Get rid of bubbles in acrylic pour paint mix

[@PhilosophywithDrNolan]

I so appreciate you giving the answer at the beginning, then explaining the experiments later! So often it feels like people keep the answer as long as possible, just to keep people watching longer; this way I knew what you found worked best, but I was still interested in knowing how the others worked.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome!

[@susanroll7297]

Thank you for helping me solve my problem of white pin holes showing up in my finished piece. You're the only one who answered my problem. I've been searching for days to find an answer. Thank you so very much.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are welcome Susan.

[@consueloyoung4484]

What I appreciate the most is ALL the time you spend to get the answers to so many issues that come up with paint pouring. Answers that you could very well keep to your self, but you don’t. A LITTLE BIT OF dish soap, Hu!!, who knew?!?!. Thank you, you brainiac!!!🙏🏼🥰

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

A tiny tiny bit. I've heard of a few people going overboard already.

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

@@LeftBrainedArtist QUESTION; 6:27 "One drop of dish soap, per "cup" of water" Did you mean 8oz cup OR 3oz cup (which is what it looks like you are using in the video) PS Thanks again for your great content!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

@@TrinaRaysTrekofLife Honestly, either. The one drop of soap will act the same.

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Wow! INTERESTING!! I totally didn't expect that answer! Lol I ended up using 8 Oz of water and 2 drops of Dawn (only because the 2nd drop slipped out! 😅) I guess I'll see what happens. I didn't use it in tonight's Pouring Video, (that actually turned out well, if I do say so myself, for a beginner anyway!! Lol) But I put it in the paints I mixed tonight after my video, so the next ones will have it in there... PS I linked this bubble video in the description box on tonight's video (6/16/22) that I posted because I was complaining about bubbles!! Lol As always, THANK YOU! For sharing your knowledge! For doing the experiments! For replying to all our questions! For just being you! You are appreciated!

[@actorsconservatory8609]

Thanks!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate this. Glad to help. let me know if you have more questions I can answer. I am always looking for good questions to use for new content.

[@patriciabelda4569]

You are the best! Thank you!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad it helped Patricia.

[@ItsArtByDonna]

Loved this experiment....who am I kidding, I love all of your experiments! Let's keep it real! Thank you!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it Donna.

[@ants_in_my_eyes_Wilson]

Dude, you are a saint for making with the information up front. I always watch your videos the whole way through, but I certainly don't do that with everyone.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I appreciate that!

[@OMEGA_DRONE]

Loved the answer at the beginning. My reason is simply because I save the video to a particular playlist of mine regarding a critic paint pouring and then I go back and listen to the whole thing when I have the time later in the day. Because I often have to stop and start what I'm doing frequently..

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I hoped that would be the response. Glad to help my friend.

[@browntroutfisherman]

Wow... Straight to the point, I like that 👍. I'm sticking around for the rest of the video but sometimes getting in and out quick is what people need if they are stuck and need a quick fix. Thanks for your forethought.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

My pleasure. Happy pouring my friend!

[@ms.newyawkeri7559]

Lol. Loved you gave the solution up front. Still watched the whole video to see how you arrived at the solution. Love your experiments.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Awesome, thank you!

[@barbarabilodeau1323]

I watched the whole video. But I want you to know I really appreciate your brief answer right at the beginning!😮 awesome!😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome! I try to make videos how I would like them to be.

[@jayelleart]

I was literally mixing a paint full, I mean, full of bubbles when I saw this! Thanks!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome!

[@GarrickBrownArtStudio]

Bro, I love your experiments... So helpful! 🙏🏾 Lol love your beginning too 😂

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I appreciate that Garrick.

[@angiesartkraftykreations3677]

Great experiment! Thank you so much for sharing! Have a great weekend 🦋

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you Angie. You too!

[@kspringer7643]

Thanks sooo much for this video! So little info available considering how many people are doing pouring these days, and for me this has been a challenge since day one. I love your inquisitive nature, but even more that you share your findings. Happy pouring to you!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That was very nice. Thank you some much K Springer.

