How to Use Silicone Oil for Beautiful Cells in Your Acrylic Pours

by Christabel Micallef

How to use Silicone Oil for Acrylic Pouring

Acrylic Pouring is a fluid painting technique, which depends on the art materials being used. This blog will guide you on how to use silicone oil in acrylic pours, and what materials are best to achieve the style you want. 

What causes cells in Acrylic Pouring?

These cells are created due to a difference in density between the paint colours. The number of cells and the size of the cells therefore depends on the different densities of the colours. Silicone Oil is one of the ways you can achieve these cells.

How does Silicone Oil work?

Common knowledge is that oil and water do not mix. Acrylic paint is water based, and when mixed with the silicone oil, the two layers of the paint will separate.

Steps to create an Acrylic Pour Painting:

1. Choose your Acrylic Paint

You can go for an acrylic paint that is already fluid, such as Golden Fluid Acrylics, which do not require you to add water, retaining their high pigment. Another alternative is using normal acrylics of a low viscosity, such as Vallejo Studio Acrylics or Golden Heavy Body Acrylics, adding water to achieve the desired consistency.

Pour each colour in separate cups or silicone measuring cups (environmentally friendly option).

2. Add your Pouring Medium

Pouring medium is an additive which is used to make the acrylic paint pour and flow smoothly. Therefore pouring medium acts as a diluting agent and a binder.

Add your pouring medium to each colour in the cups. The ratio of acrylic paint and pouring medium mixture should be approximately acrylic paint 1:1.5. Mix each colour separately with a wooden craft stick carefully.

3. Add the Silicone Oil Cell Medium

Add 2-3 drops of silicone oil per 15ml of acrylic paint, in some of the colours. It is not required to add this to each colour, however it is suggested to add it to the base colour. Mix it carefully.

4. Pour it!

There are several methods used when pouring the acrylic paint on the canvas or wooden panel. Following the video, the dirty pour is a common technique, where all the colours are poured into the same cup (do not mix), then pouring onto the canvas. Move the canvas around, until all the surface is covered.

5. Heat

Heat the paint using either a heat gun or a torch. A hairdryer is not suggested as excess wind will move the paint too much. As the paint is heated, the cells will begin to burst and create the desired effect.

Silicone Oil as Automotive Shine: Enhance the Appearance of Your Vehicle

Silicone oil can be an excellent choice for enhancing the shine and appearance of your vehicle's exterior. It provides a long-lasting glossy finish and helps protect the paintwork from UV rays, water spots, and other environmental elements. Here's a guide on how to effectively use silicone oil as an automotive shine:

1. Gather the necessary supplies:

   • 1. EKO 350 cSt silicone oil
   • 2. Microfiber cloth: Use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth for application and buffing. Avoid using regular towels or abrasive materials that could scratch the paintwork.
   • 3. Water and car wash soap: Ensure your vehicle's exterior is clean and free from dirt, dust, and debris before applying silicone oil.
   • 4. Optional: Clay bar and detailing spray: If the paint surface has contaminants or imperfections, using a clay bar and detailing spray prior to applying silicone oil can provide an even smoother finish.

2. Wash and dry your vehicle:

   • Start by washing your vehicle with a mild car wash soap and water. This step removes dirt, grime, and other residues that may affect the shine of the silicone oil.
   • Rinse the vehicle thoroughly and dry it with a microfiber cloth or a soft drying towel to avoid water spots.

3. Apply silicone oil:

   • Shake the silicone oil bottle well to ensure proper mixing of the product.
   • Apply a small amount of silicone oil directly onto the microfiber cloth. Start with a small section of the vehicle to ensure even coverage.

4. Spread the silicone oil:

   • Gently spread the silicone oil onto the vehicle's surface using the microfiber cloth. Work in small sections, applying the oil with light pressure and circular motions.
   • Ensure that the silicone oil is evenly spread and covers the entire surface of the section you are working on.

5. Allow drying and buffing:

   • Let the silicone oil dry on the surface for a few minutes, or as recommended by the product instructions.
   • Once dry, use a clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface, applying light pressure in circular motions. This step helps remove any excess oil and further enhances the shine.

6. Repeat for other sections:

   • Continue applying silicone oil and buffing the surface section by section until the entire vehicle is treated. Work systematically to ensure complete coverage.

7. Maintain the shine:

   • To maintain the shine, regularly wash your vehicle with a mild car wash soap and water. This helps remove dirt and debris that can dull the shine of the silicone oil.
   • If necessary, periodically reapply silicone oil to enhance the shine and protect the paintwork from environmental elements.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using silicone oil as an automotive shine. Additionally, it's important to apply silicone oil in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with sensitive surfaces such as rubber or glass. Silicone oil is primarily intended for use on the vehicle's exterior and should not be applied to the steering wheel, pedals, or other areas where a slippery surface may pose a safety hazard.

By following this guide and using silicone oil as an automotive shine, you can elevate the appearance of your vehicle and provide long-lasting protection for its paintwork. Enjoy the enhanced shine and the head-turning effect of a well-maintained, glossy vehicle exterior.