintings by building up layers of paint. Oil and acrylic paints work well for layering, but are expensive to use. Other mix-in products are cheaper and save in the cost of paints. When using paints for texture, the paint is applied thickly with a brush or palette knife and allowed to dry. Once dry, more paint is added on top until the desired thickness and texture is reached.
Additives are sometimes mixed into paint to add a little bit of texture. Sand, rocks, beads, fiber, paper and plastic can be put into the paint or glued onto the canvas and painted over to add texture. Craft stores even sell sand and rocks for use in paint. These mix-in products are usually added to acrylic or watercolor paints. When adding texture to watercolor paintings the sand is sprinkled onto a painting after the watercolors are applied and allowed to dry. Plastic or paper is usually glued on before paint is applied.
Gesso is a mixture of glue and chalk or gypsum that is applied to a canvas to prep it before painting. It keeps the paint from being absorbed by the canvas. Gesso can also add texture to a painting. Apply it beforehand by building up a medium layer of gesso and allow the product to dry completely before painting over it. Some painters also mix gesso with a little bit of paint and use it to add color and texture or paint over a painting already in progress.
Acrylic mediums are sold in stores for artists to add to their paintings for extra texture. A range of different mediums are available including, gels, pouring mediums, stucco, and modeling paste. Each one adds a different effect. The gels are usually transparent, lengthen drying time and add volume without affecting the color of paint. Stucco and modeling pastes are added before painting or mixed into the paints and add volume while also lightening the paint color. Pouring medium is poured on straight from the container or mixed with a little paint and then added.