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Your First Fluid Art Paintings

A little bit of mess, a whole lot of fun! 3 little canvases. So many possibilities. Start with one painting and follow the steps as you go.

Want it on paper?
Print the guide and keep it next to your kit.

Download the PDF

From your kit

3 small 5x5-inch canvases
Fluid paints
A straw
Paintbrushes

From home

A protected work surface
A stable disposable cup for each drying canvas
An extra cup for a dirty pour

Get set up

Catch the drips.

Lay out a paper bag, trash bag, parchment or another covering. Wear clothes that can get paint on them.

Raise your canvas.

Center it on an upside-down cup. Check that it sits securely above the work surface.

Give the edges a little love.

Use your finger to lightly coat the canvas edges with white paint so the sides finish cleanly.

Pick colors. Pick a pour.

One simple technique is all you need to begin.

Choose 2 to 5 colors.

3 to 4 is the sweet spot. Mix light and dark, then add colors you love. You do not need every color!

Light + dark + your favorites

Choose your pour style.

Dirty pour: Layer your colors in an extra cup without stirring. Slowly pour them onto the canvas in a puddle or a wandering line.
Straight pour: Pour one color at a time straight onto the canvas. Add more colors into or beside the puddles.
Squiggle + layer: Squirt lines, loops or zigzags directly onto the canvas. Layer more colors over the top.

Tilt slowly. Watch it move.

The paint does the work. You guide the direction.

Ready to tilt? Most of the canvas should be covered with a thick layer of paint.

Hold the corners gently.

Pick up the canvas over your covered workspace. Lower one side a little and watch the paint travel.

Slowly change directions and angles to move the paint toward bare spots and edges. Pause often to look.

Do not over-tilt. Stop before you "fix" it too much. Less is more.

Love it? You can stop.

A few little details are plenty. Leaving it alone is great, too.

Take a look.

Happy with the design? Put it back on its cup. You can skip the details and go straight to drying.

Or try one small detail.

Swipe: Gently drag a finger or the back of a paintbrush through a small patch of wet paint. One or two passes is enough.
Blow: Hold the straw at a low angle, close to the paint. Blow gently across the surface for a feathery texture. Blow out; do not suck in.
Or leave it alone. Swirls and puddles can be beautiful just as they are.

Your hands will get a little messy. Embrace it! It's worth it.

Dry + try again

Let it dry flat and level.

Leave it on its cup for at least 24 hours. Thick paint may take longer; wait until it is fully dry before handling.

Give it a quiet spot.

Keep drying art away from dust, pets, kids, falling debris and anything that could bump it.

Three canvases. Your way.

Every pour is different. Play and create!

Try all 3 canvases

Repeat your favorite: try the same pour three times. Change just your colors or the way you tilt. Or try three approaches: