Acrylic Pour Paint Ratios by Technique
Fluid art is forgiving, but running out of paint mid-pour is not. The calculator estimates total mix needed based on canvas area, then splits it into paint and pouring medium using the standard ratio for your chosen technique.
Technique Ratios at a Glance
| Technique | Paint : Medium | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty Pour | 1:1 | Beginners, bold patterns |
| Swipe | 1:1.5 | Feather / marble effects |
| Ring Pour | 1:1.5 | Bullseye / tree ring patterns |
| Flip Cup | 1:1 | Dense cells, full coverage |
| Dutch Pour | 1:0.5 | Lace, wispy details |
Acrylic Pour FAQs
How much pouring medium do I need?▼
It depends on your technique. For a dirty pour, a 1:1 paint-to-medium ratio works well. Swipe and ring pour techniques benefit from a 1:1.5 ratio (more medium) for smoother flow and better cell formation.
Why do I get cells in acrylic pours?▼
Cells form when paints of different densities separate. Using a silicone oil (1–2 drops per color) and a torch to pop surface bubbles dramatically increases cell formation. Heavy-body paints sink while lighter paints rise, creating the cell pattern.
What pouring medium should I use?▼
Liquitex Pouring Medium and Floetrol are the most popular. Floetrol is a paint conditioner (originally for house paint) that works surprisingly well at a fraction of the cost. For beginners, a 1:1 mix of Floetrol and water is a common starting point.
How do I prevent cracking in dried pours?▼
Cracking happens when the top layer dries faster than the bottom. Pour thicker layers, let them dry slowly away from fans or AC, and seal with a UV-resistant varnish to protect the finished piece.