Liquitex

Liquitex: Pioneers of Acrylic Painting

Since its creation in 1955, Liquitex have been at the forefront of acrylic innovation.

Acrylics were first developed as a solvent-based artists’ colour in the early 20th century. By 1955, Henry Levison, as part of the Permanent Pigments Company, had perfected a commercially viable water-based solution - the first acrylic gesso, called Liquitex. The name ‘Liquitex’ connotes a mix of liquid and texture, reflecting the versatile nature of this revolutionary medium.

Liquitex’s history is defined by innovation, shaping the way acrylic paints and mediums are used today. In 1956, Liquiex introduced the world’s first water-based acrylic - ‘Medium Viscosity Artist Color.’ Now known as Liquitex Soft Body Acrylic Paints, they offer a smooth, versatile consistency for fine art and design. In 1963, Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Paints were released as ‘High Viscosity Artist Color.’ These are a thicker, more viscous formula for rich texture and bold applications.

Liquitex also developed the first removable acrylic varnish in 1967. This quality solvent-based varnish is now known as Soluvar Removable Varnish .

In the 1970s, Liquitex led the development of cadmium replacement colours (Cadmium Hues) and the first machine to test paint for lightfastness .

Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Helen Frankenthaler were among the early adopters of Liquitex acrylics. Liquitex paints became instrumental in shaping contemporary art movements, with their archival quality ensuring artwork stands the test of time.

Today, Liquitex remains dedicated to empowering artists by advancing materials that inspire creativity and innovation. From their beginnings in Cincinnati, in the US, to the presence of their products in studios around the globe, Liquitex have redefined the possibilities of acrylic paint, making it the medium of choice for generations of artists.