Winsor & Newton Watercolor Iridescent Medium V2, 75 ml, Pearlescent Effects, Mix-In or Overglaze, Improves Flow, Suitable for Giving Consistent and Gap Free Color

You can mix it into your chosen watercolor color before painting to create shimmering washes, or apply it over a dry layer as a glaze to add iridescent glow. The strength of the shimmer can be controlled by adjusting the water/medium ratio.

The Iridescent Medium V2 comes in a 75 ml bottle. It provides a pearlescent glow, is water-based, works with transparent colors, and dries to a permanent, flexible film while maintaining smooth brush flow.

You can achieve subtle pearlescent washes and a metallic sheen in transparent layers. It’s designed to be flexible, so you can build up glazes without losing translucency.

Apply it similarly to standard watercolors: mix into color for shimmering washes or brush on as a glaze. Drying time depends on layer thickness and humidity; you can layer once the previous layer is dry.

As a water-based watercolor additive, handle with the same care as other watercolor mediums: keep the bottle closed when not in use, wash brushes after use, and avoid contact with eyes or ingestion. Store in a cool, dry place.

Compared to other iridescent mediums, V2 emphasizes balanced shimmer and smooth flow for both mixing and glazing in watercolors. It’s designed to be versatile for washes and layered glazing without overly changing paint value.

The Iridescent Medium V2 is versatile for both mixing into color and glazing, while an Iridescent Glaze Medium (if available) would typically emphasize glazing primarily. V2 offers a flexible workflow with both uses in mind.

Daler-Rowney’s iridescent options are similar in purpose, but tonal and textural differences can occur due to formulation. V2 from Winsor & Newton is noted for maintaining color wash feel while adding shimmer, and may yield different shimmer intensity or flow compared to Daler-Rowney’s product.

Schmincke Pearl Glaze is another brand option with iridescent effects. Differences typically appear in gloss, shimmer strength, and how the medium interacts with various watercolor binders. Winsor & Newton V2 aims for a transparent shimmer that blends smoothly with transparent colors.

Ideal for delicate metallic accents, luminous washes in botanical illustrations, fashion and portrait rendering, and any watercolor piece where a subtle pearlescent glow on transparent layers would enhance depth and interest.

No special tools are required beyond your usual watercolor brushes. Shake the bottle well before use, mix gradually into color to control shimmer, and clean brushes after use. For glazing, allow layers to dry between applications to preserve transparency.