LIQUITEX: THE PROFESSIONAL ACRYLIC SYSTEM
Innovation | Permanence | Professional Artistry
Why Source Your Liquitex from The Ink Spot?
While basic sets are available at general retailers, The Ink Spot NZ serves the serious creator who requires more than just the essentials. We bridge the gap between supply and technique.
✅ Professional Range Depth
General stores carry entry-level kits. We stock Professional Heavy Body and Soft Body individual tubes, including rare single-pigments and Cadmium-Free innovations.
✅ Complete Mediums Library
We stock the full technical range—from String Gel and Sand Texture to Slow-Trol and specialized Varnishes—that general retailers don't provide.
✅ Artist-to-Artist Support
Get technical insights you won't find at a supermarket checkout. We support the Auckland and Pukekohe art community with genuine expertise.
Expert Technical Guidance
Choosing the right medium can transform your practice. While our Pukekohe staff are always available for in-store tips, we offer a Professional Artist Consultation service for complex technical challenges.
Need Deep Technical Advice?
Email us your project details, and our in-house professional artists will provide tailored guidance to help you master the Liquitex system.
Archival concerns, complex glazing, or mural preparation—get professional help via email.
1. The Foundation: Heavy Body vs. Soft Body
The "Body" refers to the viscosity or thickness of the paint. Both ranges use the same high-grade professional pigments.
Heavy Body Acrylic
Texture: High viscosity, buttery, and rich.
Best For: Impasto techniques, palette knife work, and retaining crisp brushstrokes. Essential for artists transitioning from traditional oils who want faster drying times.
Soft Body Acrylic
Texture: Creamy, fluid, and self-levelling.
Best For: Fine detail, glazing, and large area coverage without brush marks. Its fluid nature makes it perfect for the base layers of NCEA art boards.
2. Professional Mediums: Change Your Perspective
Liquitex mediums allow you to manipulate the chemistry of your paint. This is the "secret sauce" for New Zealand's contemporary and mixed-media artists.
| Category | Technical Advantage |
|---|---|
| Pouring Medium | Enables seamless "cell" effects and fluid art without cracking or bubbles. |
| Slow-Trol | Extends "open time" by up to 40%. Vital for blending during dry NZ summers. |
| Gels (Gloss/Matte) | Adds volume and changes the finish. Also serves as a high-strength adhesive for collage. |
| Gesso | The ultimate primer. Ensures archival adhesion on canvas, wood, or masonry. |
☀️ Engineered for NZ Conditions
In New Zealand's high-UV environment, lightfastness is non-negotiable. Every Liquitex Professional pigment is tested to ASTM standards, ensuring your work remains vibrant for generations. Our entire Liquitex range is Non-Toxic and low-odour, making it the safe choice for home studios and community workshops from Northland to Southland.
Liquitex Specialist FAQ
Q: Why buy Liquitex from The Ink Spot instead of a general retailer?
A: Knowledge and Range. We carry the professional-grade products that general stores overlook, and we provide artist-led technical support that a supermarket simply can't offer.
Q: Can I get technical support for my NCEA art board using Liquitex?
A: Absolutely. We help many NZ students navigate mixed-media challenges. If you are stuck on a technique, our in-house artists are just an email away.
Q: What is the most important medium for a beginner?
A: We usually recommend a Gloss Medium. It is the most versatile tool for thinning paint, glazing, and protecting your work.
