🎨 Choosing the Right Paste (or Gel!) for the Job

Let’s be honest—pastes can be confusing. There are so many types, and they all do something a little different. But don’t worry! Once you get the hang of what each one does, choosing the right one becomes second nature.

🧁 Paste vs. Gel – What’s the Difference?

Think of paste as frosting with texture—it holds its shape and adds raised details when you use it through a stencil. Perfect for adding dimension and creating those fun, tactile layers we all love.

Now think of gel like a glue or clear coat. It's usually smooth and transparent (or semi-transparent), and it's great for collage work, sealing, or adding shine. It doesn’t give you as much texture, but it plays well with other mediums.

✨ Choosing What Works for You

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help:

• Want raised texture through a stencil? → Go for a texture paste (like opaque white).

• Love a vintage crackle look? → Use crackle paste and give it time to air dry—it’s worth the wait!

• Going for grungy and gritty? → Try a grit paste for that awesome worn texture.

• Need to glue down collage bits or add a topcoat? → That’s a job for matte or gloss gel.

💡 Quick Tip:

Every paste reacts differently with sprays and paints—some soak up color, others resist it. If you’re not sure how it’ll look, test it on a scrap piece first. Trust me, it’ll save you a headache later!