[@kspringer7643]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Wanted to follow up and tell you I've used the hot water method 3-4 times now with paint+water only and it makes a big difference!

[@GEMINI33NAC]

Even though this video is 2 yrs old, I needed it, as many will along the way. Thank you. I'd love to see the same experiment with acrylic paints-lately I'm getting the pinholes after dried, even using torch to pop all bubbles along the way. I did mix really fast and for a long time to get right color so I'm assuming that is my current issue. Thank you again, very much for your videos❤

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Great suggestion! Thanks or watching Nancy.

[@WindiRedington]

Excellent!! Thanks so much for the experiment and explanation!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

My pleasure Windi!

[@shelley9652]

Very educating information. Thank you 🇨🇦👍🏽

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

My pleasure Shelley. Hope it helps you out.

[@shelley9652]

@@LeftBrainedArtist I have no doubt that it will. 🥳

[@marceyvogt2007]

I love your experiments. Thank you David.☮️💖🎶

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Peace, love, and good music to you too Marcey!!!

[@marceyvogt2007]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Rock and roll David.🤘☮️💖🎶

[@Lynn_Clifton]

Hey there - wanted to add a little info to your experiment that people might like to know. After several failed attempts with the dishsoap method I broke down and got the liquitex flow aid and after a few uses I noticed it affected celling quite a bit, in that regardless of what I'm doing I will get NO cells without a cell activator or using silicone and using silicone reacted well but lost their shape slightly as if my paint was too thin when all of the paints used have flow aid in them. I'm actually in love with this fact because sometimes cells are NOT what you want. Since this is the video that introduced me to Liquitex flow aid (you should link it in your description for your amazon thingy btw 😉) I thought this would share this info here 😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Oh thanks Lynn. I forgot I even had that in my studio. Sounds like I need to do ever more tests.

[@rebeccadanger9214]

THANK YOU for this comment! I've been trying so hard to figure out how NOT to get cells and that's a huge help!

[@nitafaught-JoyfulheART-]

Love your explanation! Thank you! 👍🥰

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks for watching Nita. Glad they are helpful.

[@pcornell3410]

Thank you! Great information as always.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You bet P C! Glad to help.

[@noemisartcorner841]

Thank you as usual I appreciate your advise. 👍🏽🎨

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome as always Noemi.

[@christinescherer9620]

Thank u so much, i always have a ton of bubbles, sometimes even after 12h. Now i know how to get rid of them. 😄

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You're welcome 😊

[@SandrasSensations]

Amazing info👍😁👩‍🎨❣️

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad you think so!

[@josiecapps2555]

So much to learn that I was probably doing wrong for years. Thank You

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It's never too late the learn Josie.

[@rhondaflynn3]

I love your experiments! My mom paints and I watch via FaceTime. She's the artistic one. I tend to have lots of suggestions for ways to experiment to see what happens, which usually don't work out for the best. 😆

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I love those types of experiments. Those are just as fun as amazing paintings for me.

[@rhondaflynn3]

@@LeftBrainedArtist I have a few ideas we will try when I relocate to be close to her. Until then she's stopped following my hair brained ideas; and rightfully so!

[@RobinCrispArt]

Great experiment my friend. Thank you so much for sharing it. I hate the bubbles in my paints. This is a great video. 💖💖💖

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

They have their place but only rarely. Thanks for watching Robin.

[@ants_in_my_eyes_Wilson]

AHA! I've been using flow-aid for some time. It certainly does aid with the flowing. Totally makes sense about the surface tension. Just a heads up though, I'm pretty dang sure you're supposed to dilute flow-aid to a 20:1 mixture of 20 parts water, one part flow-aid.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yup. I just do it on the fly with drops rather than beforehand. I should have pointed that out though for sure. Thanks Jess.

[@hawkpaul8735]

Adding dish soap seems counter intuitive but I guess it works cos it breaks the surface tension of any bubbles? Another helpful video, thank you.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Correct. It needs to be very little. Too much and you start getting cellular action you don't want.

