If you don't have time to read the post now save and bookmark to read later…

↓

 

 

(There is also a free printout at the bottom of this post that includes supplies and instructions)

 

 

Acrylic pouring is a more recent method of painting that is incredibly simple, as long as you know a couple tricks and have all the right tools.

There are items that will make your paintings even better, so I will let you know the absolute necessities while also letting you in on items that will make your life A LOT EASIER.

 

Related: Sell Your Art

 

***You are going to need:

 

• stretched canvases– You don't want the thin canvases because they will warp.

 

• Acrylic paints– Apple Barrel is my budget friendly brand. 

 

• Floetrol– this can be found at any Lowe's, Home Depot, or any home improvement store like that.

 

• Silicone Treadmill Lubricant– this is the ingredient that makes the cells come to life.

 

• Craft sticks are a must.

 

• Plastic cups– Do not waste your money on hard plastic cups (they crack when squeezed) or paper dixie cups (the bottom will fall out)  From experience, can you tell:)

 

• Heat Gun– you can get the cells without the heat gun, but it will bring them out MUCH more than without it. This is such a great alternative to a culinary torch, plus you don't have to worry about refilling the butane.

 

This method of liquid pouring will make you question ever using a paint brush again. Kidding, not kidding. Totally up to you how much energy you want to put into it, and how meticulous you are in general with your creations.

 

Below is one of my favorites, just to give you an idea of what the final product can look like:

 

 

 

The painting damn near paints itself, but don't fear messing with it a little bit to make the final product look the way YOU want.

 

 

 

***Optional items***

(to make your life easier)

 

• Clay tools: 

   These are meant for clay, but I LOVE it for touching up acrylic pours. You can create some really beautiful wisps and delicate swirls.

 

So, if your painting turns out a bit unbalanced, add in extra paint where you want it. This tool will make your interaction look natural. When you use it, make sure to BARELY touch the paint with the end that has the metal ball on it and drag it where you want it.

 

 

• Acrylic topcoat– this helps protect your work, strengthening the canvas, while also enhancing the quality of color. The only struggle I have ever had with using a topcoat is making sure you apply evenly, and you will only get better with practice.

 

 

• Thick plastic sheeting to protect your working space. This painters plastic roll is great especially because once it dries you can just peel it right off and you will have clean plastic for the next. Or you can save those peeled off “acrylic skins” for other projects.

 

• A pack of rags or old towels- unless you wear gloves you are going to get paint all over you and your hands. It is necessary to be able to constantly dab and wipe your hands clean, and they come in handy all the time for other projects.

 

• Smock or apron– protect your clothes or just wear clothes you don't care that get ruined. I have friends that take old big t-shirts, cut it down the middle in the front, and where it backwards to act as an apron.

The Acrylic Pour Painting Method:

 

 

Once you have all your paints, silicone, and Floetrol…time to start setting up your workspace… Lay out your plastic sheeting, have your towels within reach, a cup filled with water. Grab your paints, silicone, Floetrol, and heat gun. Put on your apron and you will be ready to go.

 

If this is your first pour ever, I would suggest using 3-4 colors tops until you get used to how the paints and additives flow together.

 

The results truly will be subjective to the brand of paint you use and the type of silicone. Seriously take some time to find videos on YouTube because there are so many different ways to do your acrylic pouring, so it is nice to have multiple methods to try until you develop your own groove.

 

 

 

Step by step:

 

• Set out your 4 plastic cups for color, and one plastic cup for the final “dirty pour” mixture.

 

• Squeeze a nice 1/4 cup(ish) size of dollops of paint (of each color separately) into your plastic cups.

 

• stir each cup of color WELL with your craft sticks.

• Take your one cup that you reserved for the final mixing of all the colors, and add a tiny bit of Floetrol first, a couple silicone drops (or two sprays) then take each cup of your singular colors and add a splash/dribble of each  color one at a time (layering and mixing them in your final cup).

***TIP:

• let the final cup sit for just a minute to let everything kind of mix and settle (you usually can see cells and cool swirls start to form in the cup).

• flip the cup upside down and let it sit for a few minutes on top of the canvas in the cup, and then when you feel ready, go ahead and slowly lift your cup.

***TIP: 

***TIP:

***TIP:

Try crazy color combos.

 

Tips through recent experience:

***Things I realized after writing this post…

 

•  even if you plan on doing more than one painting…stir each color in its cup (with Floetral & silicone) vigorously before each combo.

 

               

 

Also, keep in mind that besides directly selling your acrylic pours you can also scan in and sell the photo of your paintings -or even take it a step further and digitize your work– to sell via Print On Demand Sites.

 

Personally I love selling professional prints for my absolute favorite works of art because I can still keep the original while also selling professional copies of them.

 

Want the supplies and quick tutorial to print out ?Click and save the index card below. The front side includes the items you will need to get started and an overview of the steps so you can have your steps by you while you are crafting. Feel free to add personal notes on the back side:)

 

If you liked this post and found it helpful, PLEASE like, SHARE, and comment below.