Acrylic gel mediums are used to extend acrylic paints and build textures. Gels differ from paste mediums in that they are generally clear or translucent. Available in many consistencies and a choice of gloss, semigloss and matte. Acrylic gel mediums are also useful as adhesives. They are often used and for collage and adhering paper to panels. As a rule of thumb, the thicker a gel is, the less clear it is. Very heavy gels are translucent and are great for creating encaustic like effects in acrylic painting.