How to Make Cells in Acrylic Pour Paintings

‍Acrylic pour paintings have gained immense popularity in the art world due to their mesmerizing and vibrant cell-like patterns. These captivating cells are formed when paints with varying densities interact and create beautiful organic clusters. While some cells form naturally, artists can also use additives to enhance and manipulate the cell formation. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the techniques, materials, and methods required to create stunning cells in acrylic pour paintings.

Understanding the Science behind Cell Formation

To truly master the art of creating cells in acrylic pour paintings, it’s important to understand the science behind their formation. Cells occur when paints with different densities mix together. Some pigments, such as titanium white or heavy metals, are denser and tend to sink to the bottom of the paint mixture. Lighter pigments, on the other hand, rise to the surface. This interaction between paints of varying densities gives rise to the formation of cells, resembling microscopic biological cell clusters.

Related: How to Dye Polyester with Acrylic Paint

Materials Required for Creating Cells

Before we dive into the techniques, let’s gather the materials required to create stunning cells in acrylic pour paintings:

1. Acrylic Paints: Choose a range of colors with different densities. Opt for fluid acrylics or low viscosity acrylics that can be easily mixed with pouring medium.
2. Pouring Medium: This additive is essential for achieving a smooth and flowy consistency. It acts as a binder and diluting agent, ensuring the paint flows effortlessly.
3. Silicone Oil: One of the most commonly used additives for creating cells. Silicone oil has a hydrophobic quality, causing it to separate from the water in the paint and form bubbles that trap the lighter density colors.
4. Cups or Silicone Measuring Cups: Use these containers to mix and pour your paints.
5. Wooden Craft Sticks: Essential for mixing the paints and additives thoroughly.
6. Canvas or Wooden Panel: Choose your preferred surface for the acrylic pour painting.
7. Heat Gun or Torch: Used to heat the paint and encourage cell formation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Cells in Acrylic Pour Paintings

Now that we have all the necessary materials, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating stunning cells in acrylic pour paintings:

Step 1: Choose and Mix Your Acrylic Paints

Begin by selecting the acrylic paints you want to use for your pour painting. You can either opt for pre-mixed fluid acrylics or mix low viscosity acrylics with water to achieve the desired consistency. Pour each color into separate cups or silicone measuring cups.

Step 2: Add Pouring Medium

Pouring medium is crucial for achieving the right flow and consistency in your paint. Add the pouring medium to each cup of paint in a 1:1.5 ratio (acrylic paint to pouring medium). Use wooden craft sticks to mix each color thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Introduce Silicone Oil

To enhance cell formation, add 2-3 drops of silicone oil per 15ml of acrylic paint. It is recommended to add silicone oil to the base color, but you can experiment with adding it to other colors as well. Gently mix the silicone oil into the paint, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Prepare the Canvas

Place your canvas or wooden panel on a flat and level surface. To prevent the paint from sticking to the surface, you can use a non-stick silicone mat or apply a thin layer of silicone oil to the surface.

Step 5: Pour the Paint

There are several pouring techniques you can use to create cells in your acrylic pour painting:

1. Dirty Pour: Pour each color into one cup without mixing them. Then, pour the mixed paint onto the canvas in a controlled manner, allowing the colors to interact and form cells.
2. Flip Cup Pour: Layer different colors in a cup and then flip the cup onto the canvas, allowing the paint to flow out. This technique creates interesting cells as the paint is released from the cup.
3. Swiping Technique: Pour different colors onto the canvas and then use a palette knife or a swipe tool to drag the colors across the surface, revealing the underlying layers and creating cells.
4. Dutch Pour: Mix colors with pouring medium and silicone oil in a separate container. Pour the mixture onto the canvas and use air to blow the colors across the surface, creating dispersed cells.

Step 6: Tilt and Manipulate the Paint

Once you have poured the paint onto the canvas, tilt and manipulate the canvas to spread the paint and encourage cell formation. This can be done by gently tilting the canvas in different directions, allowing the paint to flow and the cells to form naturally. You can also use a palette knife or other tools to swipe or manipulate the paint further.

Step 7: Heat the Paint

To enhance cell formation and bring out the vibrant colors, use a heat gun or torch to heat the surface of the paint. Move the heat source across the painting, being cautious not to overheat or burn the paint. The heat will cause the cells to expand and burst, creating stunning patterns and textures.

Related: Baking Acrylic Paint on Ceramic

FAQs

Can I create cells without using silicone oil?

While silicone oil is a popular additive for creating cells, you can achieve cell-like effects using other additives such as alcohol, coconut oil, or even certain paint colors with different densities. Experiment with different techniques and materials to find what works best for you.

Are there any alternative pouring mediums that can be used?

Yes, there are various pouring mediums available in the market, such as Floetrol, Liquitex Pouring Medium, or GAC 800. Each pouring medium has its own characteristics and can affect the flow, transparency, and cell formation in different ways. It’s always recommended to experiment and find the pouring medium that suits your desired outcome.

How do I prevent cells from cracking or fading over time?

To prevent cracking or fading of cells in your acrylic pour paintings, ensure that you use high-quality acrylic paints and additives. It’s also important to apply a protective varnish or sealant once the painting has dried completely. This will help preserve the colors and protect the cells from environmental factors.

Conclusion

Creating stunning cells in acrylic pour paintings requires a combination of the right materials, techniques, and experimentation. By understanding the science behind cell formation and utilizing additives like silicone oil, you can unlock the potential to create vibrant and captivating artworks. Remember to have fun, explore different pouring techniques, and let your creativity flow onto the canvas. Happy pouring!