Pro Tips: Resin & Fluid Art — cells

If you’re new to fluid art, all the “pour” terms can sound a little… messy.

Dirty pour. Dutch pour. Bloom pour.

What’s the difference? How do you know which one to try? And which technique gives you the dreamy blends or bold cells you’re aiming for?

Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular acrylic pouring techniques and what makes each one unique.

One of the most mesmerizing aspects of fluid art is the appearance of cells — those captivating bubble-like patterns that seem to pop up magically across the canvas. To the casual observer, cells may look like pure chance. But in reality, they are the product of fascinating scientific principles at play.

By understanding what causes cells to form, artists can learn to control, enhance, and manipulate their techniques for stunning, repeatable effects.

Q: How does paint density affect cell formation in fluid art? A: Paint density plays a crucial role in cell formation. When paints of different densities are layered or mixed, the denser paint tends to sink while the lighter paint rises. This constant push and pull, known as Rayleigh-Taylor instability, results in the formation of cells. Even slight variations in density can lead to cell formation. Q: If I use the same paint and mixing ratios, will I still get cells? A: If you use the same paint and mixing ratios, the density and viscosity of each color should theoretically...