140. Bloom Recipe - How I mix my PM, Paints, close-ups consistencies on both and the Pillow Paint

Hi Everyone,
*Of NOTE*, in this tutorial, I’m using Glidden GLN6413N. About a year ago I switched to Valspar 833124 and I’ve been using that since. EITHER paint is perfectly fine for this recipe. They are interchangeable.
A few people had questions about my pouring medium and paints, so I decided to make a video during my next mixing. I use these colors in my next tray which turned out fantastic, so the results validate the process! So this video is for the visual people because, sometimes it's just better to see the creation than read about it!
In this off-the-cuff, but pretty detailed video, I cover with close up detail:
Pouring Medium
1. My ingredients and ratios for my PM that I currently use
2. Measuring those ingredients into the PM mixture
3. Mixing the PM for use with the colors
The Colors:
4. The starting point ratio I use mixing the PM with the colors
5. Mixing Gold with the PM and discussing color adjustment and consistency
6. Mixing Bronze with the PM and discussing consistency and showing how to THICKEN a paint
7. Taking a Yellow and discussing consistency and showing how to THIN a paint
The Pillow:
8. Next I show my Pillow paint and consistency I'm looking for.
I will have a different video showing how I mix my American Floetrol Cell Activator video just to keep the lengths shorter and videos more focused. Here's the link to How I mix my CA Video 141: • 141. Cell Activator Re...
For all of this I cannot emphasize the importance of CONSISTENCY throughout and you must have all three components: Pillow, Paints, Cell Activator to their correct consistencies so that they do their job separately and collectively in making a piece come to life. Each component has a different consistency by design (And of course the mastermind of all this technique is SheleeArt). Strangely, I'm able to get good results not using the 'recommended' ingredients, mostly because when living in California I couldn't get the Behr 8300 recommended paint for the pillow among other reasons, so I had to go with other options trying to get the same end. Someday, I'll try those ingredients and of course you will know.
My Current Pillow I use is PPG Multi-Pro 47-3110 Interior Eggshell
My Current PM I use Glidden GLN6413N with MinWax clear gloss varnish 3:1 ratio
I’ve started using the JoSonja gloss varnish in place of Min Wax and it works the same!
I hope this video being hands on and up close will give everyone clarity!
Thanks,
Louise

[@KellSmoak]

thank you soooo much for making this video! you made understanding the mixing ratios so easy to understand! :)

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Thank you, 💕music to my ears, keeping it simple and understandable!

[@anjanowackadeklopp761]

Thank you. Very well explained.

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Thanks so much 😘Anja, welcome, I hope you subscribe and join me!

[@janiceveline3681]

Just a quick note, That did the trick, I thickened all my paints up and thinned, not to thin, the CA and ta da, I have cells with both Floetrols. I can't thank you enough. You are a gem. I also weighed everything with consistency of paint as the priority as you instructed and now all I need to worry about are colors and composition and finding a volunteer who enjoys cleaning up paint messes.

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Well, good for you! Yayyyyy! 🎉🥳The littlest things save the day! Consistency is so important with bloom and think about it, the pillow is really there just as the means to spread out the composition when you blow, and to hold up the composition when it spreads out. You want it thicker so the paints don’t sink down into it and disappear. So the pillow is thick to hold it up, the colors. Color comes next, thin enough to float on top of the pillow. The cell activator is the thinnest, so when it spreads and sinks down (because it’s so thin and a lot bc of denser paint esp in the Titanium White), and the colors come through underneath, it all holds up on top of the pillow. It all kind of makes sense. And sorry I have enough trouble cleaning up my own messes lol. Also, please share your experience, I would really appreciate that as I’m trying to grow my channel a little bit each day! It’s so nice to wake up to your success experience!!

[@janiceveline3681]

Will do!@@LouiseMcKayArt

[@AmysAcrylicArtistry]

Another great video Louise! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Thank YOU Amy! Thanks for watching, commenting and your support!💙💙

[@sfreeman8035]

Thanks Louise!!! I’ve watched and taken notes from both of your mixing videos so wish me luck!

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Awe, thank you so much snd yes, good luck! Let me know how it goes!

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Hi, S Freeman! I just wanted to see if you’ve had results?

[@anitapotter2586]

Just watched your mixing video again. I think i will make adjustments using your method. Thanks for showing us how its done, really appreciate it

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Thank you again Anita, fingers crossed!🤞🤞🤞

[@janiceveline3681]

Well, I have tried everything to get some cells, even bought the Australian Floetrol and still nothing. I now think maybe I have an issue with the thickness of my paints and your video could not be more timely. I have switched to distilled water and have tried both types of CA, U.S. Floetrol, Aus. Floetrol, I mean I have really tried. I am going to use a scale and grit my teeth, one more time, and mix using your recipes. Thanks for your direct, informative approach and putting this much needed information out there. You are very interesting to watch and I love your no nonsense approach. I shall let you know how it comes out.

