This past weekI’ve been trying out a different method of using acrylic paints on fabrics. I’m excited to share it with you today. This method has got different names but I like the name “Acrylic Pouring”

First, the ingredients I used to experiment are:
Supply List for Acrylic Pouring
- Golden Fluid Acrylics
- Floetrol (affiliate link)
- Drip Silicone (affiliate link)
- Distilled Water
- Canvas
Maybe because I learned to cook without recipes, I tend to wing things which require recipes a lot. Well, till I mess up. Then when I realize I need to be more specific in order to get good results, I start to pay better attention. What can I say? Some things are “wingable”, others are just not.
At this point in my experimentation, I’m still winging it. So I don’t have specific recipes for you. However, all the ingredients you’ll need to experiment with are in the supply list above. Although I didn’t use all of them at once. I experimented.
Acrylic pouring is fun and in some ways similar to marbling with acrylics. If you haven’t already, check out that tutorial. It’s the kind of detailed tutorial you get when you measure everything. 🙂 Now back to acrylic pouring. The outcome can never be fully pre-determined. You’re always in anticipation to see what the results are….. so much fun.
The Process of Acrylic Pouring


If you want big cells or shapes to show up in your piece, don’t stir. If you must, only do a minimal stir or swirl.

From a height, pour a small amount of paint from each of the cups into one main paint cup. Alternate this process between all the colors of paint you’re working with.
Here’s what it looked like inside the main cup


Above is a 12 x 12 wooden frame onto which I stapled a piece of canvas. This served as a support so that I could pour the acrylics onto the canvas. You wouldn’t need to do this step if you’re going to use a store-bought canvas.
Next, I tip the main cup onto the canvas.

Then slowly begin to lift it up….


The amount of paint mixture I ended up pouring into my main paint cup was too small. As you can see from the picture above, I didn’t have enough paint to cover the canvas.
By the time I’d shifted the paints around to cover the entire surface of the canvas, I’d lost some of the beautiful cell-like shapes that had started to form.
Results of Acrylic Pouring Experiment
Here are the results of two acrylic pouring I did.

and——-

I’ve got more experiments to do to figure out how much paint I need to make for a 12 x 12 piece of fabric. This is one of those instances where “winging” it does not cut it. I didn’t have enough paint to cover the edges of the frame.
That’s it on acrylic pouring for now. I’ll be reporting back on my next experiment soon. So stay tuned.
Your Turn
Have you tried acrylic pouring? What do you like about it and what don’t you like? If you haven’t and you love the process of experimentation, I’m positive you’ll love this. I look forward to chatting with you in the comments section.
Warmest Regards,
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I have marbled fabric but never tried the pouring technique. I’m not sure what silicone is needed. Help please.
I do like the patterns and colors you were able to achieve.
Ruth
Ruth, I’ve got a link to Amazon for the specific silicone product I used. It’s up in the beginning part of this blog post under “supplies list”
I hope that helps.
I too love the patterns and colors. I’ve got to make time to experiment some more.
Hi i am glad to find this as I wondered whether I could print fabric in this way. How thick or stiff was your canvas fabric when dry? I would like something I could handstitch into fairly easily..
Sue, thanks for writing. The canvas does become somewhat stiffer after acrylic pouring. I’d think it will be difficult to hand sew through it.
HTH
Clara.
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I deeply enjoy my main current artistic pursuit, acrylic paint pouring (puddle, bloom, Dutch, ribbon stripe, and swipes). I study many artists via You Tube. Sara Taylor and her inspirations inform my work most at the current level of beginner-intermediate.
I found you as I embark on self-crafted, formal art study with Karen Campbell, Alyse Kelly, et al. Requires starting daily art journal use — have to make my own, self-bound (140#, cold-pressed, 5.5″ x 7″ with poured cover & back, and marblized coverings for the inner pages at front and back of the book.).
Enjoy that you are doing acrylic pouring! Fun! I’ve been seeing artists use GAC 800 and Golden’s Pouring Medium along with Floetrol. Tilting slowly helps keep cells by only stretching them. They use a few drops Silicone oil lightly stirred — 1-2 turns around cup with popsicle stir stick.