Tonic Watercolor Medium, 60 mL

MADE WITH FINE ACACIA GUM

This is Tonic Watercolor Medium, our carefully formulated colorless medium for watercolor painting. Designed to work with our Tonic Watercolors — but capable of mixing with any traditional watercolor paint — this transparent medium provides excellent handling and working properties for serious watercolorists.

Specially sourced acacia senegal gum (a specific type of tree sap) is the basis for Tonic Watercolor Medium. Acacia senegal is a variety of gum arabic, the plant-based medium of virtually all watercolors. During our development process, we learned that some grades and species of gum arabic are totally unsuitable for watercolor. Some are merely acceptable. The best-quality gum arabic (which is what we use in Tonic) offers incredible transparency, flexibility, and handling. That's why our Tonic Watercolor Medium is noticeably clearer than many of the other brands on the market.

FLEXIBLE AND STABLE

In addition to gum arabic, Tonic Watercolor Medium contains a vegetable-based plasticizer and a non-toxic preservative. The plasticizer allows Tonic Medium to dry strong and flexible, never becoming too dry and brittle. The preservative (which is so gentle that it's approved for cosmetic use) keeps Tonic Medium fresh on the shelf for years.

ADDS TRANSPARENCY AND GLOSS

Dilute watercolor with plain water when you want thin washes, matte colors, and texture—that's the classic watercolor look, and it's lovely. But if you'd like the option of painting with glossier, thicker colors, Tonic Medium is a great addition to your watercolor arsenal.

With higher ratios of Tonic Medium to water, your watercolor will start to retain brushstrokes and dry to a high gloss. With moderate ratios of Tonic Medium to water, your watercolor will be more coherent, with a slightly thicker body that works well for sharp lines and high-impact shapes.

NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS

We're pleased to let you know that Tonic contains no animal-derived products. Unlike many watercolors, Tonic does not contain ox gall — instead, we use modern surfactants to achieve the same effects as the traditional animal-derived recipe.

MORE ABOUT FEDERAL COLOR

Federal Color is the manufacturing department at St. Louis Art Supply. Available in our own shop and from other great indie retailers, Federal Color products are artist-made, professional-quality, and designed with contemporary creatives in mind.

Explore the full Federal Color range.