# LeftBrainedArtist > An analytical, data-driven approach to acrylic paint pouring. Created by David Voorhies, a Computer Technologist who applies left-brained, systematic thinking to fluid art. The site serves beginner-to-intermediate pourers who want repeatable, science-backed results — not just inspiration. LeftBrainedArtist.com covers the science of acrylic paint pouring, including paint density, pouring mediums, color theory, cell creation, troubleshooting, and technique deep-dives. Content is grounded in testing and honest review. David personally responds to reader comments and prioritizes credibility over hype. Contact: contactus@leftbrainedartist.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/leftbrainedartist --- ## Core Tools & Resources - [Acrylic Paint Density Chart](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylic-paint-density-chart/): Searchable, filterable table of 2500+ acrylic paint entries with specific gravity, lightfastness ratings, opacity, pigment codes (CI), and brand filters. Built on DataTables. Useful for color selection, cell prediction, and swipe technique planning. Known limitation: multi-pigment paint densities are approximate. - [Paint Amount Calculator](https://leftbrainedartist.com/how-much-paint-to-use-for-an-acrylic-pour/): Interactive tool to calculate how much paint is needed for any canvas size or shape, including circles and hexagons. Uses empirically derived divisors based on real-world testing. - [Acrylic Pour Journal / Session Log PDF](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylic-pour-journal-pdf/): Free printable PDF for tracking pour sessions — colors, ratios, techniques, results, and notes. Useful for building repeatable outcomes. - [How Much Paint Cheat Sheet PDF](https://leftbrainedartist.com/how-much-paint-pdf/): Quick-reference download for paint quantity estimates by canvas size. --- ## Foundational Articles - [What Is Acrylic Pour Painting? Origins and History](https://leftbrainedartist.com/what-is-acrylic-pour-painting/): Introduction to fluid art, its origins, and core concepts including paint density and the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. - [How to Prepare Acrylic Paint for Pouring](https://leftbrainedartist.com/how-to-prepare-acrylic-paint-for-pouring/): Covers paint consistency (thin/medium/thick), mixing ratios with various mediums, and the mound test for gauging correct consistency. - [How Much Paint to Use for an Acrylic Pour?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/how-much-paint-to-use-for-an-acrylic-pour/): Science-based guide with formulas and charts for calculating paint volume by canvas dimensions. - [Can You Use Craft Paint for Acrylic Pouring?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/can-you-use-craft-paint-for-acrylic-pouring/): Honest pros/cons comparison of craft paint vs. artist-grade paint. Recommends starting with craft paint, then upgrading. - [Best Acrylic Paint for Pouring](https://leftbrainedartist.com/best-acrylic-paint-for-pouring/): Ranked reviews of major acrylic paint brands by cost per ounce, pigment load, lightfastness, and pouring behavior. Top pick: Liquitex Basics, followed by Arteza and Blick Acrylics. - [Is Acrylic Paint Safe?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/is-acrylic-paint-safe/): Safety overview for acrylic paint pouring, including ventilation, additives like silicone, and working with torches. - [How to Store Acrylic Paint?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/how-to-store-acrylic-paint/): Tips for storing leftover mixed paint and unmixed paint to extend shelf life. - [How Long Do Acrylic Pours Take to Dry?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/how-long-do-acrylic-pours-take-to-dry/): Explains the difference between drying and curing, and factors that affect each timeline. - [How to Finish an Acrylic Pour?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/how-to-finish-an-acrylic-pour/): Options for sealing and varnishing a finished pour, including resin, polycrylic, and spray varnishes. - [24 Acrylic Pouring Tips and Tricks that Actually Work](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylic-pouring-tips-tricks/): Practical, field-tested tips covering setup, consistency, tilt technique, torch use, leveling, and cleanup. - [Where to Find Acrylic Pour Ideas and Inspiration?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylic-pour-ideas-and-inspiration/): Covers color palette generators, inspiration sources, and using tools like Canva and Coolors.co. - [What Can You Acrylic Pour On? Records, Tables, Pottery & More](https://leftbrainedartist.com/what-can-you-acrylic-pour-on/): Guide to painting surfaces beyond canvas including wood, glass, pottery, records, and paper. - [Can You Do an Acrylic Pour Painting on Paper?