Acrylic Pouring for Beginners, Step by Step

[@rebbiejoanthony5362]

This is the best pouring tutorial I've ever seen! I've never seen someone actually start from the beginning, with the supplies, and the exact ratios, like they're all trying to hide their secrets!

[@kdotbecca]

Rebecca Anthony - Thank you! I'm so glad that you liked the video.

[@bencastor9207]

I notice this with Tutorials all over KZbin, no matter what it's for, from DIY to Music Production, from Painting to Cooking. What ever you can think of, there's people offering tutorials that actually withhold information. It's sad because people aren't learning correctly, which affects their ability to progress.

[@NotANoob27x7]

Omg those videos are so frustrating, aren't they? Love this one!

[@vesnabluestar3314]

Finally...no torch..no silicon and other unecessary stuff..bravo and thanks!!,,bless ya!😊

[@29JoFred]

I have been watching acrylic pouring for over 4 months now. At least one every day from different artist. I've never painted in my life except maybe 3rd grade and thats it. I'm 61 now. I want to tell you how much I appreciate the exact detail as to what to buy, how it works, what it's for, the order of use, and where to buy the products. Yours is the best video I've seen that explains everything. Thanks sooo much and have a sunshiny day !! 😎😎😎

[@kdotbecca]

Jo Threatt - Thank you very much! I'm so happy to hear that the video was helpful for you.

[@janehicks2266]

so true all the other ones I have seen go and for ever and I have lost interest by then

[@gillypen2698]

I absolutely agree with you. I too have been watching acrylic pouring for months and am desperate to try it, but I’m a complete novice. This is quite the best educational (but not patronising) tutorial I have seen. Thank you so much for your straightforward delivery of a lot of what we need to know to get started!

[@dd22485]

Thank you, i appreciate you breaking it down for true beginners. This will be my first and you made this possible. Most people do not expain enough. Thank you again. Very cool painting, cant wait to do my first.

[@terryspetter3354]

That's funny Jo I'm 61 and just started too. I love it.

[@erikawright1510]

I noticed how you thought about your audience by recommendating affordable alternatives to necessary items. You also explained important do's and do not's. Excellent instruction!

[@kdotbecca]

Erika Wright - Thank you so much!

[@heatherboerm]

I agree!

[@amitzahmitzvah9080]

Great comment! I thought that was very thoughtful of her too.

[@melrose92783]

You speak so well - how refreshing! Very clearly and plainly, without saying "uhh" or "umm" every 10 seconds. So many others making videos could stand to take lessons from you. 😊

[@teresaholmes4393]

Yes, her voice is very refreshing . 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@barbaramartin3722]

I really appreciate as a teacher you gave tips on where to get supplies. I'm a beginner and need all the tips I can get. Thanks!

[@sallyselah3925]

I especially like how organized and to the point you are without all the unnecessary chatter found in so many other videos. Thank you for being so specific, you explain things very well with a reason for each step without going on and on.

[@kdotbecca]

Sally Selah - So glad that you liked the video!

[@denniskrahn1593]

As a beginner I appreciate how concise you were in the tutorial without being long-winded. I was bored with a couple of previous videos from other instructors and skipped over more than I watched. Good lighting, crisp vocal, well-done!

[@kdotbecca]

Dennis Krahn - Thank you! I'm so glad that you liked the video. :)

[@monspeaks]

You were sent to earth to teach. Please continue doing that. The clarity, the simplicity and the video recording all make yours a perfect and comprehensive video. Very, very well done! Thanks so much!

[@dlb19595]

I totally agree with you!! This is the BEST video for beginners! I think it was clear and concise you were easy to follow and didn't try to jam too much info along with variations that are not needed for a beginner's video. Great tip regarding eliminating bubbles. First I had seen or heard anyone mention rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles. Everyone else has to pull out their heat gun or what they use. Thank you!

[@susancrawford2343]

I bought a cheap shower curtain to cover my work surface. I haven't done anything yet, I'm accumulating video so that I will be ready when I get started. I am looking forward to this so much!

[@judyluce936]

It's a good video. Great narrative - clear and precise. Simple instructions. I'm going to use it as a craft for my grandchildren. I'm an acrylic painter and have a few hundred bottles of paint I can use.

[@Nathalieroy2624]

Best pouring 101 videos I have seen! And, I have been binge watching for a year! Thank you.

