Preparation

Preparing the Materials

Before any paint hits the surface, a lot of time goes into preparation. This part of the process isn’t flashy, but it’s essential. Clean edges, smooth finishes, and predictable paint flow all start long before the pour.

Birchwood Canvases

I work in batches to keep things efficient and consistent.

First, each birchwood canvas is sanded smooth and sealed with an initial clear coat varnish—including the back. I like the piece to feel finished from every angle, not just the front.

After that cures, I lightly sand again and apply a thicker clear coat. This step is all about the edges. When the painting is complete, the sides have a polished, intentional look rather than feeling like an afterthought.

Once the edges are sealed, I sand the surface and apply a primer to the top. This creates the right base for the acrylic pour and helps the paint move the way I want it to.

Finally, I mask off the outer edges with tape. This allows the inks and epoxy to flow naturally over the sides while still giving me crisp, clean edges when everything cures.

Mixing the Inks

Color decisions usually start with a rough palette in mind, but flexibility is key. I mix acrylic paint with Floetrol and water, adjusting ratios based on the effect I’m going for. The mixes are stored in condiment bottles so they’re ready to use whenever inspiration strikes.

Having colors pre-mixed keeps the creative flow uninterrupted once the pour begins.

Studio Setup & Drying

The workspace matters just as much as the materials. I set up painting tubs and drying racks with flipped cups to raise the canvases off the base. This lets the paint flow cleanly off the edges without pooling underneath.

Leveling is critical—both during the pour and while drying. Even a slight tilt can send paint drifting in ways you definitely didn’t plan. Depending on ink thickness, temperature, and humidity, drying can take anywhere from a couple of days to nearly a week.

Just as important is keeping the studio as clean as possible. Dust, lint, and stray fibers have a way of finding wet paint, and avoiding them is part of the discipline of the process.

All of this prep creates the foundation for the unpredictable moments I love most—when the paint takes over and something unexpected emerges.