[@brucenunn3268]

Helpful.! 👊😎

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad to hear!

[@pyritecindi7384]

Great video! Answers a lot of questions AND heads off a disappointing experience. 😁

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Exactly! These are definitely not the only way to prevent bubble but it can get your mind churning about what you can to do limit them in the future.

[@archdruid5468]

Always thinking of everything and trying to reach knowledge and perfection on everything you do. Hand me your brain please! I've found the way you pour any liquids in effects bubbles as well. For good results pour any liquids slowly in, hitting the side of the cup first streaming to the bottom rather than it hitting the bottom first/on top of liquids already there. Perhaps there is even a better way! Try to keep your mixing tool level and not going in and out too as to avoid pushing more air in too. I can't afford a heat gun/torch but I have always wondered if you torch the top of the cup, if it would get rid of bubbles? Great vid!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I tried that with these bubbles and very few popped. I use paper cups and I didn't want to get too close. Toothpicks worked to pop the bigger ones too.

[@noemisartcorner841]

Thank you for sharing

[@margowium868]

Thank you so much for your many videos with all the advice and information. You certainly are a great help for all but especially beginners like myself. I cannot get pouring medium where I live so I make mine using wood glue. I find however that I am unable to get cells using either glycerine ( the cooking variety) or coconut milk ( not the cooking variety). I would prefer not to use silicone as it seems to create problems for beginners trying out. I would appreciate any advice which you can give me to get cells. Many thanks.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Silicone only creates problems if you want to resin your pieces. If you don't plan on using resin, I highly recommend trying it.

[@margowium868]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Thank you David

[@margowium868]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Thanks David. I’ll give it a try.

[@normalmiquirray982]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping us so much to clarify ideas. I'm more hands-on and it's hard for me to capture everything

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Wonderful news. I am the same way. I try and document my hands on tests with these videos.

[@goldenfluidart]

Thanks for offering the answer straight up! Love your videos, saves me so much time and money and waste. Does the little bit of soap effect the paint at all? Even for a shelee bloom?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Not that I have seen but you need to use the smallest amount. Just enough to lower surface tension but not enough to create their own cells or anything.

[@melissab6634]

Hello David! Another great video addressing the conundrums of the paint pouring artist! I have a couple of questions about your bubble experiment. Did you do this test on “non-mica pigment powder” acrylic paints such as Liquitex Basics or Amsterdam? How archival will the painting be once the paint is diluted with a dish soap solution, and how does the color look once dry? The problem I am currently trying to solve is the presence of so many pinholes in my dried painting☹️ I can see the tiny bubbles on the stick and of course on the canvas. I can only torch the paint so much. I’ve tried different tactics like mixing my paint ahead of time (24-48hrs), different mediums and Floetrol, gentle mixing, etc. Any advice? As always thanks so much for sharing this with us! Be happy and well!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

The higher quality pouring mediums don't get bubbles like glue or mica powders do so I rarely use it with those. That much dish soap in comparison to the total amount of paint and medium means it has no affect on the archival qualities. Especially after putting on a sealer coat. You can also use flow aid from Liquitex which will help remove bubbles because the surface tension of the mixture is lowered. It's just more expensive than my easy solution.

[@DorisAtDFDesigns]

Very informative and so helpful!! Thanks for experimenting so the rest of us can learn. Quick questions--does the brand of dish soap matter? Would this work for paint mixing too?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I have only tried a few (dawn, cheap Walmart, liquid soap) and they all worked fine. You just want to make sure you only have a very little and that you are mixing slowly for a longer time.

[@angelabstractart6168]

At 7:30 I noticed a halo effect, in the end one I noticed a line through the center, is this the mica powder shuffling around? Is it possible to use a clear school glue? With decent results? Thank you for sharing!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I don't know for sure but I assume it is the powders settling. It could work but the longevity of any painting with that would be my only concern.

[@jake2.035]

Legend for putting it at the beginning

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Jake.

[@janawest7186]

Thank you!!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You're welcome Jana.