[@chart8924]

I just started my journey with acrylic pouring and you have nailed the basic techniques needed to start any pouring acrylic project!! Short, sweet, simple and to the point! Thank you!!

[@ZanyProductionz]

I can't believe that I've been crafting for as long as I have, and I never thought of using dollar tree cookie sheets for easy clean up. These things are the genious that we all need to share with each other. Thank you sooo much!!

[@kandaceglenn4009]

Thank you!! Trying to make a gift for a friend…this is the only tutorial that didn’t leave me feeling stressed. Thank you for blessing us!

[@Emily00Strange]

Thank you for being straight to the point and focusing on the actual steps & not going off into tangents. You have one of the best beginner guided for the pouring technique.

[@kathybricco1464]

Exceptional directions and spoken and explained so clearly. Thank you.

[@takishajohnson7145]

Agreed. I've been looking for a video like this

[@roojip]

i have a feeling a 37 year old mother wrote this like it was a review on yelp 0-0

[@rachellanedunn]

@@roojip A B r i t i s h O n e

[@roojip]

@@rachellanedunn yEs

[@dianereno2213]

You are by far the most informative and I thank you for that. I love painting, but haven't don't any of this pouring. I will be doing it now.

[@LinaAshley]

I wanted to do 3 panels of 24x48 acrylic pour paintings for my statement wall in my bedroom but had no clue where to start. Your directions were so clear and easy to follow, they turned out amazing because of you! Thank you!

[@GrandmaJean2005]

Thank you .... You gave me more insight on the easiest way to get started. I am looking forward to start working with the acrylic paint.

[@allyroe3569]

Your voice reminds me so much of Jenna Fischer, I just kept picturing Pam finally graduated from art school and now teaches youtube paint videos. Also on a video related note, thank you for the detail. I've been watching so many videos tonight trying to research and no body has been clear about what a beginner definitely needs and I was finally able to write a list down. Thank you!

[@ArtisticRenegade]

Haha yes!!

[@DrTarrandProfessorFether]

I really enjoyed this for its clarity and simplicity. So many videos have too many colors that muddy or one color - like orange -stands out. But yours feels lighter, brighter. And I love how you add paint as desired. ❤

[@williamtrotman2240]

This is the first video that says in plain English how to mix for pouring. thank you

[@snickerzzzb.m9276]

Wow! You've made it so easy to understand! Thank you!

[@catestaid8300]

Kristen, this video was BEYOND helpful! Thank you so much for your gentle manner, clear instructions and shared experiences. I've been trying to find classes, as I've been 100% captivated by this painting genre, but, due to the pandemic, have had no luck. One place even suggested KZbin. I persevered through many awesome videos until I found you. I'm so glad I stuck with it! You shared all the nitty gritty beginning info I have been seeking.

[@terrioreilly8330]

Thank you for the detailed, easy to understand directions. I am 62 and have not been successful at the popular "artist for a day" type events. I throw my canvases away. This technique has captured my attention and it is my Mother's Day gift to myself. I am excited to try this tomorrow. This video is just right and I am grateful for your thorough description.

[@kdotbecca]

Terri O'Reilly - I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video and hope that you had a lot of fun trying this out as your Mother's Day gift to yourself. A belated Happy Mother's Day to you!

[@thomasmcmickle6466]

I am a crafter who has painted with acrylics for years. I have to give this method a try! Thank you for all the detail so I know what supplies I need!

[@kdotbecca]

Thomas Mcmickle - Glad that the video was helpful for you. Have fun pouring!

[@teresaway7029]

i have also been watching painting videos for about 5 months or so and have never seen a more detailed video in mixing paints. thank you Kristen for the step by step instructions. i now feel that i can start creating!

[@kdotbecca]

teresa way - I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you! Have fun pouring!

[@meranda1080]

Almost all the other videos I watched about this made it seem SO complicated and expensive. Thank you so much for the detailed and specific video with exact details. It helped me so much.

[@kdotbecca]

Meranda - I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you!

[@ForReal1962]

I'm a complete beginner.I feel like I can do this.Thank you for being concise and simpl

[@no-xe2gy]

Thank you!! This was very helpful and my Granddaughter and I did pour painting following you instructions. They came out great!!

