7 Extraordinary Supplies
to Level-Up Your
Fluid Paintings
by Olga Soby
Transform Your Acrylic Pours into Masterpieces with Advanced Tools & Techniques
1. Texture Mediums
Number one on my list are Texture Mediums!
These mediums can be a lot of fun to combine with fluid acrylics.
They add dimension and interest to your artwork, creating unique surfaces and effects.
Two products that I love using with my fluid art techniques are Modeling Paste and Sand Gel.
Modeling paste is a thick, white paste that you can apply to your canvas or panel to create textured surfaces.
It can be used to build up layers, create 3D effects, and add depth to your paintings.
Sand gel is a medium that contains fine sand particles, adding a gritty texture to your artwork. It’s particularly effective for creating ocean shore designs and other natural textures.
Watch This Video To See Texture Mediums In Action:
Tips for Using Texture Mediums:
- Always allow texture mediums to dry completely before pouring fluid acrylics over them to avoid cracking.
- Experiment with different tools and techniques to create a variety of textures and effects.
- Combine different texture mediums to achieve even more unique and interesting results.
Remember, the key to mastering these techniques is practice. Experiment with different mediums, tools, and techniques to find what works best for you.
2. Spray Paint
Spray paint can be a fantastic addition to your art toolbox!
You can use spray paint on top of dry acrylic pour paintings to cover certain areas and create semi-transparent layers.
It's so much fun!
Unlike regular acrylics, spray paint offers unique benefits that can significantly enhance your fluid artwork because it can create softer gradients in your fluid painting.
What I also love about spray paint is that it dries quickly, allowing you to continue working without long waiting periods.
One of my favorite spray paints to use is the Pebeo Spray Paint. They offer a fantastic range of colors, and importantly for me, they are water-based.
This unique composition combines very low-odor hydrosoluble resins with high-quality pigments, making it much better for working indoors. However, I still recommend wearing a mask to ensure safety.
Watch This Video To See Spray Embellishment:
Spray Paint Safety Consideration
3. Masking Fluid
Masking Fluid is a must-have tool for any artist!
Have you ever wanted to correct or paint over a very particular part of your fluid painting without covering up the rest?
Well, masking fluid is your main helper.
What is Masking Fluid?
Masking fluid comes in a liquid form that you apply with a brush to areas of your painting that you wish to keep untouched.
Watch This Video To See Masking Fluid In Action:
Want to learn my top secrets for masking success?
I’ve put together a detailed Hacks and Usage recommendations list packed with:
✔️ My favorite masking fluid brand
✔️ Essential hacks for seamless application and removal
✔️ Masking tape tips that will help you avoid frustration
✔️ Best practices for masking out sections of your fluid painting
Enter your name and email below, and I’ll send these must-know tips straight to your inbox:
Receive My Masking Fluid Tips:
Whether you’re correcting mistakes or adding intricate designs, masking fluid is an invaluable tool that helps you easily achieve professional results!
4. Stencil
Stencil Embellishment has helped me elevate many of my acrylic pour paintings!
Do you ever want to enhance your fluid artwork with a Mandala, Lotus, or maybe a Tree?
Or maybe cover up a section that you accidentally messed up?
Perhaps you want to create a stunning focal point but lack the painting skills to draw it by hand.
Using stencils to embellish and enrich your artwork can be a fantastic option!
I find that many stencil designs work absolutely fantastic with acrylic pouring techniques. They add a layer of complexity and interest that can take your artwork to the next level.
Watch this idea with Stencils:
How awesome is that?
Where to Get a Stencil:
I get most of my stencils from Amazon. Your local art stores might also have a great selection.
How to Add Stencil Embellishments:
There are many techniques to work with stencils. One key step is to let your fluid painting fully dry before you add a stencil design to your artwork. This ensures that the stencil adheres properly and that the paint doesn’t smudge.
And to make it easy for you, I have created a super detailed Masterclass where I teach two advanced stencil embellishment techniques.
You’ll learn how to make your stencil work with your fluid art composition, how to select colors, clean and reuse supplies, prevent paint from bleeding under stencil, and many more awesome tips.
Right now, you can use Coupon code STENCIL20 to get $20 off the Masterclass:
5. Epoxy Resin Finish
Your acrylic pour painting is dry and finished. What is next?
Now, it's time to finish it with a final clear coat.
There are so many options available... and one of my personal favorites is Epoxy Resin.
Why?
Because Epoxy Resin can transform your artwork, providing a smooth thick glass-like finish that enhances its beauty and makes colors pop. This glossy coating adds depth and a professional touch, making your paintings stand out.
Check these "Before" and "After" pictures of my artwork to see this incredible difference it made:
Notice, how in this painting, the Epoxy Resin:
- Creates a chic, glass-like surface that enhances the visual appeal of the artwork.
- Amplifies the vibrancy of your colors, making them stand out more vividly.
- Adds depth to your painting, making it come alive on the wall.
- Hides minor textural imperfections, resulting in a flawless piece of art.
But pictures don't always do the justice, so...
Watch This Video To See Resin Finish Transformation:
Challenges with Epoxy Resin
The finish looks amazing, right? But there is a downside...
Applying epoxy resin can be very tricky and complex. Many beginners face issues such as air bubbles, dust particles, fisheye effects, yellowing, and more.
Achieving a flawless finish requires careful preparation, precise application, and attention to detail, along with strict safety precautions.
Epoxy Resin Clear Coating Mastery
I've been working with epoxy finishes for years and received countless requests to share my process and secrets for a flawless finish.
