Are you looking for a unique and creative way to express yourself through art? Look no further than the mesmerising world of fluid art on wood. 

This technique is known as “dirty pouring” and it involves using various colours of paint, acrylics, inks, or resin poured onto a surface to create stunning visuals that look like a liquid marble. 

The result is an eye-catching piece that can be used as wall decor or even placed under glass for display. 

With just a few basic supplies and some practice, you too can master this fun and easy technique!

Supplies needed 

If you’re ready to give fluid art on wood a try, you’ll need a few supplies to get started. First and foremost, you’ll need a wooden surface to work on. 

Unfinished wood panels are a popular choice due to their affordability and easy availability. You can even repurpose an old table, cutting board, or other wooden furniture to create a unique piece.

Next, you’ll need a variety of paints or acrylics in the colours of your choice. It’s best to stick with fluid acrylics that have a runny consistency, as they’ll mix and blend more easily. 

You can also experiment with inks and resin for additional effects.

To create a dirty pour, you’ll need a separate cup for each colour of paint. Begin by pouring a small amount of each colour into the cup, layering the colours as you go. 

Then, pour the contents of the cup onto your wooden surface in a swirling motion. You can use a stirring stick or straw to guide the paint and create unique patterns.

Once you’ve poured the paint, you can tilt the wooden surface in different directions to encourage the colours to blend and create interesting shapes. You can also use a blowtorch or heat gun to create additional effects.

Preparing your wood panel 

Fluid art on wood, also known as dirty pouring, is a technique that has been gaining popularity among artists and DIY enthusiasts. 

It involves pouring different coloured paints, acrylics, inks, or resin onto a wood surface to create stunning visual effects that resemble liquid marble. 

The result is a piece of art that can be used as wall decor or even placed under glass for display.

To get started with this technique, you’ll need a wooden surface to work on. Unfinished wood panels are a popular choice due to their affordability and availability. 

These panels come in different sizes and thicknesses, allowing for versatility in your art projects. 

You can also use repurposed wooden furniture or cutting boards to create a unique and textured piece.

Next, you’ll need paints or acrylics in the colours of your choice. 

Opt for fluid acrylics that have a runny consistency since they are easier to mix and blend. Inks and resin can also be used for additional effects. 

It’s best to use high-quality paints that won’t crack or fade over time.

To create a dirty pour, you’ll need a separate cup for each colour of paint. Start by pouring a small amount of each colour into the cup, layering the colours as you go. 

Then, pour the contents of the cup onto your wooden surface in a swirling motion. Use a stirring stick or straw to guide the paint and create unique patterns.

Once you’ve poured the paint onto the wood, you can move the wooden surface in different directions to encourage the colours to blend and create interesting shapes. 

You can also use a blowtorch or heat gun to create additional effects that add depth and texture to your piece.

Before starting your project, make sure your wooden surface is properly prepared. Sand down any rough spots and apply a coat of gesso to prime the surface. 

This will help the paint adhere to the wood and prevent the colours from bleeding or cracking.

Setting up the colours for your pour 

Fluid art on wood requires careful colour arrangement to achieve stunning visual effects. Before you begin pouring, set up your colours in separate cups and layer them as desired. 

This will help create depth and dimension when the colours mix together. You can play around with different combinations to experiment with new effects. 

Try using complementary or analogous colours for a unique look, or opt for simple black-and-white designs to create a classic marble effect.

When pouring the paint onto your wood surface, make sure to do it in a controlled and steady motion. This will help ensure that the colours mix evenly and create symmetrical patterns.

Creating your masterpiece 

Once you’ve poured your paint onto the wood, you can use heat and stirring to create interesting patterns.  Applying a blowtorch or heat gun will help to spread out the colours and add texture to your piece. 

You can also use a stirring stick or straw to guide the paint and manipulate it on the wood to create unique shapes. You can also use a spatula or squeegee to scrape away excess paint and achieve an organic look. 

Play around with different techniques to find what works best for you!

When finished, let your masterpiece dry completely before sealing it with an acrylic varnish or epoxy resin. 

Finishing touches

Finishing your fluid art on wood requires one more important step: sealing. 

Acrylic varnish or epoxy resin will help protect and preserve your work while giving it a glossy finish that really makes the colours pop. 

These sealants will also prevent chipping and cracking over time.  Make sure to follow the instructions on the label when applying and allow ample drying time.  With just a few final touches, your fluid art masterpiece will be ready to admire! 

Final word

Creating stunning fluid art on wood is a great way to express your creativity and add unique texture to any space. 

With the right materials, techniques, and finishing touches, you can transform an ordinary piece of repurposed wooden furniture into a beautiful work of art! 

By carefully arranging colours in separate cups before pouring them onto the wood surface, manipulating paint with heat or stirring tools, and sealing it properly when finished, anyone can create amazing results with their own DIY projects. 

So why not give it a try? You never know what kind of masterpiece you could create!