ACRYLIC INNOVATION 

As with any acrylic from the Liquitex lab, Heavy Body is at the forefront of acrylic innovation. The formula represents the latest in acrylic resin technology. Its low-odor acrylic resin base gives an increased open time and colors of great clarity and vibrancy, with minimal wet-to-dry shift. The paint film is highly flexible, durable, non-yellowing, UV-resistant and water-resistant when dry.

It’s the alternative to Soft Body. The difference? One word: viscosity. The two paints have the same pigmentation and color vibrancy, but Heavy Body is a much thicker, high viscosity formula.

HOW IS HEAVY BODY MADE

This water-based acrylic paint is composed of pigment particles dispersed with a high-quality acrylic polymer dispersion. The polymer is made as a fine emulsion in water with emulsifying agents and a pH regulator. Similarly, the pigment dispersions are refined with dispersing agents and proper grinding. The acrylic and the pigment pastes are then mixed together to make the colors. The rheological agents are mixed in to achieve the perfect Heavy Body viscosity, and the last additives are there to ensure its long-lasting quality. Known for its rich, permanent color, Heavy Body is made with the finest quality lightfast artists’ pigments, used in high concentration.

HOW DO WE GET SUCH VIBRANT COLORS?

Our chemists use the latest basket bead-mill technology to bring out the best in every carefully selected pigment. The dispersion goes through the bead milling machine to grind the pigment particles down to the required finer particles size. Each color has its optimum dispersion, depending on the types of pigments used. Tiny reinforced ceramic beads give fine dispersion, great color development, strength and brightness. Every color is individually formulated to allow the unique character of each pigment to express itself – whether it’s naturally opaque, semi-opaque or transparent. Once ground, the color is mixed under vacuum - to prevent aeration and remove the bubbles. After extensive quality testing, it’s ready to go into tubes.

It’s our range with the most colors – 116 in total. These include cadmium-free colors, iridescent, muted and fluorescents. Each Heavy Body tube has a real paint swatch on the label - so you can check easily and get the right color from the get-go. And when you want more detail, the info is right there clearly labelled at the front. Opacity? Series number? Pigment make-up? Its all there for you to read at a glance.

And as with all Liquitex products, the pigments in Heavy Body have passed extensive tests for lightfastness. Each pigment is rated according to the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM), and we only use pigments rated ASTM I or II*. This means your work will have the greatest archival permanence possible – at least 50 years+ in gallery conditions – with no color shifting or fading, to stay vibrant and true.

WHAT CAN HEAVY BODY BE USED FOR?  

Satisfyingly thick and rich. Good surface drag gives excellent handling and blending characteristics, with increased open-working time. Never too slippery, or too sticky. Heavy Body Acrylic delivers intense color in the ideal consistency for a range of techniques. Painting. 3D. Collage. Alla prima. Mixed media. As our thickest color, it’s perfect for impasto. This is the technique of applying paint or pigment so thickly that it stands out from its surface and gives texture to your work. Experiment with tools. Start with a palette knife or brush and put Heavy Body through its paces. Build 3D peaks, layers and swirls. Play around with movement, depth and form. Once dry, your work will be chip and crack-free.

You can achieve so many effects with Heavy Body. As well as brushes, try applying with a knife - different shaped blades will give you different finishes. Combs and shaped scrapers will also give some interesting relief textures and patterns. Surface wise, if it sticks to it, you can use it. Stretched or raw canvas. Photo paper. Plaster and brick. Clay and pottery. Paper and board. Wood, fabric and glass. Use Heavy Body on all kinds of supports. 

Heavy Body is compatible with all Liquitex ranges – from Spray paint to Basics Fluid - and is available in a range of sizes - including 2oz, 4.65oz, 16oz and 32oz.  Which colors are you looking forward to featuring in your work? Share with us on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured.