Liquitex Professional Matte Medium 3.78L - True Matte Finish

In this review the Liquitex Professional Matte Medium 3.78L is examined for painters who need a reliable way to create a non-reflective finish and extend acrylic color. The bottom line: this large 128-oz bottle is aimed at students, mixed-media artists, and studio painters who want a lightweight, non-toxic medium that mattes, extends, and improves film integrity without adding gloss. It mixes readily with Liquitex Professional acrylics and mediums and is especially useful when a durable, flexible matte surface is required.

Key Features

• Matte finish: Creates a consistent, non-reflecting surface when mixed with acrylic colors so finished work photographs and displays without glare.
• Volume: The 3.78L (128-oz) bottle supplies large projects and frequent studio use, reducing the need for repeated purchases.
• Compatibility: Intermixable with Liquitex Professional acrylic paints and other Liquitex mediums for predictable results across formulations.
• Workability: Being fluid in nature it reduces viscosity of heavier paints to ease flow and promote self-leveling without retaining brushstrokes.
• Safety and durability: Conforms to ASTM D4236 and is non-toxic, making it suitable for classrooms and shared studio spaces.
• Drying behavior: Appears opaque when wet and dries translucent, allowing layering and glazing techniques while preserving adhesion and flexibility.

Who It's For

This medium is best for acrylic painters who need a true matte surface, including artists working on collage, photo-to-wood transfers, and textural pieces where sheen would distract from surface detail. Studio professionals and art educators will appreciate the large bottle size and ASTM conformity for classroom safety.

Less suitable users include hobbyists who only need small quantities or occasional use, as the 3.78L size is geared toward frequent application and larger projects; beginners unsure about mixing ratios may prefer a smaller bottle to experiment first.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Produces a reliable, true matte finish that reduces glare and makes colors look even under varied lighting.
• Large 128-oz supply offers good value for frequent studio use or classroom settings.
• Mixes smoothly with Liquitex Professional paints and other Liquitex mediums to adjust transparency and flow.
• Non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D4236, appropriate for educational use and shared workspaces.

Cons

• Drying time can vary by environment-some users report it dries faster than expected while others find mixed drying times depending on layers.
• The 3.78L size may be unwieldy for casual users or those with limited storage space.

Specifications

Product	Matte Medium Fluid Painting Medium
Brand	Liquitex Professional
Volume	3.78 L (128-oz)
Finish	Matte, non-reflecting
Compatibility	Intermixable with Liquitex Professional acrylic paints and mediums
Safety	Non-toxic, conforms to ASTM D4236
Appearance when wet/dry	Opaque when wet, translucent when dry

Our Verdict

The Liquitex Professional Matte Medium 3.78L is a practical choice for artists and educators needing a dependable matte modifier in bulk. It delivers a true matte surface, mixes well with Liquitex paints, and adds flexibility and adhesion to paint film. For frequent users it represents good value and studio convenience, though casual hobbyists might prefer a smaller bottle to begin with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be mixed directly into acrylic paint?
Yes. Mix into acrylic paint to extend color, decrease viscosity, and achieve a matte, non-reflective finish while improving film integrity.

Is this safe for classroom use?
Yes. The medium is non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D4236, making it suitable for educational environments and shared studios.

How does it dry?
The medium appears opaque when wet and dries translucent; drying times vary with environment and layer thickness, and it tends to self-level without holding brushstrokes.