10 things about Powertex

Powertex products include a range of art and craft supplies but when people say “Powertex” they usually mean the Universal Medium. Powertex Universal Medium is used in mixed media art and crafts, from art, paintings and sculpture to garden decor and jewellery. But what exactly is it? Here are 10 things to know about Powertex:

1. Powertex (universal medium) is a water-based liquid.
2. It’s a fabric hardener used to sculpt and harden natural materials such as textiles, cork, leather, mulberry papers and more
3. Powertex Universal Medium is weatherproof after 3 weeks curing time (not the Transparent).
4. It’s also a powerful adhesive for use with wood, metal and other natural materials.
5. It’s a heavy, hardwearing paint, which is great for mixed media, structured and textured art.
6. Available in a range of 10 colours plus a Transparent product.
7. The Powertex universal medium colours are fully mixable.
8. Combined with the Powertex Stone Art product it mixes into an air drying clay.
9. It will bind with dry mediums such as sand to create textured paint.
10. It holds API certification, identifying it as non-toxic and safe for children.

Is there anything it doesn’t do? Yes, there are some things it doesn’t do well. Powertex will peel off soft plastics but there are ways around that for your project. Knowing that it doesn’t adhere well to plastic can be used to your advantage, by using plastic tools for example.

It’s easy to create really impressive results even as a Powertex beginner. Choose to make mixed media canvas art,  fabric sculpture or give a new life to something old. Powertex also make a range of other mixed media art and craft supplies that are designed to work with Powertex Universal Medium. These include texture mediums, rust powder, powder pigments and weatherproof varnish.

If you would like to know more about using Powertex products start here or take a look at my Powertex gallery for some photos of Powertex art and sculpture.

I get my supplies from Powertex UK. Head there to get yourself a bottle of the good stuff. If you’re not sure what to put in your basket read this shopping list for beginners.

Last updated: 2nd April 2023