Total Mixture
66.6 oz
Paint Cost
$25.16
Per Color
5.5 oz
Consistency: Your mixture should flow like warm honey—not too thick, not watery.
Cells: A few drops of silicone oil per color creates beautiful lacing cells. Torch briefly after pouring to pop air bubbles.
Canvas prep: Elevate your canvas on cups or push pins so excess paint drips off cleanly.
Acrylic pour paintings sell for $25–$200+ on Etsy depending on canvas size and technique
Inputs
Result
An 8×10" canvas has 80 square inches of surface area. At 1/8" pour depth, you need about 5.5 oz of paint. With a 2:1 medium ratio, total mixture is 16.6 oz. Split across 3 colors, each needs about 1.8 oz of paint.
Inputs
Result
A 16×20" canvas with the flip cup technique (1.15× depth factor) needs about 25.4 oz of paint. With 2:1 medium ratio, total mixture is 76.3 oz. Four colors each require about 6.4 oz of paint.
Inputs
Result
A large 24×36" canvas with tree ring technique (1.2× depth) requires about 72 oz of paint. At a thin 3:1 ratio for maximum flow, total mixture is 287.9 oz. Five colors each need about 14.4 oz.
The paint volume depends on canvas area and pour depth. For a standard 1/8-inch pour depth, multiply canvas width by height to get area in square inches, then multiply by 0.125 and by 0.554 to convert cubic inches to fluid ounces. A 16×20-inch canvas needs roughly 22 oz of paint, or about 66 oz total mixture at a 2:1 medium ratio.
| Canvas Size | Area (sq in) | Paint Volume | Total at 2:1 Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8×10" | 80 | ~5.5 oz | ~16.5 oz |
| 16×20" | 320 | ~22 oz | ~66 oz |
| 24×36" | 864 | ~60 oz | ~180 oz |
A 2:1 ratio of pouring medium to paint is the standard starting point. This creates a consistency like warm honey that flows well while retaining color intensity. Use 1:1 for thicker coverage with less movement, or 3:1 for very fluid pours with more translucency and cell formation.
| Ratio | Consistency | Color Intensity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | Thick | Maximum | Controlled pours |
| 2:1 | Medium | Good | Most techniques |
| 3:1 | Thin/fluid | Translucent | Cells & large canvases |
Yes, adding 2–3 drops of silicone oil (dimethicone) per color creates cells because silicone has a different density than the paint mixture. The oil rises to the surface, pushing paint aside and forming organic cell patterns. Briefly torching the surface after pouring pops bubbles and enhances cells.
| Factor | Without Silicone | With Silicone (2–3 drops) |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Formation | Minimal or none | Abundant organic cells |
| Surface Finish | Smooth, flat | Textured, 3D look |
| Post-Drying | Ready for varnish | Must clean off silicone first |
| Cost per Pour | $0 | ~$0.10 |
Use craft-grade acrylic paint ($0.50–$1 per 2 oz bottle at Dollar Tree or Walmart) mixed with Floetrol (~$12 per quart, makes 20+ pours). A 16×20 canvas costs about $5–8 at a craft store. Total cost per pour: $8–15 for a medium canvas.
| Material | Budget Option | Premium Option |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | $0.50/2 oz (craft) | $3–5/2 oz (artist grade) |
| Medium | $0.37/oz (Floetrol) | $0.50/oz (Liquitex) |
| Canvas (16×20) | $5–8 (store brand) | $15–25 (gallery wrap) |
The dirty pour is the easiest technique for beginners. Layer all your paint colors into a single cup, then pour the cup onto the canvas in one motion. The colors separate naturally as they flow across the surface. No special skills needed — just tilt the canvas to spread the paint.
| Technique | Difficulty | Cell Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirty Pour | Easiest | High | Beginners |
| Flip Cup | Easy | Very High | Bold patterns |
| Swipe | Medium | High | Lacing effects |
| Tree Ring | Medium | Low | Concentric rings |
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.