[@emilyelizabeth662]

This video has been so very helpful!! Thank you for educating

[@neonMETEOR]

What a brilliant tutorial for a beginner. Really clear, and you even sprinkle in environmental and economical tips too

[@kdotbecca]

Jenny Pepper - Thank you! I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you.

[@incendi4ry]

I see acrylic pouring everywhere and I don't necessarily want to pay what they're charging and often don't find something that really strikes me. I just bought a new shower curtain and I'm going through the process of doing a little bit of redecorating in there, and I have so many blank canvases that I think I might just create my own little acrylic pour for my bathroom. I'm really into the resin pour but that's not a craft I want to get into and is more expensive to buy. I'm excited to do that this weekend. Thanks for the tips and tricks!

[@jolenabortz-shattuck2172]

This was perfect! My husband and I just learned about pour painting. We did our first ones today and followed your directions for everything! I can’t wait to do more! Thank you for posting!

[@kdotbecca]

Jolena Bortz-Shattuck - I'm so glad to hear that the video was helpful for you. Have fun pouring!

[@gabriellem3187]

How did it tirn out? ❤

[@theKingsmostloved]

I don’t think I’ve ever commented on a KZbin video before, but this…super deserving! Thank you ❤❤❤

[@cocoagirl7921]

If you want to be able to hang your panels you could just glue a Coke can tab to the back.

[@danana4867]

I never thought of that!

[@cocoagirl7921]

@@danana4867 It's a handy trick my parents taught me :)

[@azlolib]

Cocoa Girl you can also pop them in a frame.

[@cocoagirl7921]

@@azlolib True, but you'd need a frame that was kinda deep though wouldn't you?

[@azlolib]

Cocoa Girl I’ve seen 3 together in a triple 5x7 frame and it looked awesome. I’m going to try it on a 5x7 panel, I’ll try to remember to give an update!

[@leerhoton6617]

Thank you for this video. Many people forget that when artists gets into pour painting, we are really lost...LOL. Great starter video, helps me. Thank you!! I liked the basics you explained.

[@celestydevilin]

The way you demonstrated this acrylic pouring was way easy to understand. And the pouring medium you used is pretty interesting and not that expensive. Thank you so much. I would definitely try using it your way. 🤗❤️

[@kdotbecca]

celesty devilin - I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you. Thanks for watching!

[@lindadanesh8524]

Public speaking clearly isn't often done well but you have a distinct clear speaking voice and it is much appreciated. The painting supplies given and techniques with additives is appreciated. I loved the whole tutorial and am now subscribed. Thank you so much from a beginner. :)

[@jackiegfeller]

This is perfect. I wanted to explain to my young 9 year old friend what my painting techniques was, and this will do the trick. I am sending her this link! Thank you!

[@kdotbecca]

That's fantastic, Jackie Gfeller! I hope that your friend finds the video to be helpful. Thank you!

[@kathleenwetsel8612]

I agree with many other comments here. Kristen must be a elementary teacher - or should be- cause she makes things very simple, step by step, with just enough background info so you understand things better. Brands and where to buy is also very helpful. Thanks Kristen. I'm inspired!

[@kdotbecca]

Kathleen Wetsel - Thank you so much for the kind words. I truly appreciate it and am so glad that video was helpful for you!

[@katelyncochran9823]

This was one of the most informative and easiest pour videos I have seen. Thank You.

[@shellylynn9729]

Thank you for such detailed information! I agree with all the others who mentioned how so many people don't thoroughly explain the *whole* process. I'm also super pleased to learn that I can use alcohol to pop the bubbles because I've only seen people use those torches, but an art teacher that I really trust said acrylic paint is toxic when heated like that.

[@Sapphire101MFS]

Thanks for recommending Glue All instead of pouring mediums. Pretty useful tip!

[@ioannalampou4037]

Beautiful..❤️❤️❤️ God bless you.🙏 Your painting is amazing. Thank you for the tips and I am looking forward to start acrylic pouring! I wish you love, happy and good drawings, a lot of happiness, joy, smiles and peace to you and your family🙏 May all life be colourful and like flowers blooming🙏 Have a beautiful evening❤️ Thank you💗

[@zaynabkanji4776]

wow, this is really helpful! I was always under the impression that i had to use an actual pouring medium but im so glad that just glue and water does the job! thanks!

