How to Use Pouring Medium for Acrylic Paint: Step-by-Step Guide
Solid Solutions Pouring Medium is a purpose-made acrylic medium for smooth, flowing paint in fluid art and acrylic pouring. It improves paint movement, reduces cracking and dries to a clear, glossy, flexible finish while keeping colour strength.
How to use pouring medium: mix 1 part acrylic paint to 1 to 2 parts pouring medium (about 1:2 for heavy body paint, 1:1 for fluid paint) and stir slowly until it flows like warm honey. Pour onto a level, slightly raised canvas, tilt to move the paint, then leave it flat to dry. Most pours are touch-dry within 24 hours and need 24 to 72 hours or more to dry fully.
Solid Solutions Pouring Medium works with all Solid Solutions acrylic paints, including heavy body, soft body and fluid styles. It dries clear, glossy and flexible.
Shop pouring medium →What Is Acrylic Pouring Medium?
A pouring medium is mixed with acrylic paint to increase flow, improve self-levelling and let paint move freely across the surface without breaking down the acrylic binder. Unlike thinning with water alone, it keeps the dried paint film strong, flexible and glossy.
| Quick reference | Solid Solutions Pouring Medium |
|---|---|
| Mixing ratio | 1 part paint : 1 to 2 parts medium (e.g. 50 mL paint with 50–100 mL medium) |
| Heavy body paint | Start closer to 1:2 |
| Fluid paint | 1:1 is often enough |
| Consistency | Like warm honey or pouring cream |
| Dries | Clear, glossy and flexible |
| Drying time | Touch-dry in about 24 hours; fully dry in 24–72 hours or more; cures over several days |
| Sizes | 250ml, 1 litre and 4 litre |
How to Use Pouring Medium, Step by Step
Prepare your workspace
Choose a flat, level surface and protect the area around it, as poured paint keeps flowing for some time. Raise your canvas slightly so excess paint can drip away cleanly.
Mix paint and medium
Put your acrylic paint in a clean container and gradually add pouring medium: 1 part paint to 1 to 2 parts medium. For thicker, heavy body acrylics, start closer to 1:2; for already-fluid acrylics, 1:1 is often enough.
Check the consistency
Mix slowly until smooth and free of lumps or air bubbles. It should flow off the mixing stick in a continuous stream, like warm honey or pouring cream, but not be watery. If you need more flow, add a very small amount of clean water, but keep the pouring medium as the main thinner.
Add silicone for cells (optional)
For cell effects, add a small amount of silicone oil to the mixed paint. Stir gently so you don't break the silicone into overly fine particles.
Pour and tilt
Pour the mixed paint onto the canvas using your chosen method. Layer colours in one cup or pour them individually, then gently tilt the canvas to guide the paint and build organic movement and blending.
Let it dry level
Leave the artwork to dry on a level surface. Drying time depends on paint thickness and conditions, but most pours need at least 24 to 72 hours to dry fully. It cures to a smooth, glossy finish.
Finish (optional)
Once fully dry and cured, leave it as is or seal it with a compatible acrylic varnish for extra protection and durability.
Tips for Better Pours
Water alone can weaken acrylic paint if overused. Keep pouring medium as the main thinner to protect strength and gloss.
Cracking usually comes from over-thinning with water, pouring very thick layers or drying too fast in hot, dry conditions.
Stir rather than whip, so you don't trap air bubbles in the paint.
Use it for glazing, extending paint, smooth overlays and high-gloss acrylic layers.
Store leftover mixed paint in airtight containers. Stir gently before reuse, as pigment can settle.
Other brands work, but Solid Solutions paints with Solid Solutions Pouring Medium give the most consistent results.
Pouring Medium Questions & Answers
What is an acrylic pouring medium used for?
A pouring medium is mixed with acrylic paint to increase flow, improve self-levelling, and allow paint to move freely across the surface without breaking down the acrylic binder.
How much pouring medium do I mix with acrylic paint?
Use 1 part acrylic paint to 1 to 2 parts pouring medium, for example 50 mL paint with 50–100 mL pouring medium. For thicker, heavy body acrylics, start closer to 1:2. For already-fluid acrylics, 1:1 is often enough. Aim for a consistency like warm honey or pouring cream: it should flow smoothly off the mixing stick in a continuous stream, but not be watery.
Can I use Solid Solutions acrylic paints with this pouring medium?
Yes. All Solid Solutions acrylic paints can be used with Solid Solutions Pouring Medium, including heavy body, soft body and fluid acrylic paints.
Why use a pouring medium instead of just water?
Water alone can weaken acrylic paint if used excessively. A pouring medium keeps the strength, flexibility and durability of the dried paint film while improving flow and gloss.
How long does a poured painting take to dry?
Drying time depends on layer thickness and conditions. Most poured paintings are touch-dry within 24 hours and fully cured over several days.
Why am I getting cracks or surface separation?
Cracking or separation is usually caused by over-thinning with water, applying very thick layers, or drying too quickly in hot or dry conditions.
Can this medium be used for techniques other than pouring?
Yes. It can also be used for glazing, extending paint, creating smooth overlays and achieving high-gloss acrylic layers.
Can I mix different paint brands with this medium?
Yes, but for the most consistent and predictable results, use Solid Solutions Pouring Medium with Solid Solutions acrylic paints.
Can leftover mixed paint be saved?
Yes. Mixed paint can be stored in airtight containers and reused later. Stir gently before use, as pigments may settle over time.
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Ready to pour?
Solid Solutions Pouring Medium in 250ml, 1 litre and 4 litre.