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MEDIUM
Pouring Medium
Pouring medium reduces the surface tension of acrylic paint so it flows freely across a surface, self-levels, and dries without the crazing (cracking) that occurs when paint is simply thinned with water. It is the essential medium for fluid acrylic and pour painting. The most reliable professional option is Golden GAC 800, specifically formulated to resist crazing. Liquitex and DecoArt offer mid-market alternatives.
Properties ▾
Base: 100% acrylic polymer
Consistency: Fluid, honey-like
Dries: Transparent / Gloss or Matte (by product)
Crazing resistance: High (GAC 800)
Finish: Gloss (most) or Matte
Compatibility: All acrylic paints
Techniques ▾
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.
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.
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