[@jenniferturrentine6799]

me too! I always see these videos and think, great another $50. this is the second pour video I have seen and apparently hit the jackpot

[@LindaSwab-lt6ft]

Very easy to understand!!! Thank you

[@mitch5077]

I like that you took the time to actually show us start to finish. the bakery bottles was a key for me, Thank You!. I've bought more things than I need, but still haven't tried a pour...uhggggg

[@kdotbecca]

Explore With Mitch and Burn That Wood - Thank you! I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you. Psyching yourself up to do that first pour can be tough, but once you get it out of the way, you'll probably want to make pour paintings all day!

[@debbiewilliams151]

I should have watched this a long time ago!!!! I bought the paint and pouring medium but felt uneasy about the torch, spinner, etc. Yesterday I just started doing it and used way too much paint because I loved the process. Your tutorial answered all of my questions. You made it so simple for me to really enjoy this medium. I cannot wait to see more!!!

[@paula3280]

Very good instructions,simple and easy to understand. thank you for sharing.looks like fun!

[@CL-im9lk]

I’ve been watching acrylic pouring on and off for a few years. Finally now I have time to do it. Your video is the clearest instruction I’ve seen as well as economical. Thanks! Sub

[@discobikerAndRosie]

You can also add each color on top of each other in the cup, then pour it onto the canvas. I've seen people use old record albums also as a surface. I'm gonna try it! As well as a card, you can use the palm of your gloved hand. Before running the colors, add White to the outside edges. It'll help fill them in without mixing your colors. Nice video!

[@kdotbecca]

Thanks for the tips, Disco Biker! Pouring on record albums sounds like it would be fun. :)

[@Forumgoddess]

This was great. I've never done acrylic pouring before, but want to do it at a camp for people with disabilities. Your step by step instructions were easy to follow. Thank you.

[@PatriciaHendrie]

Thank you. Brief, clear, and informative. Well done.

[@VoiceZion]

Wonderful tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

[@dinaelsherbiny1727]

Thank you so much u helped me a lot, really useful for the details you provided and straight to the point with no music amazing

[@beverlyramsahai8503]

You are the queen of simple and easy instructions for anyone to follow. Great video 👏

[@debbieweidenhamer1509]

Thank you! COVID has made me want to try lots. This is one thing I want to try and you have made it easy and most of all affordable.

[@tonytyssens953]

Thank you for explaining step by steps on how to start for a beginner like me. lol your awesome 😎

[@maryschultz7812]

Thank You for this video. It helped me alot! Please do more on Acylic Painting!

[@myskibunny4191]

Thanks Kristen, very precise instructions. Much appreciated.

[@pixienixieqq]

I am so thrilled for this video!!! THANK YOU!!! People think doing a tutorial that everybody knows the basics .... leaving a LOAD of us in the pitch black darkness (and that has NOTHING to do with load shedding, South Africa) So, from my heart - thank you for making me feel SO confident to start!! I realized today that I actually get anxiety attacks when I am worried that I will screw up.... and your video made me feel SO comfortable, relaxed and CONFIDENT thanx to you!! Will go find you on FB and share my first attempts 😘😘😘

[@alycherry6459]

Thank you! I love how you really explained every step! It was very informative and I loved how you showed how to make your own pouring medium. Neat! I was surprised that you didn’t add some sort of silicone though. But it still had some of its own effects

[@kdotbecca]

Thanks so much, Alison Cherry! I'm glad that you found the video to be helpful. I haven't gotten into adding silicone to my paints yet but am planning on giving it a try soon.

[@akhilanair33]

What will be the difference between in adding silicone to it vs using torch ? Just asking I don't have knowledge about this.

[@lyndadelport8322]

I'm considering trying this pouring technique with paint.Watched a few videos.This is definitely very easy and well presented with basics. Thankyou.

[@paolapineda6556]

Best tutorial I have found!

[@pratimapatel7300]

Very clear basic tutorial for pouring techniques. Also practical tips for beginners for materials. Very much needed as beginners or experimenters, exploring something different may not want to spend fortune! Thanks a lot!

[@christineellis6782]

This was awesome. Thank you for explaining it to me in a simple way. I have been looking at all sorts of videos and I just wanted the basics and this is what you gave me.👍

[@kdotbecca]

Thank you, Christine Ellis! I'm so glad to hear that the video was helpful for you. :)

[@deborahmcneill6013]

Just what I needed to watch before I poured any paint. The easiest explanation I’ve seen so far, thanks.

