Pro Tips: Resin, Fluid Art & More — Fluid Art

Why Fluid Art Paints Crack When Drying

Fluid art, with its mesmerizing patterns and vibrant colors, is a popular medium among artists and hobbyists alike. However, one common issue that many fluid artists encounter is the cracking of paints as they dry. Understanding why this happens can help artists take steps to prevent it and achieve the smooth, flawless finish they desire. This blog explores the reasons behind cracking in fluid art paints and provides tips on how to minimize this issue.

Fluid Art Mixing Worksheet

Tracking mixing ratios accurately is essential for achieving consistent results in fluid art. Use this worksheet to record your paint mixtures, including the ratios of paint, pouring medium, and any additives like silicone oil or Floetrol. This will help you replicate successful pours and understand how different ratios affect your results.

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...