Liquitex PM vs Floetrol Pouring Medium Comparison (Side-by-Side Test Part 2)

Ok, so that last test was a bust. It was clearly one of those days when nothing seems to go right. Not to be deterred let’s give it another try, this time with a swipe. So I’m comparing my ‘old’ recipe of paint, Floetrol, water and silicone on the one side and in the second pour, I’ve replaced half of the Floetrol with Liquitex Pouring Medium.

Will there be any difference? Will it all be one big mess again? Hmm, likely. Obviously, I start off on the wrong foot by using the same colors as before because I already had these mixed and left over from the last experiment. They weren’t pretty colors then so they aren’t pretty now either. But it’s not quite so bad to look at, because there is more white paint to break up the colors, as a swipe.

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Liquitex pouring medium or floetrol. Which performs best for acrylic pouring, swiping and fluid acrylics. Side by side video experiment compares the two pouring mediums.

Recipe 1:

Recipe 2:

I layered up the paints on the tiles, swiped and let’s see what happened.

Hmm, well these two look very different. The one with Floetrol only created a gazillion beautifully defined cells, but they are tiny. The one with Liquitex created cells too, but larger and softer. On the other hand, I’ve done two side by side swipes before that turned out just this different. Take a look at my Dragon Scales swipes – one has large cells, the other has the tiny cells. Yet both were the exact same paints swiped the same way.

So again, I don’t think I can determine whether there is any difference in results when I use the Pouring Medium as well as or instead of the Floetrol. But I think I can say that from these two experiments I’m not seeing any immediate or obvious difference that would point me in any one direction to say it was or wasn’t worth investing in.

The only difference I’m seeing the pin holes. I’ve never had them before, but in both experiments with the Pouring Medium from Liquitex, all the examples had lots of little pin holes in them. Hmm, not so good.

My experiments have already used quite a lot of my precious bottle, so now I have to decide what to do next. Another experiment? More testing? More side by side comparisons or just use it and see if I can get a feel for how it reacts? I’ll be interested to hear if any of you have carried out any similar testing and what conclusions you came to.

As usual, check out the slideshow below for more pictures of these two swipes, both wet and dry, and some of the closeups of the details.

7 thoughts on “Liquitex PM vs Floetrol Pouring Medium Comparison (Side-by-Side Test Part 2)”

  1. I’m not a fan of Floetrol so far…I think my bottle was made in the days of mastodons…and Liquitex Pouring Medium is, IMO, merely good as a pouring medium. It IS very useful for other projects and I find it indispensable. As always, you denigrate your fine work. Both swipes look beautiful to me and I like the color choices very much.

    And, as always, your pouring videos are both interesting and informative. And entertaining! A rarity in pouring videos!

  2. How much silicone do you add to your recipe? I am going to try this for the first time. Thank you!

    1. It depends on how much volume of paint I mix up. I would say for the small amounts that I mix in the pots with lids, 2-3 drops and for the 8oz squeeze bottles, I add 10-12 drops in total.

  3. I don’t know if this makes any difference, but in your first test comparisons with the flip cups. I noticed that the order of what color you added was not the same in the first cup as you did for the 2nd and 3rd cups. I am new at this so I am just wondering if that would effect your results.
    I have purchased your course and love all your very helpful videos.
    Thank you for considering my question.

  4. I can’t possibly see how this is a comparison of two products when in the second instance you mix the two mediums. If you’re testing one against the other it seems you have to test one against the other. All Flotrol and paint and one Liquitex and paint. And heavens sake no water. It will break down the binders in the paint. With craft, paints try mixing one to one and medium body paints one paint and three medium. Ok, maybe a drop of water if needed. Paints do vary in consistency so it’s an experience thing getting it just right. Flotrol by itself will always give some cells without oil. Liquitex however usually does not. That’s why I prefer Liquitex since it allows me to control cells. I know cells are the rage but there are many other pour painting techniques than just a profusion of cells. So try the head to head test. both products are good but each simply has different properties.

  5. I am totally confused. I spent 80 dollars on a gallon of Liquitex gloss pour medium. I have two gallons of Floetrol. I like cells. Thinking to return the Liquitex now if no one swears by one over the other. I need a defined chart what to use where. I am not the most organized person to begin with. I am more like the mad scientist LOL

    Also, I am trying to learn the dutch pour. Have not had much success with it. One problem is when I use the hair dryer it blows bare spots in my canvas. On the subject matter as well as the sides. I know the paint is supposed to be thin but I think this creates the problem.
    Thank you Janis

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