How to create a string pull painting with chain - fluid art technique
Author: Art Shed Tom
Create mesmerising effects with fluid acrylic and the chain pulling technique
When experimenting with painting techniques it can be an interesting excercise to manipulate paint with different implements. You might find mesmerising effects and images can be formed if you think outside the box.
As Fluid Acrylic paint is free flowing in its consistency it can be poured, swiped and dragged to form interesting Fluid Art Techniques.
This Fluid Art method uses ordinary curtain chain which you can buy at a hardware store.
The technique is really simple, and can be used to create a fluid acrylic background, and floral like forms by simply dragging the chain through the paint.
We will run through the simple steps below - or take a look at this great video showcasing this painting technique.
Supplies you will need:
- Acrylic Paint - in this demonstration Mont Marte Satin Acrylic is used.
- A canvas or canvas panels
- PVA Glue
- Gloss Medium
- Curtain chain
- Containers
Simple Steps:
Step 1 -
Mix Titanium white acrylic paint with pouring medium, and apply an even coat of paint to the chosen canvas or surface.
You can spread the paint with a palette knife or tilt the canvas and let the paint flow to the edges.
Step 2 -
Dip the curtain chain in acrylic paint pre-mixed with pouring medium.
Drape the chain in a curling motion/form onto the canvas.
Pull the chain horizontally off the canvas, the chain will leave interesting forms in its path.
Step 3 -
Continue the process, try pulling from different directions to create more visual interest.
Also, try dipping in multiple colours as it gives a sense of depth to the forms.
Comments (8)
Glue for acrylic paint
By: Sarah on 27 January 2022Why do I need glue for an acrylic chain pull? I found acrylic pour paint which is already thinned out. Do I still add glue? Sarah
Art Shed Online Response
Hi Sarah! If you are using pre-mixed pouring paints you won't need glue. The glue is used to create a DIY pouring medium, however pre-mixed pouring paints already have this included. I hope this helps! Dana :)
Base paint
By: Wendy on 22 March 2021Should the base paint be dry, slightly dry or wet?
Base paint
By: Wendy on 22 March 2021Should the base paint be dry, slightly dry or wet?
What a mess.
By: Lisa Berlin on 29 October 2020Mine came out looking like a blob of paint
Great instruction and Great result
By: K Young on 15 September 2020I can’t wait to try this with my grandchildren. Thanks for sharing the technique.