A beginner’s step-by-step instruction course for the Flip Cup, Dirty Pour, Tree Ring, Puddle Pour, Dip Pour, Swipe fluid art techniques.
Learn how to create your own Pouring Medium, mix paint, and more!
INCLUDES: 15 Video and written lessons, 3 eBook downloads, supply list, private Facebook support community
Common Acrylic Paint Pouring Questions Beginners Ask
Table of Contents
How much acrylic paint do I need?
The amount of acrylic paint you will need will depend on the size of the surface you are painting and the desired thickness of the coat. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of paint for every 25 square inches of surface area. However, it is always best to use more paint than less, as it will give a better finish to the painting. Take the guesswork out: CLICK HERE to use the FREE Acrylic Paint Pouring Calculators!
How do I know how much Pouring Medium to add to the acrylic paint?
The ratio of paint to pouring medium for acrylic paint pouring can vary depending on the desired consistency and effect. A common ratio is 1 part paint to 1 part pouring medium, but some artists may use more or less pouring medium to achieve a thinner or thicker consistency. It’s best to start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency. It’s also important to note that different types of pouring mediums may have different consistencies and may require different ratios for optimal results.
What is the best surface to paint on?
Acrylic paint pouring can be done on various surfaces, such as canvas, wood, ceramic, and metal. Some artists prefer to use a non-porous surface, like a sealed wood panel or a gessoed canvas, to prevent the absorption of the paint.
How can I learn Acrylic Paint Pouring?
Acrylic Paint Pouring is fun but learning can be a little frustrating sometimes. Here are a few resources available for you to learn and start having fun today:
- YouTube: There are so many videos on YouTube about every technique available, and new ones pop up often. Here is my YouTube channel with over 300 Fluid Art videos to help you along your way. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and click the “BELL” icon, so you get notifications when new videos are uploaded.
- Take a class: Learn from an expert with 15 Video and written lessons, 3 eBook downloads, a supply list, and a private Facebook support community. CLICK HERE!
- Join a community: Facebook offers a lot of group options that you can join and start interacting with other artists. My Facebook group is where you can join, share your art and ask me questions.
- Grab a copy of my book on Amazon!
The perfect step-by-step guide to assist everyone who wants to learn fluid art techniques.
Acrylic Paint Pouring Techniques Level 1: The Basics is a step-by-step instruction guide for the Flip Cup, Dirty Pour, Tree Ring, Puddle Pour, Dip Pour, and Swipe Fluid art techniques.
This book will walk you through the beginning Acrylic Paint Pouring techniques with step-by-step detailed and illustrated chapters on each technique.
- The exact supplies you need
- What type of workspace you’ll need
- What pouring medium is (how to make your own)
- How to mix your paints with the exact ratios Erika uses
- How much paint to use
- Tips and troubleshooting common problems
- How to seal your painting
- How to put on the final backing and add hanging hardware to give your masterpiece a finished, professional look.
What kind of paint should I use?
Acrylic paint is the most commonly used paint for acrylic paint pouring, as it dries quickly and is easy to work with. However, some artists also use other types of paint, such as DecoArt Satin Enamel paint, Chaulk Paint, and Latex House Paint, to create different effects.
What is the best acrylic paint to use for paint pouring art?
Acrylic paint is the most commonly used paint for paint pouring art because it dries quickly, is water-soluble while wet, and can be thinned with water or a pouring medium to create a fluid consistency.
Here are some popular brands and types of acrylic paints that are well-suited for paint pouring:
- Golden Fluid Acrylics: These paints are highly pigmented and have a fluid consistency, making them perfect for pouring techniques. They also have a high level of lightfastness, meaning they will resist fading over time.
- Liquitex Acrylic Paint:
- Daler Rowney System 3 Acrylics: These paints have a high level of pigmentation and low viscosity, which makes them ideal for pouring techniques. They dry to a semi-gloss finish, which can add an interesting effect to the painting.
- Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paints: These paints are highly pigmented and have a smooth, buttery consistency which is perfect for pouring. They have a good lightfastness and dry to a glossy finish.
- Arteza Acrylic Paint: Highly Pigmented Colors That Won’t Fade and delivers impressive coverage, Certified Safe and Nontoxic Formula, Quick-Drying & Easy Clean-Up.
- CraftSmart Acrylic Paint: This nontoxic acrylic paint is perfect for various projects, including paint, fine art techniques, card making, illustrations, calligraphy, hand-lettering, doodling, novelty projects, and animation.
- DecoArt Acrylic Paint: Professional artist Quality, highly pigmented, water-based Acrylic for decorative artists and general craft use
It’s important to keep in mind that different brands and types of acrylic paints may have different consistencies, and some may be more suitable for certain techniques than others. It may take some experimentation and practice to find the best paint for your pouring style.
What pouring medium should I use?
A pouring medium is used to help the paint flow more easily and to prevent it from cracking as it dries. There are many different pouring mediums available, such as Floetrol, Liquitex Pouring Medium, and GAC800. Many beginner Acrylic Paint Pour artists will start with Floetrol because it is cost-effective and produces good results.
How do I create cells?
There are several ways to create cells in Acrylic Pour Painting art:
- Using a silicone-based product: Adding a small amount of silicone-based product, such as silicone oil or silicone spray, to your paint mixture can create cells as the paint dries.
- Laying different colors of paint on top of each other: Applying different colors of paint to your surface in layers and allowing them to mix and move freely can create cells.
- Using a blowing tool: Blowing air into the wet paint using a tool such as a straw can cause the paint to move and create cells.
- Using a palette knife or spatula: Dragging a palette knife or spatula through the wet paint can create lines and patterns that can create cells.
- Experimenting with different pouring techniques: Experimenting with different pouring techniques, such as the dirty pour, flip cup, or puddle pour, can create different cell effects.
It’s important to note that the amount and the type of pouring medium used, as well as the way you handle the paint, can also affect the formation of cells. It may take some experimentation and practice to achieve the desired cell effect.
What is the best way to clean up after using acrylic paint?
Water-based acrylic paint can be cleaned up with water, mild soap, and a stiff brush (if needed). It is important to clean your tools and surfaces as soon as possible after you are done painting to prevent the paint from drying and becoming harder to remove.
Covering your table surface with plastic is helpful and allows for a quick clean-up. You can even let the run-off acrylic paint dry on the plastic surface to create an acrylic skin for future projects.
How do I finish and protect my painting?
Once your painting is dry, you can add a final coat of clear spray paint or varnish to protect it.
