Beginner's Guide to Essential Paint Pouring Supplies

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

Embarking on the journey of paint pouring? You've found the right guide. This beginner-friendly walk-through will help you navigate the colorful world of paint pouring supplies. By the end of this guide, you'll be well-prepared to create stunning masterpieces of your own.

1. Get to Know Your Paints

Before you start pouring, it's important to familiarize yourself with the different types of paints available. Each type brings its unique properties and effects to your artwork. Let's dive in!

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are a popular choice among paint pouring artists. Here's why:

Quick-drying: This means you can layer colors on top of each other without much wait time in between.
Vibrant colors: Acrylic paints come in a wide range of bold, bright colors that can make your artwork pop.
Easy to work with: Acrylic paints mix well with pouring mediums, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

Oil Paints

Oil paints are another option you may want to consider. Here are some of their characteristics:

Slow-drying: While this may require more patience, it allows for extended blending and reworking of your art.
Rich texture: Oil paints can give your artwork a beautifully smooth and glossy finish.
Diverse effects: From glazing to impasto, oil paints offer a variety of stunning visual effects.

Watercolor Paints

Watercolor paints are less common in paint pouring but offer a unique set of benefits:

Light and translucent: Watercolor paints can create delicate, ethereal effects in your artwork.
Blendable: These paints blend effortlessly, allowing for smooth transitions between colors.
Low-mess: Since they are water-based, watercolor paints are generally easier to clean up than oil or acrylic.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the different types of paints, you're one step closer to gathering your paint pouring supplies and creating your first piece of art. Up next, we'll discuss how to choose the right pouring medium.

2. Choose the Right Pouring Medium

Choosing the right pouring medium can feel a bit like Goldilocks testing porridge - you want it to be just right. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are three popular pouring mediums you can consider for your paint pouring supplies.

Floetrol

Meet Floetrol, the popular kid on the block. Here's why artists love it:

No color distortion: Floetrol keeps your paint colors true, ensuring your final artwork looks just how you imagined.
Improves flow: It helps your paint glide smoothly across the canvas, giving you that perfect pour.
Reduces cracking: This pouring medium helps reduce the chance of cracking or crazing, keeping your artwork in top-notch condition.

Liquitex

Next in line, we have Liquitex, a well-respected name in the art world. Here's what it brings to the table:

Highly versatile: Liquitex works well with a broad range of painting techniques, not just pouring.
Enhances color intensity: This pouring medium can make your paint colors appear deeper and more vibrant.
Easy to use: Liquitex mixes easily with paints, making it a great choice for beginners and pros alike.

GAC 800

Finally, let's talk about GAC 800. Here's why you might want to consider it:

Prevents crazing: If you're looking to avoid those little cracks in your artwork, GAC 800 has your back.
Retains color brilliance: This medium can help maintain the brightness and vibrancy of your paint colors.
Flexible: Unlike some other mediums, GAC 800 remains flexible even when dry, reducing the risk of cracking over time.

Now that you're armed with knowledge about paints and pouring mediums, you're well on your way to starting your paint pouring journey. But before we mix those two, let's ensure our canvas is prepped and ready to go.

3. Prepare Your Canvas

Now that you've picked your paints and pouring medium, it's time to focus on your canvas - the stage where your art will come to life. Here's how to ensure your canvas is ready for action.

Prime the Canvas

Think of priming the canvas as setting the stage for the big show. It's like rolling out the red carpet for your paints. Here's what you need to do:

Choose the right primer: Acrylic Gesso is a popular choice due to its absorbent nature.
Apply in even coats: Use a wide brush or a roller to apply the primer, ensuring you cover every inch of the canvas.
Let it dry: Patience is a virtue, especially in paint pouring. Let the primer dry completely before you move on to the fun part.

Check the Canvas Stretch

Have you ever tried running in loose sneakers? It's not fun, right? The same goes for painting on a loose canvas. Here's how you can check the stretch of your canvas:

Press gently: Gently press the center of the canvas. A properly stretched canvas will have a slight give but will not sag or ripple.
Listen for the drum sound: When you tap it, a well-stretched canvas will produce a sound similar to a drum.
Examine from the side: Look at the canvas from a side angle. It should be taut and straight, not sagging or bulging.

And there you have it. Your canvas is now ready to embrace those beautiful, flowing colors. Next, we'll dive into the world of mixing paints and mediums, which is like creating the perfect recipe for your art.

