If you’ve ever stood at your craft desk wondering whether to reach for gel medium or matte medium, you’re not alone. While both are staple adhesives in mixed media and art journaling, they each shine in different ways depending on what you’re creating.
Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the right one for your next project.
What Is Gel Medium?
Gel medium is a thick, glue-like medium designed to hold heavier elements securely in place. It comes in different viscosities — soft, regular, and heavy — giving you control over texture and strength.
Best used for:
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Collaging thicker papers, fabric, or chipboard
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Adhering embellishments and dimensional elements
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Creating texture and raised effects
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Mixed media layers that need strong hold
Why artists love it:
Gel medium grabs quickly, dries clear, and adds subtle body to your pages. It’s ideal when you want layers that feel substantial and tactile.
What Is Matte Medium?
Matte medium is thinner and more fluid, similar in consistency to milk or light glue. It dries with a flat, non-shiny finish, making it perfect for seamless layering.
Best used for:
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Gluing paper, tissue, and napkins
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Sealing and protecting artwork
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Reducing shine on collage layers
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Image transfers and glazing techniques
Why artists love it:
Matte medium creates smooth, invisible layers and allows imagery and colour to shine without distraction. It’s a favourite for journaling and subtle mixed media work.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Consistency | Thick & creamy | Thin & fluid |
| Finish | Slight sheen (varies by brand) | Flat, matte |
| Best for | Heavy layers & texture | Smooth layering & sealing |
| Strength | Strong hold | Light to medium hold |
Which One Should You Use?
The answer? Both — just at different stages - Scrappingclearly has a great range of each in store - click on the name of each brand and it will take you straight to the product to read more -
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Use gel medium when you’re building texture or attaching heavier elements. - Liquitex Matte Gel Medium , Liquitex Gloss Heavy Gel Medium, 13@rts Gel Medium, Art By Marlene Gel Medium , Dina Wakley Media ultra thick gel medium, TCW matte gel medium, Monte Marte gloss gel medium
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Use matte medium for paper layers, sealing pages, and finishing touches. Liquitex Matte Medium , Liquitex Ultra Matte Medium , Ranger Multi Medium Matte , Deco Art Media Matte Medium
Many artists keep both on their desk and switch between them as a project evolves.
Creative Tip
Try using gel medium underneath thicker elements for strength, then finish with a light coat of matte medium over the top to unify your page and reduce shine. It’s a simple trick that instantly elevates your work.
Whether you’re art journaling, scrapbooking, or creating layered mixed media pieces, understanding how gel and matte mediums behave will give you more control — and more confidence — in your creative process.
Happy layering!
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