Watercolour Mediums Comparison: Schmincke vs. Winsor & Newton

When working with watercolours, mediums can be essential to control various aspects of your painting, from texture to masking and varnishing. Below is a breakdown of some popular Schmincke and Winsor & Newton watercolour mediums, comparing each product’s purpose and features.

1. Masking Fluids:

Schmincke Liquid Frisket Masking (20ml & 100ml)
- Purpose: A removable masking fluid that protects areas of your watercolour paper from paint. This allows you to preserve white areas or create fine details.
- Features: Available in different types, including neutral, coloured, and masking versions.
- Reference Price: $16 (20ml), $45 (100ml)
Winsor & Newton Water Colour Art Masking Fluid (75ml)
- Purpose: Similar to Schmincke’s, this removable masking fluid allows you to mask areas while painting.
- Features: Available in coloured or colourless options, it is easy to apply and remove.
- Reference Price: $25 (75ml)
Winsor & Newton Water Colour Permanent Masking Medium (75ml)
- Purpose: A permanent masking medium that remains on the paper, offering long-term protection.
- Features: Ideal for creating permanent barriers on the paper for detailed, long-lasting effects.
- Reference Price: $25 (75ml)

Comparison:
Both Schmincke and W&N offer removable masking fluids, with W&N offering the additional permanent masking medium, which is unique to this brand.

2. Ox Gall:

Schmincke Ox Gall Liquid (60ml & 1 Litre)
- Purpose: This is an additive that improves the flow and dispersion of watercolours, helping the pigment to spread more easily on the paper.
- Features: Helps with creating smooth gradients and can make watercolour behave more fluidly.
- Reference Price: $21 (60ml), $52 (1 Litre)
Winsor & Newton Water Colour Ox Gall Liquid (75ml)
- Purpose: Similar to Schmincke’s, this also helps increase the flow of your watercolour paints.
- Features: Known for improving the flow of watercolour pigments, especially on smoother surfaces.
- Reference Price: $26 (75ml)

Comparison:
Both Schmincke and W&N offer Ox Gall liquid to aid watercolour flow, but Schmincke offers a larger 1-litre option at a better price per volume.

3. Varnishes & Fixatives:

Schmincke W/C Varnish (60ml)
- Purpose: A final protective layer that gives your painting a glossy finish, helping to enhance the colours and depth.
- Features: Ideal for protecting finished watercolour works from dirt, dust, and fading.
- Reference Price: $30 (60ml)
Schmincke W/C Fixative Aerospray (300ml)
- Purpose: A spray fixative to protect watercolour paintings from smudging and external damage.
- Features: Can be applied to dry works to protect and preserve the painting.
- Reference Price: $50 (300ml)
Winsor & Newton Water Colour Varnish (75ml)
- Purpose: A protective layer that gives a glossy finish, just like Schmincke’s varnish.
- Features: Adds a glossy sheen to your watercolour work, preserving its vibrancy.
- Reference Price: $26 (75ml)

Comparison:
Schmincke offers both a varnish and a fixative (spray form), while W&N offers a varnish with a similar glossy effect. Schmincke has a spray fixative, while W&N has a traditional varnish for brush application.

4. Texture & Granulation Mediums:

Schmincke Aqua Gloss (60ml)
- Purpose: This medium enhances the glossiness and gives a more intense, shiny finish to your watercolours.
- Features: Can be used to increase transparency and the vibrancy of watercolour pigments.
- Reference Price: $30 (60ml)
Winsor & Newton Water Colour Granulation Medium (75ml)
- Purpose: A medium that creates a granular texture in your watercolour work, enhancing pigment dispersion.
- Features: Perfect for adding texture to watercolours, allowing pigments to settle into the paper.
- Reference Price: $26 (75ml)
Winsor & Newton Water Colour Iridescent Medium (75ml)
- Purpose: Adds an iridescent finish to your watercolour paintings, creating shimmering effects.
- Features: Great for adding a metallic or pearlescent shine to your artwork.
- Reference Price: $26 (75ml)

Comparison:
Schmincke offers a glossy finish medium, while W&N focuses on granulation and iridescent effects, giving more texture and shine. They serve different artistic purposes, so choosing the right one depends on the effect you’re aiming for.

5. Opaque White:

Schmincke Opaque White (30ml)
- Purpose: A highly pigmented white used for highlights and corrections in your watercolour painting.
- Features: Provides a full-coverage white that can be layered over other colours for added opacity.
- Reference Price: $20 (30ml)

Comparison:
Schmincke Opaque White is an essential tool for any watercolour artist, offering solid coverage for corrections and highlights.