GAC 800 Pouring Medium Review - Use as a pouring medium or an additive for cracking and crazing

We went ahead and did a GAC 800 Pouring Medium review so that you could all get an idea of what you were buying before you dropped a hunk of cash on this exquisite medium.
You can definitely use GAC 800 for pouring and as your sole pouring medium, but I recommend you only add a little bit to your other favorite pouring mediums to give it some extra cracking and crazing protection and also to provide a bit of strength, durability, and shine to your final product.
🔨🔨🔨Materials Used🔨🔨🔨
GAC 800 - amzn.to/30UKfBc
Black (Craftsmart) - fxo.co/9VF7
Mars Black (Arteza) - shrsl.com/2dn3t
Titanium White (Liquitex) - amzn.to/3aoxTo6
Grass Green (Craftsmart) - fxo.co/9VF7
How Much Paint to Use for an Acrylic Pour -
Blog Post ►►► leftbrainedart...
Video ►►► • How much paint to use ...
Don't miss the previous episodes in our Acrylic Pouring for Beginners Series:
✔Acrylic Pouring for Beginners - Episode 1 - History and Science | • Acrylic Pouring for Be...
✔Acrylic Pouring for Beginners - Episode 2 - Supplies | • Acrylic Pouring for Be...
✔Acrylic Pouring for Beginners - Episode 3 - Mixing Paint | • Acrylic Pouring for Be...
✔Acrylic Pouring for Beginners - Episode 4 - Simple Pour Techniques | • Acrylic Pouring for Be...
✔Acrylic Pouring for Beginners - Episode 5 - Finishing Your Pour | • Applying a Polycrylic ...
Find more answers to your questions at ➠ leftbrainedartist.com
DISCLAIMER: We are ambassadors or affiliates for many of the brands we reference on the channel. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Interested in seeing the other 10 pouring mediums that we reviewed? Check out the video here --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaOVan-tdtOLq6M How do you use your GAC 800 in acrylic paint pours?

[@mawi1172]

What a positive influence on paint pouring today. And ur so willing to go THERE! Like color mixing! Lol!!! I love to learn from you. Also, I can quit trying to make my idea of a red and green Christmas pour. I learn why from you. Moving on........🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You're going to run out soon. I guess I have to make more videos.

[@normadykstra1213]

I’m so glad I found your channel. As a beginner I really appreciate the advice. There are so many videos out there and everyone does it differently. Thank you so much. I have subscribed and will continue to watch your videos. Thanks again😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I'm so glad you are with us Norma.

[@dadaame12]

I have been recommending you to my beginners group on Facebook. You do such a great job of explaining the process, mediums and paint. I now use your method of varnishing my paintings and it works just great. Thank you for that!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks for sharing!! I love to hear this Kathelyn.

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

OMG, when I taught painting classes, you have no idea how many times I heard, "I can't even draw a stick figure!" So much so that I came up with a response, "well, that's great that we aren't doing stick figures!"😁🤣 Those were always my favorite students because they all walked out amazed at themselves for the work they created!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That is EXACTLY how I feel every time I pour. I am constantly amazed that I can do this.

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

@@LeftBrainedArtist that's what I love about this style of painting! There's definitely a method to the madness, but everyone can make something beautiful ☺️ I also love that it combines art with science and experiments. I'm "bilaterally-brained" so it ticks all my boxes! Thank you so much for breaking it all down into simple to understand terms. Keep up the amazing work!🤩🤗

[@SnarkasticSunny]

That's me! Ar preschool, kids told me my trees were not trees - were lollipops! I got better at it tho...then my trees were "cotton candy", not trees. Gotta' love 4yrs old critics!!?! LOL

[@squeaky7798]

Cotton candy trees.... I want to live in that world! 😂

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

You don’t know how glad I am to hear that. I’m almost ready to start pouring. I, too, cannot draw a stick figure. :)

[@XenLong]

I always used to wonder why rick and many other pouring artist used this as an additive and now that I have it's going to be a staple for me. I love this stuff!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yeah, anytime I am creating paint that is on the thick side I try and use a small % of GAC 800 just to make sure I don't get any cracking and crazing. It's great as a pouring medium by itself also.

[@ooohlaa13]

@@LeftBrainedArtist When and why would you be creating paint on the thick side? I love how dramatic this piece turned out, you surprised me at the end when you zigzagged over the tree ring but it is really graphic and I love it.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

@@ooohlaa13 Anytime you want the paints to keep separation more. Lots of my tree-ring pours are on the thick side. The pours with silicone oil I try and make slightly thicker too so the silicone cells stay in a more circular pattern. If it is too thin they break up like stars or get all wavy.