[@Cecilia72594]

This is really helpful! Thank you. I’m wondering if you can tell me how much should you mix your paints right before using them after they’ve been sitting out for a while? I’ve been letting my paints sit out overnight before using them, and I worry that letting them sit out that long causes them to harden so I’ve been mixing them quite a bit right before using them. But I worry too that is causing air bubbles.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Just mix slow and steady for 10 seconds. No need to mix hard and get bubbles. Your paint won't separate much at all from an overnight sit.

[@Cecilia72594]

Ok, this is really helps. Thanks!

[@ianreid4939]

Thanks, another great video! Could you possibly do a comparison between torched and non torched finishes? I've come to believe that torching is essential for a pit free finish.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I don't torch my finishes at all. If you've seen my video about how I apply them there is never enough liquid on the surface to create bubbles. If you use copious amounts and tilt it even like some artist's do than torching or getting rid of the bubbles is essential.

[@Lynn_Clifton]

I wish this had come out one day earlier lol! As it turns out I'm attempting to pour a beach scene for my dad that looks like his sister's name is written in the sand and was actually thinking about actually *trying* to get bubbles in the sand part so it does dry pitted in a hopeful attempt to give a texture and a little realism (very little) to the pour. I would have used pigments and glue in the paints I mixed up last night rather than acrylic and my pouring medium! But still fantastic info! I am getting to the end of my pouring medium reserves and thought I might give Michael's glue a try so this info is perfect. Question: Following your other video, when mixing pigments with min polyac, is that the only additive for a PM? Or do you add glue, base paint, or other pouring medium with it? I ask simply because poly is so thin.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I don't normally use poly as a medium by itself. Too stick and dries too fast. I usually add it to something else.

[@suzan-x3i]

Thank you

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Welcome P!

[@Faworki]

Wow THANKS! I am just now starting to look into using micro powder paints Ineeded this! Now I do have a question since I pre mix my glue/water pouring medium . Will that be a problem with the Powder mixing?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

No as long as you mix in little by little of the medium. You won't get the same shine with glue as you would with some other mediums but I've used it and gotten some great results for sure.

[@Faworki]

@@LeftBrainedArtist thanks. I have been interested in mica powders since you previewed some awhile back but since I am getting low on regular paints figured it was time to order and try them, I am looking forwards to trying these powdered paints. As always you show us the BEST ways to enjoy this wonderful art style.

[@runs_through_the_forest]

in the chocolate workshop when making pralines they use a vibrating surface to get the bubbles out.. with acrylic i use time, wait 24 hours after mixing (of course seal the container!) and then use a torch lighter to pop the now floating bubbles.. i think using soap, even when it's only a little bit, interferes with whatever technique you want to do.. also when the pre mixed paint is covered you can put it in warm water (au bain-marie) to heat up the mixture and then it will get more fluid so bubbles go up faster.. cheers

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I tried a dental vibration plate. The paint is just too thick for that to be effective. If too much dish soap is used to could absolutely change the look but in very small quantities that I recommend I haven't noticed any negative effects. Those are very astute observations that I love to hear. I don't claim this it be perfect of the only method, just one that works for me. I did try an au bain-marie but I was using silicone and paper cups and the heat transfer just wasn't enough. That's why I went with just warm water directly instead.

[@runs_through_the_forest]

@@LeftBrainedArtist and oh yeah i have something you might want to try out, it's cheaper then most mediums for some reason (16 euro/liter, for floetrol i pay 22eu/L, liquitex 60eu/L) at least it is to me here in belgium and it's a french brand called lefranc bourgeois acrylic binder, it's thick but does the job pretty well with some water..

[@belladies]

Thank you for posting your knowledge and experiments. Does it make any difference with bubbles if you use liquid acrylic paint instead of pigment powder?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can get bubbles either way especially with glue. As long as you stir slow and steady that the most important part. Not whipping up your paint. The very tiny of bit of dish soap does help keep more bubbles from forming.

