Fluid painting, also known as acrylic pouring, is a fun painting technique whereby artists employ fluid paints to design abstract pieces by pouring and manipulating the fluids on a canvas. The technique is specifically ideal for starters since it is easy and yields results that are unique, yet just as interesting.​Olga Soby+5Tracie Kiernan – Step By Step Painting+5YouTube+5
Materials Needed:
Acrylic Paints: Choose a mix of colors.​Tracie Kiernan – Step-By-Step Painting
Pouring Medium: This additive provides the desired consistency of paint and enhances flow.​YouTube+11Jennifer Rizzo+11Wikipedia+11
Canvas: Pre-stretch and pre-prime canvases.Cups and Stir Sticks: For use in mixing the paints.​Olga Soby+6Tracie Kiernan – Step By Step Painting+6YouTube+6
Protective Gear: Gloves and aprons to stay clean.
Basic Flip Cup Technique Set Up Your Workspace: Set a tarp or piece of old sheeting down on the floor to catch any spills. Unroll your canvas and set up cups or blocks to allow the paint to flow off the edges.​Tracie Kiernan – Step-By-Step Painting
Set Up the Paints: Mix one color of acrylic paint with the pouring medium in each cup. A 1:1 ratio is typical, but practice until the consistency is like honey and the liquid flows easily.​Jennifer Rizzo
Layer the Paints: Layer the mixed paints in a clean cup by pouring one over the other. The layering will produce dynamic patterns when poured.​YouTube+10Tracie Kiernan – Step By Step Painting+10YouTube+10
Flip the Cup: Position the canvas over the cup, then rapidly flip both over and set them down. Let the cup rest for a moment, allowing the paint to settle.
Release the Paint: Tilt the cup, allowing the paint to run onto the canvas.​Tracie Kiernan – Step-By-Step Painting
Tilt the Canvas: Gently tilt the canvas in various directions to guide the paint, covering the entire surface and developing your preferred pattern.​
Drying: Place the canvas on a level surface and leave it to dry for at least 24 hours.