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Wow Janice, I’m really surprised that even with Australian Floetrol , you don’t get cells. Remember your cell activator should be fairly thin compared to your paints, compared to your pillow. Your pillow should be thickest with about a four second trace when you pour the paint off the deck. Your paints should have about a 2 to 3 second trace poured off the stick, and the cell activator much should pour straight back into the container with no trace. I hope my recipes help check out my pouring medium recipe too. Many people have said it helped them so hopefully it will work for you too. I mean, do you get cells then they disappear or you just don’t get them at all?

[@janiceveline3681]

I get very few cells, and they are tiny and yes disappear. I am wondering whether these deco art paints, and folk art as well as americana paints might have something to with it as well. I was trying to save a little while just getting started before sinking a bunch into the tube paints of better companies. For cell activators I am using the recommended Amsterdam Oxide Black and Titanium Whites. This last round with the aussie floetrol I got hardly no cells and truly am stumped. @@LouiseMcKayArt

[@janiceveline3681]

Oh, forgot to say thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I wish you much success in your art.

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@janiceveline3681 😊

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

I appreciate you stopping by! Remember to Subscribe if you haven't already! Hit the bell 🔔 and you’ll be notified of my latest uploads!

[@jerelynwalker2109]

I don't know how I missed this video. But I'm going to switch to this recipe. Thank you!!

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

This recipe is perfectly fine, but I do want to let you know what I’m currently using is Valspar 833124 with Minwax gloss varnish the ratio is 3 parts Valspar: 1 part Minwax. But let me to tell you the glidden, perfectly fine, too, that I call out in the video, what’s most important is your consistencies. What were you using for your pm recipe?

[@jerelynwalker2109]

@@LouiseMcKayArt bear 8300, polycyclic a dash of liquitex and GAC 800

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@jerelynwalker2109 Well, the Behr 8300 can work, but usually either josinja or minwax varnish. Yeah, gac800 and Liquitex shouldn’t be in the pm mix

[@jerelynwalker2109]

@@LouiseMcKayArt got it! I can't wait to try again. That would explain why it was too thin.

[@sparks1224]

Thanks for the recipe. I like the idea of not having to buy Australian Floetrol. I’m definitely giving this a try.

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

So do I, just one evening I said to myself to play around and this is what’s working for me. I hope this works for you too, like I say in the video, all 3 parts need to be working together!

[@judynichols3068]

Thank you Louise this is very helpful

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Awesome, thank you!💕

[@jeanmcc1999]

Thank you!!!!

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

You’re welcome Jean, 💕I hope it helps, this works for me and all I use together!

[@TheTracydavis]

thank you!!!!!!

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Thank YOU, best wishes!

[@fotoalive]

Hi Louise , went shopping at home depot .😁I hope I got the right thing cause you did not show the actuel gallon . I got Glidden Premium white base interieur paint + primer . 42$ This is for Pouring MIX and BEHR I100 PRO eggshell white base for the pillow . 26 $ good deal . I'm I getting this right ? Why you need 2 different paint for PM and Pillow ? I guess it must be cause of the consistancy ........Also would like to know if I wanted a Black pillow would I just add black to The BEHR. eggshell ? some people take also the BEHR premium High gloss enamel What is the difference ? I understand pillow mean what you cover the entire canvas when you are starting out ? what about what you put around the edge to make it flow is this the same ??? Thank you so much🙏for giving us your secrets , so much apreciated ! 💐💐💐 I cancelled my AUD Floetrol ,way too expensive 67 CAD for litre crasy 🤣

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Hello foto, i’m assuming you are referring to video 140 for the pouring medium. I do cover in the video what paints to use and I also have it in the description. This is what I have in the description. My Current Pillow I use is PPG Multi-Pro 47-3110 Interior Eggshell My Current PM I use Glidden GLN6413N with MinWax clear gloss varnish 3:1 ratio So you do not want the glidden premium with primer. The questions that you’re asking require a lot of explanation. But you do need a different pillow paint from the pouring medium. The pouring medium paint has to be a base C , which means there is no ‘color’ from the manufacturer added to it. So it’s the combination of the base three Glidden with Minwax plus your colors that make the paint color. The pillow is the means that carries the paint color and cell activator into the composition. That is quite different from the pouring medium paint that is used to make your colors. Maybe watch a few videos using the Bloom technique to help you understand a little more and give you more insight.

