Larn the secrets behind creating cute cells in your acrylic cascade paintings!

What causes cells in acrylic pouring?

Cells in acrylic pouring tend to class when in that location is a deviation in density between the paint colors. There are unlike methods of achieving cells in an acrylic pour, but the number of cells that announced and the size of the cells are largely adamant by the difference in the densities of the colors. Some paint pigments are denser than others.

The chief methods of achieving cells in your fluid painting include:

  1. Varying density of the paint
  2. Silicone condiment
  3. Using the torch method

1. Varying density of the paint

The optimal method of creating cells in your acrylic pour is by varying the consistency and density of the paint. Every color of paint has a specific gravity and when y'all layer the least dense pigment on the bottom and the nearly dense paint on top, what happens is that the denser pigment pushes downwards and the paint with less density rises to the tiptop which is what causes the cells to occur.

Related Reading: The Science Behind Acrylic Pouring

Golden Acrylic Paints are known for labelling each paint color with the specific gravity on its labels. This makes them a very popular choice for acrylic pigment brands.

However you can also check the density past weighing each of the colors in your pouring mix on a calibration before layering them in your loving cup.

2. Creating cells with silicone:

Using silicone as an additive in acrylic pouring is much debated within the acrylic pouring customs. Many artists prefer not to use silicone equally an additive to create cells in their fluid acrylic painting as it tin can in some cases reduce the archival quality of the finished artwork. Ane of the reported downsides tends to be that information technology can sometimes accept a yellowing effect on paint and this media can significantly degrade your artwork over time. Additionally it's probably not a groovy option if you have a loftier sensitivity to chemical smells.

Nevertheless this can largely depend on the specific type of brand and silicone product that yous're adding to the mix. Keep reading to find out if this is the right approach for you!

How does silicone help to form cells in an acrylic pour?

Oil and water do not mix. Acrylic paints are h2o based, and when mixed with oil such as silicone the two layers of media will separate from each other. This reaction leads to the cells in an acrylic pouring painting.

There are unlike kinds of oils that you can potentially utilise for acrylic pouring, but silicone is the almost popular type of oil for making cells.

Why do I need to use silicone to create cells in my acrylic pour?

It'south not always necessary to add silicone in your acrylic pour to create beautiful cells. Sometimes you can achieve a similar consequence with no silicone past using Floetrol or other pouring mediums. However, the best pouring mediums are designed to maintain a perfect consistency and do not ever create the separate layers that produce cells. In this case, a few drops of silicone tin can help with that procedure.

What type of silicone should I utilise?

Silicone tin be purchased in several different forms. One of the most popular types of silicone used in acrylic pouring is the WD-40 spray lubricant which has a significant amount of silicone. WD-40 can be purchased relatively cheaply and easily.

The WD-twoscore spray lubricant is a great entry level option for those who are just starting out to experiment with cells. All the same, as mentioned at the start, this method of achieving cells is largely debated specially if y'all intend to go along your artwork for a long fourth dimension or sell information technology after.

Tip: Check the label on the WD-forty and exist sure to purchase the ones that incorporate silicone, as non all of them do.

Bank check Amazon: WD-xl Specialist Silicone Lubricant – 11oz

How much silicone do I demand to add together to create cells?

Usually you will only demand to add 2-3 drops to each colour to start creating some cells.
However, the right recipe for adding silicone into your acrylic pouring mix will largely come down to experimentation.

How to mix silicone in acrylic pouring mix

Finding the perfect recipe will have some time and experimentation, but here is a good starting point:

  • 1 part acrylic pigment
  • ane.5 parts of your chosen pouring medium
  • 2-3 drops of silicone in the colors where you want the cells to appear

Experiment with side by side tests to see the terminal result you want to achieve.

Tip: If you want larger cells in your acrylic cascade painting, don't stir over the paint once you've added the silicone as this volition carve up into smaller cells.

3. Creating cells using the torching method:

If you don't want to use silicone to create cells, the torch method is an culling pick. You can employ a chef's torch or a burner.

There are ii primary reasons for using the torching method in your acrylic pouring painting:

  1. Torching is 1 manner of removing bubbles that appear in the surface of your acrylic pour. This tin can forestall holes and defects from actualization in the finished dried artwork.
  2. To take a more controlled awarding of where the smaller cells appear in your fluid artwork. Whereas culling heat sources such as a oestrus gun or blow dryer tend to move the paint too much.

The torch method may be a good option if you're looking to create lots of smaller cells. Yous likewise accept much more control over where the smaller cells announced in the painting. If you're aiming to create fewer, but larger cells then the torch method is not the best approach and you may want to try methods 1 and 2 higher up.

TIP: Ever exercise caution when using the butane torch. Do non exit a flame unattended and keep it away from combustible substances. When using the butane torch, always piece of work in a well ventilated expanse to avoid inhaling fumes.

How to use a torch to create cells in your acrylic pour painting:

One time you've practical your acrylic cascade onto the sail or surface, lightly wave the flame over the painting approximately 5 or 6 inches above the painting in the areas where you want the cells to appear.

Avoid holding the torch over one full-bodied area for as well long, or yous may end upward with over-torching which can atomic number 82 to yellowing, dimples or even harm your artwork.

What type of torch should I use to create cells in my fluid painting?

You volition demand a gas powered torch (butane or propane) that you tin direct the flame onto your sail. A minor butane kitchen torch such equally the ones used for making creme brulee are perfect.

Tip: Go along a spare gas refill handy to avoid running out mid-way through a pour.

So which method should I apply for creating cells in my acrylic pouring painting?

Oftentimes, no one answer is right for everyone. Give these individual methods a quick test and come across if you go the results you're looking for.

Happy acrylic pouring! 🙂