DecoArt Pouring Medium 16oz – Acrylic Medium for Pouring & Fluid Art

🎓 SNP Wiki | DecoArt Pouring Medium

🔎 What is DecoArt Pouring Medium?

DecoArt Pouring Medium (DS135-08) is a water-based acrylic medium designed to be mixed with acrylic paints for pouring and fluid art techniques.

Its role is to:

• Increase paint fluidity
• Maintain pigment strength and cohesion
• Improve flow without breaking down the paint structure
• Reduce cracking and excessive shrinkage during drying

It doesn’t simply dilute the paint — it stabilizes it for controlled flow.

💧 How Does It Work?

When you mix acrylic paint with Pouring Medium:

• The paint becomes more fluid
• The film structure remains stable
• The mixture spreads smoothly across the surface
• Transitions and layered effects appear cleaner

It allows the paint to move freely while keeping consistency and durability.

🧪 Mixing Ratio

A good starting point:

• 1 part acrylic paint
• 1–2 parts Pouring Medium

The final ratio depends on:

• The thickness of your paint
• The technique you’re using (dirty pour, flip cup, puddle pour, etc.)
• The level of flow you want

The ideal consistency should resemble “liquid cream.”

🎨 What Results Does It Offer?

• Smooth, controlled flow
• Cleaner color transitions
• Fewer cracks
• More even drying
• A level, cohesive paint film

It can also help create “cells” when combined with the appropriate technique.

🖌 Where Can You Use It?

• Acrylic pouring
• Fluid art techniques
• Layered pouring methods
• Canvas
• Wooden panels
• Art boards

⏳ Drying Time

• Surface dry: a few hours
• Full cure: 24–72 hours
  (depending on thickness and environmental conditions)

Thicker layers require longer curing time.

🧠 Pro Tips

• Stir slowly to reduce air bubbles
• Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes before pouring
• Work on a perfectly level surface
• Protect the artwork from dust while curing

🎓 SNP Wiki | How to Control Cells in Acrylic Pouring

Cells in acrylic pouring are not random magic — they are the result of density differences and surface tension reactions between materials.

If you understand what controls them, you can reproduce them consistently.

🔬 What Creates Cells?

Cells appear when:

• One color has a different density than another
• There is a variation in surface tension
• A cell additive is introduced

In simple terms, heavier or more reactive materials rise through lighter ones.

🎨 Factor 1: Paint Density

Certain pigments are naturally heavier, such as:

• Titanium White
• Metallic paints
• Many opaque colors

These tend to push through lighter paints and create stronger cell structures.

👉 For more visible cells, include at least one denser color in your mix.

💧 Factor 2: Consistency

The ideal texture should resemble:

Liquid cream

If the mixture is too thick → cells won’t open
If it’s too thin → they may stretch but lose structure

Using DecoArt Pouring Medium (DS135) helps maintain proper flow while preserving paint stability.

🧪 Factor 3: Cell Additives

For more controlled and predictable cells, you can use dedicated products such as:

• DecoArt Cell Medium
• American Crafts Color Pour Cell Magic

These are added in small amounts to selected colors and:

• Increase surface tension differences
• Encourage clearer, more defined cells
• Improve consistency in results

Usually, a few drops are enough.

🔥 Factor 4: Heat Activation

Gentle heat:

• Activates movement within layers
• Encourages cells to rise
• Expands and opens existing cells

Use lightly and from a safe distance to avoid disturbing the paint structure.

🥣 Techniques That Promote Cells

• Dirty Pour
• Flip Cup
• Swipe Technique
• Layered Puddle Pour

Each method produces a different cell pattern and distribution.

🎯 How to Control (Not Chase) Cells

✔ Use at least one denser color
✔ Add cell additive to only 1–2 colors
✔ Avoid over-mixing in the cup
✔ Work on a level surface
✔ Do not over-manipulate after cells begin to form

The more you disturb the surface, the more the structure breaks down.

🧠 Advanced Control Tips

• Less additive → smaller, tighter cells
• More additive → larger, more open cells
• Thin swipe layer → delicate lace-like effects
• Thicker paint layers → dramatic, bold openings