Have you tried acrylic pouring? I’ve been making acrylic pour paintings for about a year now, and it’s been a really fun and relaxing way to create. It allows me to take a bit of a break from my other design and creative work and just enjoy the process. And, even though I’m kind of a control freak, I actually enjoy that I don’t quite know how each painting is going to turn out. After you’re done moving that paint around, it’ll still move a little bit further after you leave it to dry. So, it’s always a fun surprise to come back a day or two later, when it’s completely dry, to see the final painting.
In the video below, I’ll show you the simple process and easy-to-find supplies that I’ve been using to create my paintings. I’ve been trying to keep things budget-friendly, too, so none of the supplies that I use is very expensive. Since I don’t use professional pouring medium or artist grade acrylic paints here, these paintings are not archival. If you want to sell your original art, then you’ll want to look into archival grade supplies so your paintings will maintain their quality for years to come.
Check out the video below to see the step by step acrylic pouring for beginners video:
Supplies Used in This Project
The following supply list contains affiliate links. I make a small commission if you purchase through these links, and I really appreciate it if you do!
Husky Plastic Sheeting (or a large garbage bag / old newspapers / a bunch of plastic grocery bags / a painter’s dropcloth)
Foil Cookie Tray (to catch most of the excess paint as it runs off the edges of the painting – I purchased a set of 2 for $1.00 at the dollar store)
Vinyl Gloves (if you don’t want to be cleaning acrylic paint from under your fingernails for days, then use gloves – I buy mine by the box at Walmart in the cleaning supplies aisle)
Acrylic Craft Paints (in the video, I used Folk Art & Americana brands, but I’ve also used Martha Stewart, Apple Barrell, and Michael’s Craftsmart store brands with good results)
Pouring Medium (I make mine with a 1:1 ratio of Elmer’s Glue All and water)
Squeeze Bottle (I put the glue and water into this and shake it up until they’re well mixed. The squeeze bottles are a really easy way to dispense your pouring medium, and you can just put the cap back on when you’re not using so it doesn’t dry out)
Food Service Portion Cups (to hold the paint / pouring medium mixture – you can use any small plastic cups for this, or you can save yogurt containers or even plastic cat food containers and use those)
Wood Craft Sticks (to stir the paint / pouring medium mixture – I picked up a package of 100 for $1.00 at the dollar store, and once the paint is completely dry on them, you can reuse them)
Art Alternatives 8×10 Canvas Panels (if you want to hang your paintings on the wall, you should use a regular canvas, but I like these panels and buy them by the dozen from Amazon)
Plastic Shot Glasses (to raise the canvas off of the work surface so the paint can flow off the edges after you pour – I bought a package of 24 plastic shot glasses for $1.00 at the dollar store, but you can use food service containers, plastic yogurt containers, cat food containers, or even a small box under the canvas)
Happy pouring!
Nice effects, particularly given that picked up a good part of your supplies at the dollar store. My avoidance of that place is, ironically, unworthy. Your artistry shows that there are good things to get, even from there. Then again, maybe its just your skill level – in the hands of an artist, even bargain supplies look good.
New to Pour Painting…Very helpful
Thank you
What is in that little spray bottle at the end?
barbara manolache – Sorry it took me a little while to find this comment. I keep isopropyl rubbing alcohol (91%) in the spray bottle. It helps get rid of bubbles in the paint and creates interesting texture and even small cells, too.
Video made very simple, so that anyone can this. It is in my list of things to try.
Thank you
H K Gondorchin – So glad that you enjoyed the video!
Hooked. Thanks for all of your advice!!
Such a great tutorial! I love how you use materials that are less expensive. I saw another video for paint pouring where they used push pins on the back of the canvas to elevate it from the surface. Of course that probably wouldn’t work well with panels but I thought it was worth mentioning. Great job!
Very clear instructions! Easy to follow!
Thanks for posting
Nice job, I have been collecting supplies to begin my first pour and this video says, just try it…wonderful job.
Well organized and very clear instructions. Also like to use Dollar Tree for a lot of stuff too so that helps. thanks!
You did a great job explaining the basics of this new art form. I have watched so many of these, I think I am ready to try it out.
Great tutorial. Where did you get your spritzer with the alcohol? It is perfect for small cups!
Thank you thank you, it can’t be mire clear, you are si good, I ‘m going to try this
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Loved this video! I’m just gathering supplies together. This looks like so much fun! Very helpful – Thank you!
Thank you for clear instructions and affordable craft! ?
Well done! Thanks
Enjoy your video