[@kdotbecca]

Deborah McNeill - So glad that you liked the video. Happy pouring!

[@marlenespencer7725]

Answers to many of my questions. Thanks

[@PickledAbaya]

U HAVE JUST SAVED ME SO MUCH MONEY! Thank you for being clear on supplies too! SOO glad I found this video before spending a fortune!

[@territ1231]

Finally a good tutorial so I know what I'm doing!! Thanks!

[@brendaregehr4929]

Thank you for this great video. I would love to see more and eventually give it a whirl!

[@wheresjuelle9431]

I've been looking for a really good video for hours! I can't believe how blind I was until I saw this video! Thanks

[@kdotbecca]

Eun Han - I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you!

[@IttyBitty412]

oh man, this is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! I LOVE the marble effect!!!! I want this as my kitchen counters!!

[@Dolphin-cb9sq]

Thank you Kristen. Your video is great. I'm new to this. Your instructions were super. Thank you. Anna K.

[@kdotbecca]

Thank you, Anna K.! I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you. :)

[@elijahschkeiban2327]

THANK YOU FOR A VERY EDUCATIONAL VIDEO. SIMPLE AND TO THE POINT WITHOUT THE NEED TO GETTING DRAMATIC ABOUT IT. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR BEING DIRECT IN YOUR DESCRIPTIONS AND YOUR INFORMATIVE GUIDANCE.

[@kdotbecca]

Elijah Schkeiban - Glad that video was helpful for you!

[@SqueeaakyB00ts]

“ I use gloves to keep paint off my nails!” Me: “but that’s how I get my manicures!”

[@starasiaclement3275]

😂

[@brianagarcia2889]

🤷‍♀️🤣

[@victoriaesposito6503]

Exactly! 😂😂😂

[@cecilyritenour8126]

Same here!

[@tashawilkins5123]

😁

[@middlesis9316]

Loved how you kept it simple and real,no fancy art studio and doable supplies without costing so much! Great first tutorial.

[@alyssamenard]

You sound just like Jenna fischer (aka Pam from the office)

[@largechungus5203]

Omg I can't unhear it now

[@karmma8760]

omg I was about to comment saying that

[@JohnathanRego]

It's Pam during her art college career

[@chellyherrera4493]

@@JohnathanRego haha too funny!

[@alieoost9977]

Vertaal in Nederlands

[@helenellsworth9556]

I've never heard of acrylic pouring but have been watching KZbin channels on it just of late, I'm glad this was recommended by KZbin coz I wouldn't have done it this way, thank you 😊

[@KathyaKalinine]

Super fun! I’ve tried this before and did what’s called a “dirty pour”...have you tried it? There are tons of great instructions out there. It also helps to create gorgeous cells when you add Floetrol to your paints. I love how bright your studio is, so we can clearly see great instruction and the artwork. Great video! I’d love to see more!!!! 😍

[@kdotbecca]

Thanks so much, Kathya! Yes to the dirty pour! It's my favorite method so far because it has more of an element of surprise when you pour it. I haven't tried Floetrol or any silicone additives yet, but I'm plainning on it. Acryling pouring really is a lot of fun.

[@RiverGrad07]

Kathya Kalinine Is dirty pouring just when you pour them all in a cup first?

[@synkytten70]

I thought the pouring medium WAS the silicone additive needed to make the cells? Im guessing not. oops. lol

[@brown5449]

Ive watched so many flow art videos ,and your the 1st person who explained " how to" clearly! Thanks so much

[@MyCatsToldMe2]

I pour on panels, you can frame them afterwards. They look great framed.

[@iole96792]

You have a very good speaking voice and your instructions are clear and to the point. Great job!

[@Hanaki1984]

I been doing similar, instead I put the canvas in a bag then drop the canvas to the floor, the splatting makes for cool effects

[@AdelinaBasile]

Thank you. I am an oil painter who bought acrylics to see how I liked them. I was hopeless so am using them for pour painting. Lots of mixing as they are archival. Your lesson was the clearest and best presented of all I have see so far.

