Basic pour ratio
Mix 1 part heavy body paint to 1–3 parts pouring medium. Exact ratio depends on brand and desired consistency. Test on a small area first — aim for a honey-like flow.
Dirty pour: Load multiple colours into one cup without mixing. Invert onto canvas and lift. Colours blend at the edges naturally. Tilt to spread.
Flip cup: Pour colours in layers into a cup. Place canvas face-down onto cup. Flip together, then lift. Creates a radial burst pattern.
Crazing prevention: Never thin acrylic paint with water alone for pouring — this breaks the binder and causes cracking. Always use pouring medium. Keep layers even in depth across the canvas.
Gloss vs Matte: Golden Color Pouring Medium (Gloss) dries uniform and shiny, intensifying colours. Matte version dries completely flat. Combine both to create a custom sheen.
Pouring is not just a trend — it is a legitimate direct painting method with serious potential for abstract work. The challenge is in controlling what you cannot fully control: chemistry, gravity, and drying conditions all become part of the composition.