[@fotoalive]

@@LouiseMcKayArt So sorry did not mean to make it so complicated, it is because in the store there is SO many different gallons ,and the codes are not the same as USA ,could not find exaclty the same codes has you mentioned , even when I check US Home depot ! cannot find 6413 code but I ll check with the store tomorrow . now if I understand my glidden premier is not good cause it has paint +primer..... need to exchange just for paint semi-gloss ok ? Thanks again🙏.Jeannie 🇨🇦

[@lizzijansen6527]

Thank you! So glad you made this video. I’m having a bit of an issue finding the Minwax pre-stain. You do beautiful art and I really enjoy your videos.

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Thank you Lizzi💕! If you have access to Lowe’s they sell it. Also I think you can get it through Amazon too. Thank you for your lovely comment. 💕

[@TreesieParadisArt]

Louise, I went back and watched this video AGAIN (probably for the 9th time) bc all of a sudden, none of my Blooms have been turning out right. I’ve ALWAYS used the Behr 8300 with Minwax 2:1 BUT the Behr is soo thick, I honestly think that’s what the issue is. There’s a Lowe’s not even 500yds from my house so fingers 🤞🏼 crossed that the Glidden and your recipe will be the fix all I’ve desperately been searching for! Thank you so much for going into such detail in this video!! 🤗💕

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

You’re welcome, also Valspar 833124 works as well as Glidden! 🤞

[@TreesieParadisArt]

@@LouiseMcKayArt Haha…I meant to say Valspar.. not Glidden. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Maybe if I could get my paint brands correct, all my Bloom issues would be resolved. lol!😂

[@millyfluidart7482]

Louise dear if you don't need use your paints immediatelyjust leave the gloss medium overnight snd it will melt so easily xx

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Hi Milly,😘😘 I don't quite get what you're saying... thanks for stopping by!

[@WayneAllison-nu2tl]

Hi Louise! I absolutely love your work! Thank you for posting so many videos and helping people like me learn! I have some paints that I mixed up in April. Do you think they are still good or should I throw them out and start with fresh?

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Thank you so much, Wayne😘 Paints Can last a long time, just depends on how well they were sealed and the consistency now. If they kick in or try to reconstitute them with a little more paint pouring medium are you in some water. But depends also, on what your recipe is that you’re using. Short answer is yes if it’s Consistency is good.

[@wearingyourartonyoursleeve]

Hey Louise this was awesome I want to say I bought a can of that Glidden deep base that stuff creates cells like I've never seen the consistency feels like it's rubbery and stringy, but even when I mix mine and did a little test tile the cells are unbelievable You did such a phenomenal job on this tutorial very very easy to follow and understandable especially for this simple mind LOL thank you so much for doing this and I really really love using this deep base

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

I’m glad it’s all working for you, 💕I never put together that the Glidden as a PM helps with cells, but I know the CA does, but maybe it is the combination. I’ll be switching PM deep base for my Pm soon when my Glidden runs out, so I’m curious to see how everything works then!

[@wearingyourartonyoursleeve]

@@LouiseMcKayArt yeah I actually switched it up myself I use the Behr 3300 which is semi-gloss and I even stopped using the varnish and just used flow medium to thin it out, and I can't believe the results I got without the varnish I've also use the Valspar ultra base c without any varnish and the cells come through with shining colors no pun intended LOL yep I've been experimenting a lot myself the Behr 3300 is a lot less gloopy than the 8300 but really misses up well I really love the Glidden but I have found that it dulls the colors a little bit when you are mixing up with paints Works fantastic for cells though

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@wearingyourartonyoursleeve great info! I’m going to the Valspar next and I did get a quart of the 8300 they I haven’t used yet. I opened the can and it’s quite different it’s gloppy compared to the Glidden , but ur right, the glidden isn’t as clear as the Valspar or 8300 so I think my colors will show much better with either when I switch over. There’s a really good side by side from Deb Wood on Sheleeart page from Aug ‘21 that shows clearly how the different pm paints dries. Very enlightening!

[@alisonlinder5703]

Great video. What if the paint is too thick…how do you thin it down?

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Hi Allison, I either spritz it with a little bit of water or you can add some Minwax

[@heatherandprettysgreytadve6199]

Why use different kind of paint for pillow and pm couldn't use same white paint base paint?

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@heatherandprettysgreytadve6199 the simple answer is no, if you used the pillow as your pouring medium paint, all of your paints would become pastel because of the titanium white in the pillow paint.

[@karenavery3672]

Can you use mixing cups instead of a scale - for instance 1/3 cup of minwax and a cup of paint?

