Acrylic pouring mediums and supplies in NZ: flow medium, silicone oil, pouring cups and primers. This page holds the extras you mix into paint for a pour. For ready-mixed pouring paint, such as the Ethereal ($12.99) and Golden Beach ($24.99) sets, look in acrylic paint sets.

What you need for a first pour

• Flow medium: thins ordinary acrylic so it pours without going weak or cracking the way water does. Start at 1 part paint to 1 part medium, then add medium a little at a time until it runs like warm honey.
• Silicone oil: 2 to 3 drops per colour cup gives you cells. Leave it out if you want smooth blends.
• Pouring cups: for mixing each colour and layering them into one cup for a dirty pour.
• Gesso: a coat on raw boards or wood before you pour, so the paint sits on top instead of soaking in.

If you'd rather not work it out, the Pour Painting Combo ($32.99) has flow medium, silicone oil, a pouring cup and 3 acrylics. Add a small canvas, 20 x 20cm is plenty for a first go, and you're set.

Step by step: how to do acrylic paint pouring. Short on room? pouring in a small space.

Frequently asked questions

What ratio of paint to pouring medium should I use?

Start at 1:1, then add more medium until the mix runs off a stirring stick in a smooth, unbroken stream. Thick paints such as Dimension need more medium than Signature.

How do I get cells in an acrylic pour?

Add 2 to 3 drops of silicone oil to each colour, stir gently, then pour. A quick pass with a kitchen torch held 15 to 20cm away helps the cells open up.

How long does an acrylic pour take to dry?

Usually 24 to 72 hours, depending on how thick it is and how humid the room is. Leave it flat and don't move it for the first 12 hours.

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