[@sammstevens1978]

Hi Thanks for all your hard work which helps us beginners. I have tried a couple of pours today which have turned out kinda OK.(I am just learning) The problem is the paint has pulled inwards from all the edges??? Leaving just the edges bare. Do you have any idea what could cause this ????? Thank you for all you do Regards Samm

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Were you using craft paint? That would be my first guess. Second is that you are leaving too much paint on the canvas or not cleaning up your underside edges to paint is dripping and "pulling" paint off the top and sides.

[@sammstevens1978]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Thanks so much for your reply. I am using Pebeo & Arteza mainly. I have been thinking & it could be that I have reused the canvas & maybe it wasn't as tight as it should be Definitely not too much paint left & I was also careful to clean up the drips. Your channel is one of my favourites as I get so much info watching your video's. Love your art as well Thank you so much Best wishes Samm

[@victoriaking5401]

I like bubbles On the painting, Is there anything wrong with that or no? You know your stuff , David V.!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

None at all. Some people don't like them but mostly it bothers us as the artist WAY more than anyone looking at our art. The painter's curse I call it.

[@NikolaHoward]

Love ytour experiemnents! :-) I did some more Elmer's School glue blooms, and I I'm getting the hang of it all for sure! So good to be able to learn technique and not spend £££ on the various housepaint, varnish and other media, and the Aussie Floetrol! (as well as not shipping things half-way around the globe either!) Do you have any socials that I'm not folowing? I'd love to share Insta or Twitter, or a FB group?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Insta is leftbrainedartist. Facebook is leftbrianedartist4real. Nothing on twitter. I don't do a lot on either of those platforms though.

[@royalecrafts6252]

Best lab method: put your mix on a vacuum preassure chamber :D

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

While it is the best solution I agree 99.99% of my viewers don't have any won't ever have one so we have to go the lo-tech solution.

[@royalecrafts6252]

@@LeftBrainedArtist yes indeed very good analysis as always sir, I wish we could paint something one day, a mixture of various techniques and methods into a single painting

[@irma6156]

Im not allowed to use a torch where i live cause the landa lords are afraid that im going to burn down their house so this is really helpful information!!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad it was helpful Irma.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

How do you remove bubbles from your mixed paint before you pour?

[@petralarkworthy3567]

Question: can't you pop them with a torch?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can Petra but you have to be very careful not to light the cup on fire. If you are doing it on the painting when there are a ton I've found it really hard to pop them all without scorching the paint.

[@susanmarshall7860]

Scientific question: Dish soap is (has?) a surfactant (right, Teach?). Does the Liquitex flow aid have a surfactant? Because to my (extremely limited) knowledge, that would explain why those two solutions had similar results. (And saves me a ton of money?)

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yup, exactly correct Jamie. They lower surface tension.

[@hyacinthsawyersthomas9920]

Thanks a lot of people use paint and water can you show me how

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

On day I'll do some experimenting with that for sure Hyacinth.

[@hyacinthsawyersthomas9920]

@@LeftBrainedArtist thanks you are the best you always answer back I'm studying from you guys I wish we could do face to face because I would find you I like how you tech big up your family ❤️

[@judyswoveland9507]

Just to add another factor into the mix... What if you let the paint set overnight? That seems to get rid of bubbles too 🙂

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It can get rid of some for sure. Most people don't have the patience for that. We just want to paint. 😉

[@jellen7332]

Does dropping the paint cup a couple times make bubbles go to the surface - I thought the torch is supposed to get bubbles out

[@brendanorton5742]

I even tried placing the bottles on a vibrating pad. No, it did not work for me.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I tried that too to no avail.

[@marystewart8905]

Another awesome experimental. Is it just glue you were adding or a glue/water mix? Have a great Labor Day.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Straight glue. The glue/water mixing part is the one that made the most bubbles.

[@Dragon100277]

I always get bubble problems when I use anything metallic or pearl.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That happens to me too. I wonder if the mica or the different binders they use cause that.

[@ginacurcuru649]

Or use a torch.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

If you have a silicone cup or some other less flammable material I can see that working fine. Torching inside a plastic or paper cup isn't the best idea which is why I don't think its a common way for people to do this.