The Sydney Art Store - Absolute Matte Paints

A genuinely new kind of paint

Absolute Matte provides an opportunity to create a new genre of painting with unique optical effects.

Paints with a matte finish are usually a little dull – Absolute Matte has a vividly, vibrantly matte surface which enhances colour.

Neither a gouache nor an acrylic, it opens up totally new areas for exploration
· It dilutes delicately for washes.
· It can be built up in layers.
· It remains workable for as long as it is kept moist, because it does not form a skin as it dries (a water atomiser keeps it workable).
· It is very aesthetically pleasing to use for anyone who likes water based media effects, but has the advantage of being overpaintable for alterations or subtle layering effects.
· It is totally unlike acrylics to work with, yet it has the acrylic sturdiness and flexibility to permit large major works on paper or canvas, or it can be used for the smaller “works on paper” which many painters like to show with other larger works.
· It is ideal for outdoor sketching, even in difficult dry Australian conditions, provided that a stay-wet palette is used.

Surface Preparation

Surfaces to be painted on need to be sealed: prepare canvas and boards with 2 coats of Atelier gesso, or work on sized watercolour paper.

Mixed Media

Atelier Absolute Matte is a sub-species of Atelier and can be used with or over Atelier which has more body and textural qualities. Atelier mediums can be used: Clear Painting medium will not alter the surface of Absolute Matte, while Gloss Medium or Binder will take Absolute Matte in an acrylic direction, and contribute a degree of sheen.

Varnishing

To retain the unique optical appeal of Absolute Matte paintings it is best not to varnish them, however some painters like the appearance of varnished works. We recommend our Chroma Solvent Varnish in either Satin or Gloss, which will enhance the brilliant colours and give an unusual sharpness and clarity.

Experimentation on sample strips is a simple way to discover how a varnish will look.

Painters taking part in Absolute Matte paint trials have found it to be very easily adaptable to their individual techniques, and it has a very broad appeal because of its virtuosity, which has interested many painters who dislike acrylics.