Since the Martha Stewart glitter acrylic paints were discontinued (a tragedy for pouring artists) I’ve been trying to find glitter paints to replace them, that will work well in poured paintings. So far none have really been any good. You know when you buy glitter nail varnish? It looks amazing in the bottle but very disappointing when you brush it on. Let’s see if these are any better.
The glitter paints I bought at my local cheapie shop are clear with glitter in them. I assumed that wouldn’t work well in a pour so I matched them with a matching pearlescent paint color. But would the paint coat the glitter particles and hide them, or would the glitter sit on top and still sparkle? Could I ‘buff’ the painting to remove the paint and show the glitter beneath? Let’s give it a try.
Materials used in this painting:
Studio Acrylics 250-Milliliter Acrylic Paint, Iridescent Violet Blue
Cheapie glitter paints and matching pearlescent paints from the dollar store
Craft Smart metallic paint in Aquamarine
Pebeo Dyna colors in Iridescent Violet Blue
Titanium White
Small paint mixing pots with lids
Floetrol
Treadmill silicone
Economy canvas
Recipe:
The paints were mixed with Floetrol and water, at about 2 parts paint to 1 part Floetrol, water as needed for consistency. No silicone was added.
Well that was a bust. The glitter paints AND the paints I mixed them with were almost entirely invisible in the finished and dried painting. Utterly useless. I had even sprinkled a little extra glitter on top of the wet paint after the cameras went off, and that was all but invisible too. But I had to try. Experiments are always worth carrying out because sometimes magic will happen. Not this time though. So I will continue my search for glitter paints that work well in poured paintings and continue to lament the demise of the Martha Stewart paints that I loved so much.
Well, here are a few photos, but they aren’t much to look at! A couple of the wet macro photos came out quite nice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Glitter Paints for Acrylic Pouring
1. Can I use cheap glitter paints in acrylic pouring?
Yes, they can be used, but the quality and effect may vary compared to premium brands.
2. Will the glitter in the paint mix with other colors?
Glitter may mix with other colors, creating unique effects in your pour.
3. Can I add extra glitter to the paint?
Yes, extra glitter can be added for a more sparkly effect.
4. How long do glitter paints take to dry?
Generally, they may take 24 to 72 hours to dry completely, depending on paint thickness.
5. Do I need a pouring medium for glitter paints?
A pouring medium can help in achieving the right consistency and flow.
6. Can I seal my glitter paint artwork?
Yes, sealing your artwork with a clear sealant can help preserve the glitter effect.
7. Will the glitter settle at the bottom of the container?
A7: Some settling may occur; stirring before use can help redistribute the glitter.
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.