[@ooohlaa13]

1@@LeftBrainedArtist aha so thats it I get lots of wavy striations but no cells . I keep getting a blob in the middle, it is usually solid and I don't want to pour off some good things so I am left with a stagnant blob, I thought my paint was too thick but maybe just not enough poured off. So many variables... you need to write a book,

[@lisawilson3360]

Thank you for all the wonderful and informative videos that you do you are in my top three favorite artists on KZbin. I really appreciate you thanks again

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Wow, thank you Lisa.

[@jeanniethomas2806]

Thanks for the information, I was wondering what GAC 800 was, now I know.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad to help

[@realreikirealliferealspiri9637]

Thank you for this very informative video. Because we aren’t using silicone to create cells, can you recommend an alternative method? Would torching or a heat gun be okay to use? Thank you so much!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You really need to vary the density of your paints and make them slightly thinner to help cells create along with heating up the surface of the paint to break the surface tension.

[@realreikirealliferealspiri9637]

Thank you so much! That is very helpful. @@LeftBrainedArtist

[@back2basics597]

You just made a fantastic pour without giving a thought to it. I thought Oh no he just destroyed the ring, but it turned out so beautiful. I have the GAC and the colors you used and I am gathering the guts to make my first pour. I think I am doing my first pour like you just did.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I have to admit there is a little luck involved but the colors and medium really make it easy to succeed. Good luck!

[@nitafaught-JoyfulheART-]

Bless your heart! I’m binge watching your videos and loving it! ❤️

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Wow, thank you Nita. Hopefully they keep being helpful.

[@69Germaine]

Thanks for the teaching.

[@dianemelton6475]

Thank you so much for posting!!! Love your videos!!!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome Diane. Glad to help.

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

Also, when you add paint to a mixture, put it on the side of the cup and mash it with your craft stick until it's soft, THEN mix in up. It doesn't lump up as much and it's way easier to incorporate. 🤔😉☺️

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Great tip. Thanks.

[@FIZZGIG-RARF]

@@LeftBrainedArtist absotively posilutely! We're all in this together!🤗

[@elysabelle_light_worker]

Thank you so much for this review !!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad to help.

[@davidfellows334]

Been Binge watching your videos all day,, love your content,, always hitting the like button too, 👍 Wow,, 6’’ 8’. Probably the tallest flow pour artist on KZbin, Well, id say the tallest most informative and easily understandable artist on KZbin,, Thank you for your weekly video’s,, your a star 💫🙏

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks so much David. I appreciate that. Great name too. 😜

[@nataliemacklin2417]

Thank you again David, very informative as always. The artist's that I follow will add GAC 800 to their pouring medium, not use it exclusively as a pouring medium. In that case, how much should be added in your opinion?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

If you are using it to give some "strength and gloss" to your pour than like a teaspoon per ounce or so of mixed paint. Something like 10%.

[@nataliemacklin2417]

@@LeftBrainedArtist excellent, thank you so much for your prompt reply David!

[@vonellevanzant237]

I really like this painting. The GAC800 really gives great definition. Thank you again, David. I live in Arkansas where the humidity is high during the summer. Would this be helpful during summer pours? Would adding a bit to floetrol help with cracking?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Floetrol won't help with cracking or crazing. You are better off adding GAC 800. If you don't have that than a professional pouring medium like Liquitex or Golden. Maybe 10-20% of that will add the strength you need. A few drops of a drying retarder might also help. Reducing the heat and keeping the painting out of direct sunlight might be an option too depending on the conditions where you paint.

[@vonellevanzant237]

@@LeftBrainedArtist thank you. I’ll remember those excellent tips! Thank you, too, for answering all my questions.

[@pjbk3838]

This was awesome. I am trying to find out what GAC or primer to use. I have some wood panels with gloss acrylic on them. I know I should ruff them with sandpaper and clean them. ** What would be the best Gac/Primer... to use so I can acrylic paint over them?????? Thank you very much!!!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Any normal paint primer or any painter's gesso will work PJBK.

[@angelatownsend3522]

Found this David. Thank you!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are welcome. Glad it was helpful Angela.

[@paulohaver7435]

I want to try GAC 800 to my mixtures to decrease cracking and crazing. Can I mix GAC800 with another medium and still get the benefits of GAC800 but not use so much. I use a variety of other mixes to my mediums.....Josonia, Liquitex, or my own mix using paint base. How much of the GAC should I use to get the effect of less cracking? 50% ??

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yes you can! About 10% is a great ratio to get the benefits of GAC without breaking the bank.