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@karenavery3672 hi Karen, whether it’s right or wrong I’ve always gone by weight, so I think going by volume will work, you just have to find the right combination that works for you. No matter what, you want to have the right consistencies, when mixed with your paints, you want a two or three second trace pouring off the stick.

[@maggiekehoe4614]

Is this the Minwax Polycrylic water based clear gloss? It looks like it might be.

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Hi Maggie, yes, the green can💚

[@mireillebressett17]

Thank you for the recipe. Where do you buy the pillow paint? I can’t find the PPG 47-3110, only 47-0000

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Thanks so much and hope it helps, I always get good results. The Multi Pro 1 gal. Base 1-Eggshell Interior Paint is found at Home Depot for $16.98/gal. This hopefully get u there images.thdstatic.com/productImages/81b3e026-7aba-40e8-b5b7-021f69310751/svn/multi-paint-colors-47-3110-01-64_600.jpg

[@joeycasey2323]

This is a great video, thank you. If you just keep adding paint to the same container, doesn't it get all clumpy and dry in spots on the sides of the container?

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Yes, is a simple answer, which is why I often run a toothpick or something around the edges to clean and remove the dry spots.

[@joeycasey2323]

@@LouiseMcKayArt Oh good idea!! Thank you!!

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@joeycasey2323 or just a new cup😅

[@JM-pu8pl]

Let me see if i got it straigh lol the pillow is it just home paint ? Thanks

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Basically, yes, but you want to get the right kind of paint as not everything‘s gonna work. you want to get a base one eggshell or satin sheen, multi pro PPG 47-3110 works, Glidden, 6011N works and there’s a Valspar 2000 that works as well but I don’t know the exact number on it.

[@JM-pu8pl]

@LouiseMcKayArt thank u very much I'm in uk and I think I can get valspar paint I'm gona try to do some blooms

[@DanaTellier]

I cannot find the paint for the pouring medium anywhere. Is it possible to show the actual can so I have something to compare it to?

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Hi Dana, I don’t have the van anymore so I can’t show it, but it’s Glidden GLN6413N Ultra Deep Base semi gloss I think in a red can at Home Depot. I definitely got it at Home Depot

[@DanaTellier]

@@LouiseMcKayArt thank you 😊

[@septemberwitch]

@@LouiseMcKayArt Im having the same issue.. can't find the paint.. are you in Canada or the U.S

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@septemberwitch I’m in the US

[@kimanzolut]

Is there a “color” associated with the Glidden paint?

[@jennifermckinzie9630]

Hi, love your art, but ive tried to get cells, i even got the pre stain conditioner and mixed it like in your video and still didnt get cells like you, what could be wrong

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Sorry to hear that and there could be a lot wrong but without knowing your pillow, pouring medium recipe, how you mixed your paints, the consistencies of all of them…. I wouldn’t know. Did you get any cells? I’d need to know much more to diagnose

[@jennifermckinzie9630]

@LouiseMcKayArt i got a few small cells, im trying to get those big cells, 3 t flow about 1/2-1 t paint, its arteza acrylic, put a tiny bit of water and 20 tiny drops pre stain conditioner.

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@jennifermckinzie9630 the recipe is in grams not tsp 10g Floetrol, 5g paint, 5g water, 20 drops prestain is the start point. After that adjust for consistency with the water. You only need to put a tiny bit down of CA and the blowout has to push the CA over the paint. If you put too much down, you’re just gonna get a bunch of cA paint and it won’t spread right. Based on how you described your recipe, I think it’s probably too thick and it’s not spreading right and the colors underneath aren’t able to pop through. If you’re only use a ‘tiny bit’ of water, add more, follow the recipe in grams as a starting point until you get used to it. Water is your friend!

[@jennifermckinzie9630]

@LouiseMcKayArt thank you so much, i think its my flow medium creating a film, and its not allowing the air bubbles to pop even when i use a heat gun, im not using floetrol its an acrylic pour medium, i didnt have this problem with floetrol

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@jennifermckinzie9630 oh I thought you said your using 3 t Floetrol?? Yes, you do not want to use pouring medium in the cell activator recipe. Follow the recipe and I think you’ll get results! We’re talking bloom technique and recipe, correct?

[@jenjudkins930]

Why do you let the pillow paint set out open overnight? Is it to thicken it?

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

Exactly, I look for a 4-5 second trace in the tin when it’s drizzled off the stick. My video 140 covers consistencies of PM, paints and pillow.

[@lornapayne2805]

Thank you so much for all your tips, Louise. I'm on holiday at the moment - can't wait to get home to try again using your advice!,

[@LouiseMcKayArt]

@@lornapayne2805 great, well it works for me and all 3 parts work together. I’m glad you’re giving it a shot, good luck!🍀