Due to popular demand, I created a comprehensive online course "Epoxy Resin Clear Coating Mastery."
This advanced course covers everything from safety measures and best practices to advanced techniques for achieving a perfect glass-like finish.
“I just finished 2 little pictures according to your Resin-Rules....and......let me say..... they look now gorgeous.
No missed places, no bubbles, no imperfections. You are such a good teacher, a big Inspiration for me.
I'll have a lot to do and it will now be easier, safer and of course more succesful.
In my ears I hear your voice 'take your time', and if I see my working place I remember your order to be good prepared. Thanks to you!!”
- Hanni K.
6. Gold Leaf
Gold leaf or silver leaf can be an extraordinary addition to your fluid art painting.
And it is my #1 embellishment!
Why?
Because the metallic shine of gilding gold creates stunning accents that are much brighter and shinier than regular metallic acrylic paint.
The shimmering quality of gold or silver leaf can elevate your artwork, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Gold leaf is applied on top of an already-dried acrylic pouring painting, allowing you to highlight specific areas and create eye-catching details.
Watch This Video To See Gold Leaf In Action:
Isn't it amazing how the contrast between the metallic leaf and the fluid acrylics brings fluid artwork a unique dimension and depth?
What Gold Leaf Brand To Use?
There are many types of gold and silver leaf available, each with its own characteristics and application techniques. If you would like to learn about my favorite type of gold leaf, along with detailed application advice, compositional tips, and other gold leaf hacks, check out my Free "Golden Touch" Guide.
7. Brushes
What? Regular brushes?
What is so extraordinary about those?
Well, while the tool might seem ordinary and widely used, the brush is what can take your fluid art painting from good to extraordinary!
Your painting process doesn't need to stop when the fluid acrylics dry.
Not at all!
Once your fluid painting is dry, if there are areas that you don't like, you can fix them using fine brushes and fluid acrylics (I recommend using the same colors that were used in fluid painting).
Watch this video where I corrections in my fluid painting once dry:
Sometimes, you can use brushes not only to correct areas you don't like but also to paint something or enhance the shapes that you see inside your pour painting.
This is exactly what I did for the Green Phoenix artwork I shared in one of the videos above.
I often use this set of brushes, but you can use any brushes you like. Just stick to very small, fine-size brushes, and I find it handy to use flat and round brushes.
Tip: Combine your brush touch-ups and improvement process with the masking fluid technique you've learned about above.
8. Fluid Art Mastery
Sometimes, achieving extraordinary results in fluid art isn't just about the tools you use but the knowledge and skills you possess.
Therefore I created a comprehensive course, Fluid Art Mastery, where I help my students become masters of this art form.
This course provides in-depth knowledge & techniques to elevate your fluid art from good to truly exceptional.
From best supplies and perfect consistency to gorgeous flow and stunning cells (without relying on Floetrol or silicone oil).
In the Fluid Art Mastery, I also share my industry-leading pouring medium recipe.
This recipe has already revolutionized the fluid art process of thousands of artists worldwide.
Hear from my student Scilla, who recently enrolled in Fluid Art Mastery:
I am so HAPPY I have signed-up for this online class, I cannot even begin to tell you!!
I have been struggling and I mean STRUGGLING for MONTHS with Floetrol, silicone, GAC 800, JoSonja, and all kinds of weird and weirder stuff.
I was feeling like a witch in a cave preparing all these weird mixes and concoctions... And I never got any 'okay' results.
Now? Things WORK! And they work BEAUTIFULLY!! That first hair dryer try with a "short and confident movement" (as she says) ... I will never forget it!! It was like magic!!
Of course, I will need TONS and TONS of practice.. I am nowhere NEAR what Olga is able to do but for the first time ever since I started pouring, I am having FUN !!! A LOT OF FUN!!! And I will have fun with this for years to come!! I am so SO grateful !!!
- Scilla C.
What makes the Soby Pouring Medium Recipe different from other recipes?
Is the Fluid Art Mastery course suitable for beginners?
Can I access the course materials at any time?
Want to See My New Recipe In Action? Watch these paintings, which were created with my New Recipe and layering method:
With easy-to-implement layering methods and various fluid art techniques, you'll create stunning cells and dynamic compositions with ease.
I’ll also teach you how to prevent common issues like cracks and crazing, ensuring your paintings dry flawlessly.
By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and confidence to create beautiful, professional-quality fluid art pieces.
In conclusion, while extraordinary supplies like spray paint, masking fluid, texture mediums, gold leaf, epoxy resin, stencils, and fine brushes can significantly enhance your fluid paintings, the true magic lies in mastering the techniques and understanding how to effectively use these tools.
Combining the right supplies with knowledge and practice will elevate your art, making it unique and truly exceptional.
Keep experimenting, learning, and pushing the boundaries of your creativity!
Colorfully Yours,
Olga Soby
About Author
Olga Soby is an internationally recognized contemporary artist based in Canada, with roots going back to Ukraine. Specializing in fluid media, Olga is known for her unconventional approach to art—using not just brushes, but also water, fire, airflow, and gravity to create unique effects. Her journey in art has evolved into a deep exploration of mixed media, combining various techniques and tools to push the boundaries of creativity.
Olga's work is housed in private collections worldwide, and she shares her artistic process with a growing audience of over 1.5 million. She is dedicated to inspiring and helping other artists find their own paths through the combination of techniques and exploration of different tools. As an expert in her field, Olga continues to teach, motivate, and encourage aspiring artists to elevate their work and discover their authentic artistic voices.