[@ingacaune6534]

Thank you so much for your job here! But I'd like to ask - how could I know craft, student or artist.. every paint is?, if I go to Amazon, for example. Thanks about an answer in advance.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

If the paint has the opacity, pigments, and lightfastness on the bottle is is probably student. If it says professional or artiste (with the e) grade is is probably professional. Everything else I would consider craft.

[@ingacaune6534]

@@LeftBrainedArtist thank you so much! A very useful for me as I'm a beginner.

[@acsingleton1]

Thank you for making this video!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad it was helpful Ashley. Happy Holidays.

[@Alex-wj9ho]

Hi David . Do you know the difference for pooring between GAC 100, GAC 800 and GAC 900? Which one is better for acrylics pooring and mix with english Owatrol medium? Many thanks

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I only use 800 for pouring. 100 could add some strength to your pours but 800 is still the better option as that is what is was made for (fliud painting). 900 is for materials like fabrics.

[@Alex-wj9ho]

​@@LeftBrainedArtist oooh , I got it now ...I will purchase GAC800 ...thank you for clarifying ...cheers

[@maureencronin1075]

Love your channel! Why is the polycrylic cracking on the canvas? Thanks😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It is too thick. I either need to rub it on or get a better brush I think. I have ditched that in favor of my 50% water/50% Liquitex varnish and rub on method though. So much easier and the cost is less ultimately too.

[@cynthiac3484]

Hi David, I can’t draw a stick figure either Lol Thanks I was for your video on the GAC 800 I was wondering about it.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Any time Cynthia. That's why I love pouring. I can feel artistic.

[@cynthiac3484]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Lol I get it!

[@antonellapatellaartista]

Hello do you use with gac800 Water, Or only colors ??

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

GAC800 is so thin that you rarely ever have to add more water but you can.

[@antonellapatellaartista]

@@LeftBrainedArtist thanks a lot bye

[@trish1anne]

Thank you for all the info.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Any time!

[@bellajordans1053]

HI there! I am wondering if you know what the difference is between Golden Artist Colors Color Pouring Medium, Gloss Finish and GAC 800. I had meant to order the GAC 800 but realized I accidentally ordered the Golden Artist Colors Color Pouring Medium, Gloss Finish instead. I'm really disapointed as I've waited for this for quite some time and now I realize it's the wrong thing. But, I can't help but wonder, what is the difference between them. Do you know? I really was after the GAC800 do try the technique a lot of artists are doing these days with the cloud over effect and the pearls. I don't know if it will work with the Golden Artist Colors Color Pouring Medium, Gloss Finish and I got an entire gallon - to save costs. (Gulp). I'm just a little deflated about the $ I spent on this for a particular aim and now it's not what I meant to get and I don't know if it will give me those results. Thanks for any info you have on it. I appreciate it.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I don't know the exact composition of what makes those two things different. However, the GAC 800 is specifically there to help paints from cracking and crazing so I assume that it has more acrylic binders than a normal pouring medium. The actual medium smells very similar and the dried samples I have are almost identical. The Gloss finish version of the pouring medium is made to be completely transparent where GAC 800 and the normal color pouring medium have a very slight cloudy look. I honestly think you could do the same thing with what you have. You might have to fidget slightly with the ratios in your testing.

[@SweetsnTreatsbyGee]

so. is the gac800 a additive toADD to a POURING medium or in place of thanks

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It can work as either Gina. Because of how expensive it is, most people use it as an additive to give strength and stretchiness to another medium mixture.

[@eddiejonesjr4355]

What's the ratios for mixing up to 48oz of paint for a large 30×40 canvas? I'm doing a dutch pour

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Depends on if you want to do paint and water or to mix in a medium like floetrol. Paint and water is roughly 60% paint and 40% water to a very liquid consistency (when dripped immediately integrates with the paint no mound at all). If you use floetrol I would do 1 part paint 1 part floetrol and about 1 part water (always water to consistency).

[@tonyamalone3424]

can you pour over a craked painting directly without gesso. or do you need to fill in the cracks before? like spackling holes in a wall before painting.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

If you want to see the character of the cracks you can leave them. however, if you want the painting to have less texture than you'll want to fill them.

[@tamarasweeney8947]

Do you think it would be ok to add GAC 800 to the artist's loft premixed pouring paint

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yes. Sure would. Not sure what it would do other than add shine though. Unless they are really cheap pre-mixed paints.

[@kristinemcdonough1915]

Do you varnish once dry or does the GAC800 prevent needing to varnish?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I always varnish. If nothing else it adds UV and dust protection.

[@g8rmomof2]

Can I mix a little GAC 800 with Floetrol to make my own pouring medium? I don’t want to extend drying time too much but I want to ward off crazing.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Sure can. Some mediums don’t play well together but I frequently add gac800 in small amounts to Floetrol for that same reason.