4. Mix Your Paint and Medium

Alright, you've got your paints, pouring medium, and canvas all set. What's next? It's time to mix up a storm. But don't worry, this isn't like mixing a cake batter; it's simpler and far more fun.

Ideal Consistency

Think of the consistency as the personality of your paint. Is it thick and stubborn or thin and free-flowing? Here's how you can achieve the ideal consistency:

Start slow: Add a small amount of your chosen pouring medium to your paint. Stir gently until fully mixed.
Check the flow: Lift your stirring tool. The paint should flow off in a steady stream, not too thick and not too watery.
Adjust if needed: If your paint is too thick, add more medium. If it's too thin, add more paint. Remember, you're the boss here.

Test the Mix

Now that you've mixed your paints, it's time to test them out. You don't want any surprises halfway through your masterpiece, do you? Here's how you can test your mix:

Do a small pour: Pour a small amount of the mix onto a test canvas or any flat surface.
Watch the flow: The paint should spread easily but not too quickly. It should hold its form but not be too rigid.
Adjust accordingly: If your mix is not quite right, tweak it until you're satisfied.

There you have it; you're now a pro at mixing paint and medium. Are you ready for the next step? It's time to learn some exciting paint pouring techniques.

5. Learn Pouring Techniques

Alright, your paint and medium mix is ready, and so are you. Now comes the fun part - the pouring techniques. There are many ways to pour paint, but let's start with three basic techniques that are perfect for beginners.

Dirty Pour

Don't worry, there's nothing unclean about this. The "dirty" in dirty pour refers to the way you layer your paint in the same cup before pouring. Here's how:

Layer your paints: Pour your different colored paints into one cup, one at a time. No need to stir.
Prepare for the pour: Place your canvas on a flat surface. Hold the cup of paint above the canvas.
Pour away: Pour the paint onto the canvas. You can pour in a straight line, in a circular motion, or however you like.

Flip Cup

The flip cup technique is similar to the dirty pour, but with a fun twist. Here's how you can do it:

Prepare your paints: Just like with the dirty pour, layer your paints in a single cup.
Get ready: Place your canvas on top of the cup. Hold them together tightly.
Flip it: Quickly flip the cup and canvas over so the canvas is now on the bottom. Lift the cup and let the paint flow.

Swipe

The swipe technique creates a beautiful effect, almost like the colors are in motion. Here's how:

Apply your colors: Pour your paints onto the canvas, but keep them separate. Don't mix them.
Get a swiping tool: This could be a palette knife, a piece of cardboard, or even an old credit card.
Swipe: Use your tool to swipe the colors into each other. Swipe in one direction for a clean look, or in different directions for a more abstract effect.

And there you have it, three basic paint pouring techniques that you can start practicing right now. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your paint pouring supplies and get pouring!

6. Clean Up and Care

Now that you've finished creating your masterpiece, it's time for the less glamorous but equally important part—cleaning up and taking care of your paint pouring supplies. Here's how to do it right:

Cleaning Brushes and Tools

You might think you can just rinse off your brushes and tools under the tap, but there's a bit more to it than that. Follow these steps:

Wipe off excess paint: Use a paper towel or an old rag to wipe off as much paint as possible from your brushes and tools.
Rinse with warm water: Rinse your brushes and tools under running warm water. Try to get out as much paint as possible.
Use soap: Apply a little bit of hand soap or dish soap to your brushes and tools, and gently work it in with your fingers.
Rinse and repeat: Rinse out the soap and see if there's still paint left. If there is, repeat the soap step.
Dry properly: Shake off the excess water and let your brushes and tools dry completely before storing them. This prevents mold and extends their lifespan.

Storing Paints

Properly storing your paints can keep them fresh and usable for longer. Here's how:

Seal tightly: Make sure the lids on your paint containers are sealed tightly. This prevents the paint from drying out.
Store in a cool, dark place: Paint doesn't like heat or light, so find a cool, dark place in your home for your paint pouring supplies.
Keep upright: Store your paints upright to prevent leaks and spills.

And that's it! With proper cleaning and storage, your paint pouring supplies can last a long time, keeping you ready for your next creative adventure. Remember, taking care of your tools is just as important as the art you create with them. So, are you ready to clean up and prepare for your next masterpiece?

If you're excited to dive deeper into the world of paint pouring and want to get creative with the supplies you already have at home, check out Noah Ennis's workshop, "Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items." This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract paintings using everyday items, making it a perfect next step for beginners who want to explore the art of paint pouring further.