[@Dolphin-cb9sq]

Wow. Great instructions. Thanks so much. AK

[@garimatiwari7453]

It's most informative video. Perfect for the person like me who don't know anything about painting. Thanks a ton. I am just willing to start pour painting for fun. May be one day I will become expert in it.

[@OlaloTaínoTarot]

thank you for this lovely informational and well-created video! Easy to follow and easy to understand thank you so much YOU ROCK

[@kdotbecca]

Thank you, BuddhasNButterflies! I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you.

[@trishastark8939]

Thank you for this video! Not only are you easy to follow and listen to, but you gave all the supplies and where one might find them at a lesser cost ( to at least get started)! Thank you for that!!

[@kdotbecca]

Trisha Stark - I'm so glad that the video was helpful for you! Thanks for watching!

[@discobikerAndRosie]

I'm a beginner & after my first pour, I already have requests from a friend who wants one! I'm learning a lot but I would love to know what recording device you use, & mounts? I like to record also! For those who don't like v. gloves, you can buy nitrile, which is more safe for those who have allergies. They also fit better. I'm a Fmr EMT, so I know a bit about gloves. Lol! 😉👍 The panel canvas can be hung if you glue a hook or string, etc. on the back of it. Just buy a cheap picture hanging kit from the dollar store.

[@kdotbecca]

Disco Biker - Thanks for the tips! For my recording equipment, I use a Canon Vixia HF R500 Digital Camcorder. This model has been discontinued, but I've used Canon cameras for years and have had very good experiences. And I use a C-Stand with an arm to hold my camera overhead while I record (something like this one: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/372016-REG/Impact_CT40MKIT_Master_Century_C_Stand.html) since my workspace isn't set up with a wall in the area where I have my camera. If you've got a wall in the right place, you could mount a monopod or do some sort of DIY setup to secure your camera (there are lots of tutorials for different setups on KZbin). Hope this helps!

[@janicecaro5042]

Thank you!! I do some painting but am interested in acrylic pouring. Thank you for keeping things simple. It all made sense to me.

[@pamelacioffi5788]

Thank you for this awesome tutorial!

[@charlenealbrecht3064]

great step by step. took a class at Michael's over a year ago and haven't done it since. thank you same as I had learned.

[@vickymiller5503]

Really information l needed to start...thanks so much...now l can try to paint!!!

[@vocalchords3609]

You are a wonderful teacher and communicator! Thank you (from someone who is a teacher - so I mean it!) Thank you v much.

[@steelcityaly]

Great tutorial. I am going to refer this to someone on Quora that recently asked about Acrylic pouring. Only thing I do differently is I use a cheap metal cookie cooling rack I bought at a dollar tree the tray under it to hold my painting up.

[@kdotbecca]

Thank you, steelcityaly, and great tip about the metal cookie cooling rack!

[@norman4uk]

Lovely and ideal video for myself to enjoy , i wanted to learn from scratch what to buy and how to use from an absolute beginners view , your information was perfect for me and also as i have never done any art in the past i do not want to spend big amounts of money if i do not find the Acrylic pouring to my liking, thank you Kristen very much, already watched it a few times, Norman in England

[@100MillionVideos]

Nice video for a beginners such as myself. Some questions when you've some time to answer: 1- What archival acrylic brands (for selling artwork) do you recommend starting from the very best and going down to lower grades? 2- Is the PRO POURING MEDIUM LIQUITEX Brand absolutely necessary for art I want to sell and why? it's the first video that mentions it 3- Do you recommend spritzing the surface with rubbing alchool every time or only if you see bubbles? Tks!

[@kdotbecca]

Hi, Cristina E.! If you're just starting out, I'd recommend using the Elmer's Glue All and water mix that I use in the video. It will save you a lot of money and allow you to experiment more until you feel more comfortable with pouring. But If I were going to sell my original paintings, I'd definitely use a pouring medium, like the Liquitex brand or even Floetrol (from what I've read, it's similar to the Liquitex but is marketed to the contractor / house painter market, so it's less expensive) because they're formulated to allow your paints to flow and adhere better. And depending on the brand, they can also give your paintings better long term protection from the elements. Same goes for professional grade acrylic paints. If you don't see any bubbles in your paint, then there's no need to spritz the surface with rubbing alcohol. It can create some interesting effects, though, so sometimes I use it in non-bubble situations.