[@kathlynpenrod6128]

I have several 10 or so pieces of fixsmith canvas panels 11x14. What do I need todo to it that I can use to paint on.....I did one but had to much paint and it bent.......would you know???? Gesso both Sides???

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Spray the back lightly and evenly and let it dry well. Preferably somewhere > 70' F. When you flick it it should sound like a drum. This process tightens your canvas. Some canvases also some with wood pieces you can put in the corners to help "expand" the edges to get a tight fit. Don't gesso both sides. That just ads more weight. Only the top.

[@Mistiquex]

In the Netherlands gac 800 is almost impossible to find and if you find it, it costs 8 oz for € 45 euro's which is like $47 dollars.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yeah, that's a problem outside of the US and Canada I have heard. Can you find Liquitex or any of the other professional pouring mediums?

[@Mistiquex]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Yes, those we can find easily.

[@Queen_of_Hearts-Sharnell]

I have never tried it. 🧐 cool

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I probably won't use it as a medium by itself much but add it to other mediums like floetrol to give it little bit of a sheen.

[@melodeecho]

can you use flotrol with the gac 800, or do I even need it for lacing?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can mix them if you want. I would only use a tiny bit of GAC if you are trying to get lacing with Floetrol.

[@melodeecho]

@@LeftBrainedArtist thank you

[@angelinastone8122]

Will this work for blooms?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That I don't know. I haven't tried with GAC 800 Angelina.

[@cindync3056]

I use GAC 800 along with Floetrol for my pouring medium. I have noticed recently that the GAC has a strong ammonia smell. Is this normal? Thank you for giving great information in your videos!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It has a bit of a smell but I wouldn't consider it small (at least for my nose). It shouldn't go bad very quickly unless it gets really hot or really cold.

[@juliaramirez9114]

Thank you!!❤️

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

No problem Julia. So glad it was helpful!

[@Carole_Williamson]

Today GAC 800 32oz, on Amazon costs $30 and change. May 19, 2021

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It's crazy how much anything acrylic related has been affected by this last year.

[@audreygullas8728]

Ahhhhhh your short thumb nail are making mine hurt !! Lol jk. Hey thank you for the straight up answer to my question.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Hehe, nail biter all my life. Sry.

[@lindawatson6375]

Does GAC800 make cells?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Not in my experience it does not.

[@kathlynpenrod6128]

Where do you get the wood or tiles... can you resin them ?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

All sorts of places. Craft Store, Lowes/Home Depot, leftovers from friend's bathroom projects, DI/Goodwill, etc. You can resin almost anything that is flat for sure.

[@justinwtolbert]

Can you use this to seal mdf?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I haven't tried it but I don't see why not. I actually use 50% water and 50% glue and put on about 3 or 4 layers to seal my MDF on the cheap.

[@KL-vu8jm]

Being a beginner on pours, should I stick to Glueall before moving on to other mediums? I had liquitex that I used and I was not happy with the pours. Then I also have the GAC 800 and did not have good luck with that one either. So, I'm thinking that my paints are mixed with the incorrect ratio of medium to paint. Do you have tried and true formulas that you can send me? I'm struggling on my own. Thank you.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

70% glue, 30% water as your pouring medium. 1:1 (medium:paint) for craft paint, 2:1 for student acrylic, 4-10:1 for heavy body or highly pigmented. After you mix that up, add water to the right consistency. Makes a mount and disappears is a good all round consistency.

[@KL-vu8jm]

I would like your "cheat sheet" that you mentioned in one of your videos. I left this comment on another video too. I received your note that you needed me to send you something in the comments, so here it is.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

The "How much paint" guide you get by signing up for my newsletter on my website. Search for "How much paint for an acrylic pour" and you'll see my website in the top few posts (leftbrainedartist). There you can signup to get the cheat sheet. If you have any problems with it just email me with the contact us link on the same website. Here I can't deliver anything as I don't have your email and you don't want to put your email in the comments of KZbin ever.

[@Fuzzywuzzywasawoman]

Just realised liquitex hates silacone 😕

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yeah, it doesn't work too well. I need to try some other cell makers with it.

[@nanacaco2908]

Good morning think you What GAC 800 in français Pliese riethe in français Merci beaucoup

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

je ne le vois à vendre nulle part sur un site Web frech

[@nanacaco2908]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Merci beaucoup GAC 800 c'est la Base de résine au du plâtre ?

[@deepthigooneratne5582]

What's the difference between GAC800 and GAC100

[@nanacaco2908]

@@deepthigooneratne5582 ok yes Difrente ans compositione thinks you 🥰 good

[@nanacaco2908]

@@deepthigooneratne5582 what GAC 800 ? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