Welcome!

Congratulations on starting your acrylic pouring journey.

It doesn't matter if you have no experience or have dabbled with acrylic pouring this course caters for all levels.

It's crazy how fast you will be making striking artworks at home... I'm here to help you one step at a time.

In this course you'll learn:

1. How to create acrylic pour artworks
2. Essential supplies (best brands listed)
3. How to set up your space
4. How to mix your paints
5. How to avoid common errors
6. How to use composition techniques
7. How to choose winning color combinations
8. How to avoid common paint consistency issues
9. The most popular acrylic pouring techniques



But firstly...

There's one thing you MUST do to get the most of this course.

Don't just close this window and never open it again... Try to be in the 1% of people in the world that actually finish their courses through to the end!

Just take it a day at a time, have fun and... Practice. Practice. Practice. You can do it. I believe in you, but most importantly, you gotta believe in yourself.

OK - Let's begin!

If you want to order a package from Amazon which has everything you need to start acrylic pouring then have a look at this option: Click here

You will be making beautiful things in no time like these two beginners:

What's In This Video:

1. Introduction to acrylic pouring
2. Techniques covered in this course
3. Supplies you need to start, personal protection
4. How to set up your space
   

So, What is Acrylic Pouring?

Acrylic pouring is an art method which comes under the banner of "Fluid Art".

It has many names... "Fluid Art", "Pouring Art", "Paint Pouring", "Pour Art", "Acrylic Paint Pouring".

Acrylic pouring involves mixing acrylic paint with a "Pouring Medium" to loosen it, so you can pour it onto a surface.

A "Pouring Medium" is just a fancy word for a liquid "conditioner" which makes acrylic paint become runnier.

Tradesmen use the product Flood Floetrol (AKA Acrylic paint conditioner) to help make house paint easier to apply to surfaces. It helps make paint dry slower and dry evenly rather than with lots of lines/bumps/marks.

Best Pouring Mediums

We recommend using Flood Floetrol, it's good quality and the cheapest option. (Click here for Flood Floetrol)

Alternatively people use artist pouring mediums but they are more expensive. Liquitex is the most popular choice followed by Pouring Masters. (Click here for Liquitex)

Acrylic pouring produces cool effects called cells, which you can see above.

Cells are created when air bubbles pop and different paints fall or rise to the surface of your artwork.

There are hundreds of different ways to acrylic paint pour, in this course we are taking you over the 5 best techniques to get you started.

What do you need to start?

Acrylic Pouring Supplies:

It's time! Go get your pouring supplies ready and set up your space.

*** Your shopping list is down the bottom of this page.

Please get the items listed, so you can begin soon.

Remember - be thrifty and eco friendly! You can save money and the Earth with your supplies - I give some advice on this below.

Safety First:

Carefully read and follow all safety instructions on the products you are using. A lot of acrylic paint products have chemicals in them which can be harmful. You need to take action for your own safety.

Wear personal protective equipment, cover your skin and work in a well-ventilated space. You can wear a vapour mask ventilator which filters the air you breathe (similar to what resin artists use) and eye protection too.

The safety information of every product is elaborated in their Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This is available online if you type in (product name) material safety data sheet.

Depending on whether you are pregnant, have health conditions, allergies and more it is best to get advice from healthcare professionals.

Do not to get paint mix on your skin, or leave it out unattended. In an emergency call 911 (USA), 999 (Britain) and 000 (Australia).

FAQ:

• Which pouring medium? Floetrol is a popular choice. It is cost effective and comes in 1 Quart and 1 Gallon (USA) or 500ml and 4L (Australia) from your local hardware store or online.
• How much Floetrol to buy? 500ml/1 Quart of Floetrol is good for first starters. If you start regularly doing acrylic pouring, 1 Gallon/4L will save you money in the long run.
• What about pre-mixed pouring paint? Paint which has been "premixed with pouring medium" I find is sometimes too runny for the styles we are achieving in this course. It does work and it is much easier for you though! Results will have a more marbled look without many cells.

Supplies advice:

• Student acrylic paints - Start with 50-75ml small tubes and move up from there. Purchase extra white paint because it is most commonly used a base for all other colours. (See my bargain stores list below.)
• Cups - 10 reusable cups or household jars. Either bamboo plastic mix or thick plastic so you can easily clean the paint off between sessions. Other people recommend disposable plastic cups. It's okay for first timers but in the long run there is too much wastage.
• Straws - 1 standard packet of straws, or reusable metal/bamboo straws.
• Canvases - A few (4x4 or 8x10) small canvases to start. But you can pour on anything, coasters, pots, mirrors, frames, decorations, vases and circular canvases. Different pouring surfaces need different preparation techniques though.
• Canvas or canvas board - Stretched canvas is the best choice for beginners. Do not buy thin wooden chip board for pouring it warps out of shape when it dries. Some bases like canvas board, will curl up at the sides once dry too. But you can bend canvas board back into shape and frame it at the end if you like. I often do this.
• Pop sticks - 1 standard packet of pop sticks or wooden spoons.
• Tray - Cardboard box, aluminium tray, any tray or surface you don't mind getting paint drips on.
• Water - I have always used tap water, but some people prefer distilled water. Have it in a jar ready to use for mixing your paints.
• Floor protection - A paint drip sheet, newspaper, tarpaulin or an old bed sheet but paint can go through thin paper, sheets and other cotton fibres so be careful.
• Household baking paper is good for putting under your projects while they dry. You can use newspaper but it will stick to the paint underneath.
• Preparing my canvas if you want to protect the back of your canvas, you can tape aluminium foil to hide the back. Use "painters" tape from the hardware store.
• Primer helps with making sure the paint sticks to the canvas, I often don't use it and it has been fine without. But if you want the best results, buy a primer from your local hardware store, apply as per instructions and leave your canvas to dry before begin your acrylic pour.
• Sealant for varnishing your art after it is fully dry. It will extend the length of your art and give it a glossy finish. For canvas artworks consider using Liquitex Varnish.

Bargain stores list for Australia, USA and Online:

Where to get these products for a fair price!

Australia

• Red Dot
• Reject Shop
• Kmart
• Big W
• Riot Art and Craft (often have 50% off sales)
• Bunnings
  

USA

• Michaels
• Dollar Tree
• Walmart
• Home Depot
• Joanns
• Hobby Lobby
• Jerry's Artarama
  

Online

• Amazon
• Dick Blick
• Catch of the Day
• Wish
• Bunnings online
• Kmart online

It's time to get shopping!

***Shopping List Below. If you have questions please pop them in the comments.

See you at Lesson 2!