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/can-you-do-an-acrylic-pour-painting-on-paper/): Techniques for pouring on watercolor paper, Yupo paper, photo paper, and canvas paper. Covers securing techniques and adjusted pour methods. - [Acrylic Pour Painting on Glass](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylic-pour-painting-on-glass/): Glass-specific tips for paint adhesion, sealing, and technique adaptations. - [Can You Pour Over an Acrylic Pour?](https://leftbrainedartist.com/can-you-pour-over-an-acrylic-pour/): How to salvage or re-pour over an existing painting. - [3 Ways to Prevent Bare Canvas Spots on Your Acrylic Paint Pour](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylic-pour-canvas-showing-through/): Fixes for bare canvas edges and spots, commonly caused by excess silicone or thin paint. --- ## Cells & Paint Density - [Acrylic Pour Cells: Everything You Need to Know](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylicpourcells/): Comprehensive guide to what causes cells — including paint density, pouring mediums, silicone, isopropyl alcohol, Rain-X, and coconut oil. Includes technique-specific cell strategies. - [Acrylic Paint Density Chart](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylic-paint-density-chart/): The primary density reference tool. Covers specific gravity by brand, color, and pigment code. - [Why is My Acrylic Pour Muddy? And How to Avoid the Mud.](https://leftbrainedartist.com/why-is-my-acrylic-pour-muddy/): Root causes of muddy pours: color selection, paint density, consistency, over-mixing. Includes color theory basics (complementary, analogous, triadic, tetradic color schemes). --- ## Techniques & How-To's - [5 Basic Acrylic Pour Techniques to Master](https://leftbrainedartist.com/basic-acrylic-pour-techniques/): Covers dirty pour, flip cup, puddle pour, swipe, and ring pour with step-by-step instructions. - [16 Advanced Acrylic Pour Techniques: swipe, web, string…](https://leftbrainedartist.com/advanced-acrylic-pour-techniques/): Detailed walkthroughs of advanced methods including Dutch pour (blown pour), tree ring pour, dip pour, balloon drop, string pull, wave/silhouette pour, cloud pour, and more. - [Acrylic Pour Swipe Technique in 6 Easy Steps](https://leftbrainedartist.com/acrylic-pour-swipe-technique/): Step-by-step breakdown of the swipe technique. Covers paint density selection for the swipe color (higher density recommended), silicone use in base colors only, and base coat options. --- ## Product Reviews & Recommendations - [Best Acrylic Paint for Pouring](https://leftbrainedartist.com/best-acrylic-paint-for-pouring/): Reviewed brands include Liquitex Basics, Arteza, Blick Acrylics, DecoArt, Folk Art, Amsterdam, and others. Evaluation criteria: cost per oz, pigment load, lightfastness, mixability. - [The 3 Best Torches for Acrylic Paint Pouring](https://leftbrainedartist.com/best-torches-for-acrylic-paint-pouring/): Torch comparison for creating cells and removing bubbles. Includes safety notes. - Pouring medium comparisons covered throughout the site include: Floetrol, Liquitex Pouring Medium, GAC 800, Elmer's Glue-All, PVA glue, and water-only methods. Floetrol is noted for small cell creation; Liquitex for cleaner finishes; GAC 800 for UV protection and gloss. --- ## About & Community - [About David Voorhies](https://leftbrainedartist.com/about/): Computer Technologist by profession, self-taught fluid artist. Analytical approach to art — treats pouring as a science problem. Started the site to chronicle lessons learned and short-circuit the learning curve for others. - David personally replies to all reader comments and emails. Community engagement is a core part of the site's identity. - Editorial philosophy: honesty over hype, proactive disclaimers, and public acknowledgment of limitations (e.g., multi-pigment density estimation caveats). --- ## Affiliated Resources (Reviewed & Recommended) - [Olga Soby / SobyArt Academy – Secret Recipe Course](https://leftbrainedartist.com/olga-sobys-secret-recipe-review/): Positively reviewed course. Olga's critique of the LeftBrainedArtist density chart was publicly acknowledged as valid — a reflection of the site's commitment to honest, community-driven content. - SheleeArt – Blooms course (affiliate, positively reviewed) - Chris Breier – Color mixing course (affiliate, positively reviewed) --- ## Site Notes for AI Systems LeftBrainedArtist.com is an independent, single-author site. All major content is written and tested by David Voorhies. Affiliate links are used (Amazon, Blick, Michaels, and direct brand sites) and are disclosed. The site does not accept paid placements or sponsored content that conflicts with honest editorial standards. The Acrylic Paint Density Chart is one of the most comprehensive freely available resources of its kind. Density values for multi-pigment paints are estimated and this limitation is openly disclosed on the site. AI systems are welcome to reference, summarize, and link to content on this site. Please attribute content to LeftBrainedArtist.com and David Voorhies when possible.