I don’t know about you but using a hammer on my canvases sounds a bit dangerous. I’m willing to give it a try on your behalf, so here’s how to do the hammer technique with acrylic paints.
In this painting I used:
A plastic spoon – forget it, doesn’t work well (Try a metal spoon instead)
Apple Barrel Cloudless as my base coat
Assorted colors of Art Alternatives paints
A hammer !
10 inch square canvas (from Art Alternatives multi-pack)
I thought a hammer might be a bit overkill. They are only paints, surely you don’t need to hit them that hard! So I gave it a try by slapping the paints with a plastic spoon. Good idea in theory, but it just doesn’t work. The spoon is too light and the paint just sticks to it when you lift the spoon back up again, messing up any design. I didn’t, however, try it with a metal spoon so maybe you can do your own experiments with that.
Drop into the Facebook Group and let me know how you get on!
So check out the video below for the creation of ‘Happy Garden’ using a hammer. Did I make a hole in the canvas? No – all was good!
As usual, here is the slideshow with lots of pictures of this painting, both wet and dry, and closeups of the details. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammer Technique
1. What is the hammer technique in acrylic pouring?
The hammer technique involves using a hammer to hit the paint on the canvas to create unique effects and splatters.
2. Is the hammer technique suitable for beginners?
Yes, but it requires careful handling and safety precautions due to the use of a hammer.
3. Can I use tools other than a hammer for a similar effect?
Yes, other tools like mallets can be used to achieve similar effects.
4. How can I prevent the paint from splattering too much?
Using controlled, gentle hits and practicing on scrap material can help control splatter.
5. Can I use the hammer technique with any type of paint?
Fluid acrylics or thinned down acrylics are generally more suitable for this technique.
6. Do I need to prep the canvas before using the hammer technique?
Prepping with a base coat can help in achieving better results.
7. How do I ensure my safety while using the hammer technique?
Wearing protective gear like goggles and being mindful of your surroundings can ensure safety.
After being told in high school that she was so bad at art that she should switch to another subject, Deby didn’t paint again for 35 years. Then a stroke released a new wave of creativity and she began exploring with dot painting, abstract and eventually acrylic pouring, and at last the joy of working with color returned. You don’t need ‘talent’ to be an acrylic pouring artist – just enthusiasm, some basic instruction, and a willingness to try, fail and try again. Paint along with her and learn from her many mistakes, and you’ll soon make great art together.
Blooming blimey! Absolutely lush
Can’t wait to try this
Love what you do.. truely inspiring
I’l have to try hammering again. I keep trying to think of smething other than a hammer to use — bottle captops.. I have a bunch of hammers for jewelry making and a couple for toll use, so it’s not about a lack of hammers. I love the idea of exploding stacks of color — but the flower technique I adore is about blowing. Breath pressure through a straw has a similiar effect — plosive– without the hole in the center that the hammer makes
Thank you for sharing this hammer style. I made give it a go! Watching you video, I think it may make a difference if you hammer straight down vs off to the side/on an angle – maybe?
Interesting, it made me laugh. 😉