Combination of pouring medium and paint

• Thin consistency – Higher pouring medium ratio thins paint for signature acrylic pouring fluidity and movement.
• Thick consistency – Lower pouring medium to paint ratio keeps paint thicker for bold swiping effects.
• Maximum color vibrancy – Higher amounts of fluid acrylic paint keeps colors richer.
• Subtle blended effects – Lower amounts of paint and higher pouring medium provides blended, ethereal patterns.
• Strong cells – Adding silicone oil to mixes encourages strong cell formation.

Pouring

To get a strong, flawless body of paint, use our Professional Pouring Medium with Liquitex Soft Body Acrylic colors.

• Mix one heaped tablespoon of Soft Body Acrylic with one cup of Liquitex Pouring Medium in a large bucket or bowl
• Use a palette knife to gently and smoothly mix the color and medium – blend gently to avoid making bubbles and let it sit for 10 minutes for any to disappear
• Using a funnel, take the mixture and pour it into a squeeze bottle or the applicator of your choice – pitchers or tubes can be used for a variety of effects
• If you’re mixing a custom color, do it before adding to the medium, to ensure color uniformity in the pour
• Place your surface on a level work table and pour the mixture directly onto it in the style of your choice
• Always work with a level surface to avoid uneven results and surface tearing
• If your space is prone to dust, cover your work with a big cardboard box or similar, to stop airborne particles settling on the surface and damaging the perfect, super glossy finish
• Pour evenly over the surface, allowing at least one day of dry time. Two days is recommended for thicker paint films

TIPS

• Create multicolored compositions in one session, by prepping several colors together. Apply the next color directly after the first pour to achieve sharp dots or concentric circles
• Using a palette knife or fork, drag and blend multiple colors across the surface for a marbled effect
• Turning the support on its side creates thin drips. Play with the movement so that the paint runs down the surface for free-flowing effects
• Apply additional coats over set layering for interesting color build-up effects
• For sculptural applications, create an acrylic skin by pouring onto a glass surface – treat the surface with a mold release or quick release spray for easy removal when dry. Peel off carefully when fully dry; then sew, glue, hang or roll for different sculptural effects
• Do not mix water into Pouring Medium as you will weaken the acrylic strength

• Liquitex Pouring Medium + Soft Body Acrylic – the optimum combination
• Measuring cup and spoon – to get the correct ratio
• Large container and palette knife – to mix in
• Funnel – for pouring into vessel
• Squeeze bottles or pouring cups – for application
• Surface – ie stretched canvas, board, paper or glass

How to Mix Pouring Medium With Acrylic Paint

From my experience, here are some tips to help nail the mixing process:

• Mix gradually – Add pouring medium slowly to avoid bubbles.
• Varied mixing tools – Use stir sticks for initial mixing, silicone spatulas for final mixing to smooth out any streaks.
• Larger batches – Mix bigger batches of customized paint mixes for larger acrylic pours. Store leftovers in sealed containers.
• Additives – Stir in silicone oil, alcohol inks, or flow enhancers if desired.

Common Mixing Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes I see acrylic pouring artists make when mixing paint and pouring medium:

• Incorrect ratios – Not accurately measuring ratios or mixing enough medium or paint.
• Insufficient mixing – Stirring too quickly or not mixing long enough results in unwelcome streaks.
• Overmixing – Excessive mixing introduces air bubbles which leave holes and craters when poured.
• Not considering technique – For example, using a thin mix for a technique requiring thicker paint like swiping.
• Forgetting test pours – Always do test strips on a practice surface before pouring your final piece.

Achieving Different Effects with Mixing Ratios

One of the keys to creating unique acrylic pours is leveraging mixing ratios. Adjusting the amounts of pouring medium and paint provides distinct effects. Here are some examples:

• Thin consistency – Higher pouring medium ratio thins paint for signature acrylic pouring fluidity and movement.
• Thick consistency – Lower pouring medium to paint ratio keeps paint thicker for bold swiping effects.
• Maximum color vibrancy – Higher amounts of fluid acrylic paint keeps colors richer.
• Subtle blended effects – Lower amounts of paint and higher pouring medium provides blended, ethereal patterns.
• Strong cells – Adding silicone oil to mixes encourages strong cell formation.